Start with a current normalized grade, the final exam’s share of the whole course, and a target course grade. The completed share is 100% minus the final weight. First convert the current grade into its contribution to the whole course, then solve the remaining gap through the final. This method assumes the current grade already represents all work before the final.
Isolate the final score
With current grade C, final weight W, and target T, completed work contributes C × (1 − W). The required final score is [T − C × (1 − W)] ÷ W, using decimal weights. For C = 82%, W = 30%, and T = 85%, completed work contributes 57.4 points and the final must provide 27.6 more, so 27.6 ÷ 0.30 = 92%.
Interpret the reachable range
A required score above 100% means the target is unreachable under this equation, not that extra credit is impossible under every course policy. A required score at or below 0% means the target is already secured arithmetically. Also calculate the course result with 0% and 100% on the final; these endpoints make the reachable range explicit before you rely on the target.