This free Semester Grade Calculator helps you instantly compute your semester average and understand what you still need to earn your target grade. Enter each grading category and score along with its weight, and the calculator shows your current semester grade – plus how much you need on future work like exams or projects.
Whether your class uses weighted categories, dropped scores, or a final exam, this tool adapts to your setup so you can plan confidently for the rest of the term.
How To Calculate Semester Grade
Use this calculator to figure out your semester grade and what you need on remaining work.
| Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Enter categories | List each category (Homework, Quizzes, Tests, Labs, Final) and its weight. | Sets up how your semester grade is structured. |
| 2. Add scores | Enter points earned and possible or percentage for each item. | This gives accurate item averages. |
| 3. Review category averages | See averages for each category before final. | Shows strength in each area. |
| 4. View current semester grade | The calculator weights and sums category averages. | Tells you where you stand now. |
| 5. Plan for your goal | Enter final exam weight and target grade (optional). | Shows what score you need on future work. |
Semester Grade Calculation Formula
Here’s the math your calculator uses behind the scenes:
| Formula | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Semester Grade = Σ (category weight × category score) | Adds all weighted parts together. |
| Category Average % = (points earned ÷ points possible) × 100 | Converts points into percentages. |
| Needed Final % = (Target – Current × (1 – Final Weight)) ÷ Final Weight | Shows the score you need on the final to hit your target. |
Everything is automatic — you just fill in the numbers.
Example Semester Grade Calculations
Example 1 — Current Semester Average (no final)
| Category | Scores | Average | Weight | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homework | 92, 88, 95 | 91.7% | 20% | 18.34 |
| Quizzes | 80, 90 | 85% | 20% | 17.00 |
| Tests | 78, 92 | 85% | 40% | 34.00 |
| Labs | 94, 96, 90 | 93.3% | 20% | 18.66 |
Current Semester Grade: 18.34 + 17.00 + 34.00 + 18.66 = 88.0
Example 2 — What You Need on the Final to Hit Your Target
If your current graded parts total 80% of the semester and you want a 90, here’s what you would need on the final:
| Target | Current Weight | Current Contribution | Final Weight | Required Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 80% | 88 × .80 = 70.4 | 20% | 98% |
This means you’d need about 98% on the final to finish with a 90 overall.
Troubleshooting: When Semster Grade Results Look Unexpected
| Situation | What Might Be Going On |
|---|---|
| Your grade looks lower than the gradebook | Check rounding rules or missing items. |
| The required score is unrealistically high | Aim adjustments in earlier categories. |
| Category weights don’t sum to 100 | Adjust weights so total is 100%. |
| Extra credit isn’t reflected | Include extra points in the appropriate category. |
| Dropped scores policies differ | Recalculate after removing lowest scores. |
Semester Grade Calculator – FAQs
How do I figure out my weighted semester grade?
What do I need on the final to reach my goal?
My class uses points instead of percentages — how does that work?
What if my lowest quiz or test is dropped?
Remove it before averaging that category, then recalc your category average and overall semester grade.
Does participation or attendance affect my semester average?
Yes — treat participation as its own category with its own weight.
Related Calculators
- Grade Calculator — Calculate current course grades and final scores.
- Final Grade Calculator — Find what you need on your final exam.
- Weighted Grade Calculator — Focus on weighted assignment averages.
- GPA Calculators — Track semester and cumulative GPA.