What-If Grade Calculator
Last updated: October 13, 2026
A what-if grade calculator answers questions like “If I get a 90 on the next test, what will my grade be?” You add a pretend score to your current grades and see the new result. You can do it by hand with the steps below, or let Grade Calculator update the table as you type.
By hand: points-based classes
New grade = (points earned + new score) ÷ (points possible + new points possible)
Example: you have 340 out of 400 points, which is 85%. The next test is worth 100 points.
- Score a 90: 430 ÷ 500 = 86%
- Score a 70: 410 ÷ 500 = 82%
A single 100-point test moved the grade up 1 point and down 3 points. The bigger the new assignment is compared with what you already have, the bigger the swing.
By hand: weighted classes
Work out the new average for the category the assignment belongs to, then recalculate the weighted grade. The steps are in how to calculate a weighted grade.
Example: quizzes are 20% of the class and you have 4 quiz scores averaging 85%. A new quiz score of 95 makes the average (85 × 4 + 95) ÷ 5 = 87%. The category went up 2 points, but because quizzes are only worth 20%, the class grade rises only 0.4 points.
Work backwards: the score you need
Instead of guessing, solve for the score that gets you to a target. For a points-based class:
Score needed = (target × (points possible + new points possible) − points earned) ÷ new points possible
Example: you have 340 out of 400 and want an 87% after a 100-point test. 0.87 × 500 = 435, and 435 − 340 = 95. You need a 95 on the test. For the final exam specifically, the final grade calculator does this for you.
Try the best and worst case
Test a high score and a low score to see the range your final grade could land in. If your worst case is still a grade you can live with, you can relax. If your best case does not reach your goal, you know early enough to ask about extra credit or a retake.
Several assignments at once
To see where you land at the end of the term, add every remaining assignment with a guess for each score. Include the big ones first, such as projects and exams, because they decide most of the final result. Small homework scores rarely change the outcome unless there are many of them.
Do it automatically
Paste your gradebook into Grade Calculator and the table fills in on its own. Change any score, or add an upcoming assignment, to see your class grade update.
Frequently asked questions
What is a what-if grade calculator?
It is a tool that adds a score you have not earned yet to your current grades and shows the resulting class grade, so you can see how a future assignment or test would change your standing.
How do I calculate what my grade would be if I get a 90 on the next test?
Add 90 to your points earned, add the test’s total points to your points possible, and divide. With 340 out of 400 and a 100-point test, that is 430 ÷ 500 = 86%.
How do I find the score I need to get a certain grade?
Multiply your target by the new total points possible, subtract your points earned, and divide by the points the new assignment is worth.
Calculate it automatically
Paste your gradebook into Grade Calculator and the table fills in on its own. Change any score, or add an upcoming assignment, to see your class grade update.