Question 1

What do I need on the final exam?

Accepted Answer

With 78 for the term, an exam worth 40 percent and a target of 85, you need 95.5. The formula subtracts what the term already contributes at its own weight, then divides the shortfall by the exam's weight.

Question 2

Why does it say the target is out of reach?

Accepted Answer

Because the score required came out above 100. At this exam weight even a perfect paper falls short: with a term mark of 78 and a 20 percent exam, the ceiling is 82.4.

Question 3

Where do I find the exam's weight?

Accepted Answer

In the course handbook or the assessment regulations, which set out how the final mark is put together. It is usually a percentage; if it is given in points, express it as a share of the total.

Question 4

What happens if I fail the exam?

Accepted Answer

The floor shown beside the result is the final mark with an exam score of zero: with 78 for the term and a 40 percent exam that is 46.8, at 60 percent 31.2. Any score above zero adds its weighted share, and whether the course is passed is set by your institution's rules.

Question 5

Can the final mark come out above the term mark?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the exam goes better than the term did. The ceiling row shows how far: at 78 for the term and a 40 percent exam, 86.8 is the most that is available.

Question 6

The result is zero or negative — what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

That the term alone already secures the target, and even a zero on the exam would not undo it. You still have to sit and pass the exam, of course; arithmetic does not waive that.

Question 7

Does this work on other scales?

Accepted Answer

The reachability check assumes a 100-point scale: on a five-point one the calculator would not notice that the mark required is above five. Convert the marks to 100 first — 4 out of 5 is 80. For a run of equally weighted assignments rather than a weighted exam, use the grade calculator instead.

Exam weight	Score needed	Ceiling at 100	Floor at zero	Verdict
20%	113	82.4	62.4	out of reach
30%	101.3	84.6	54.6	out of reach
40%	95.5	86.8	46.8	reachable
50%	92	89	39	reachable
60%	89.7	91.2	31.2	reachable

Exam Score Needed Calculator

Result

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Semester GPA Planner

Weighted Grade Calculator

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