What this calculator does
When a course or exam is made up of several components, it is not always obvious how many marks are needed on the one still to come. This calculator takes the total marks available across every component, the overall passing threshold, and whatever has already been scored, and works out exactly how many marks are needed on the remaining test to reach that threshold overall.
It also flags whether that target is actually achievable given how many marks the remaining test is worth. If the marks needed exceed what the remaining test can offer, no score on that test alone will bring the overall result up to the passing threshold.
The formula
Multiply the total marks available by the passing percentage to get the total marks needed overall, then subtract whatever has already been scored on other components. What remains is the number of marks needed on the test still to come.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Total marks available | The sum of marks across every component of the course or exam, including the one still to come. |
| Passing threshold | The overall percentage of total marks needed to pass. |
| Marks already scored | Marks already earned on components that have already been marked. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Total marks available (all components) | The total marks available across every component of the course or exam combined. |
| Passing threshold (%) | The overall percentage needed to pass, as set by the course or exam. |
| Marks already scored on other components | Marks already scored and marked on other components. |
| Marks available on the remaining test | How many marks the remaining, not-yet-sat test or component is worth. |
When to use it
Checking what a final exam needs to deliver
With assignment and midterm marks already in, this shows exactly how many marks the final exam needs to contribute to reach an overall passing grade.
Deciding how much revision effort is needed
A large gap between marks needed and marks available on the remaining test signals more revision is needed than a small one does.
Spotting an already-unreachable target
If the marks needed exceed what the remaining test is worth, that is worth knowing early, since it usually means talking to the course coordinator about other options rather than continuing to revise for an unreachable target.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How many marks are needed on a 50-mark final, at different passing thresholds?
The same marks-already-scored figure, checked against different overall passing thresholds.
| Passing threshold | Marks needed on the final | Achievable? |
|---|---|---|
| 40% | 20.00 | Yes, within the marks available |
| 50% | 30.00 | Yes, within the marks available |
| 60% | 40.00 | Yes, within the marks available |
| 70% | 50.00 | Yes, within the marks available |
| 80% | 60.00 | No, more than the remaining test is worth |
Questions
What if I have already passed?
If the marks already scored already meet or exceed the passing threshold on their own, the marks needed comes out at zero or below, and the calculator reports that the threshold has already been reached.
What does it mean if the target isn't achievable?
It means the marks needed on the remaining test are higher than that test is worth, so no possible score on it alone would bring the overall result up to the passing threshold. That usually means other options, such as supplementary assessment, need checking with the course provider.
Does this account for weighted components?
Only if the total-marks figure already reflects any weighting. If components are weighted differently (for example, a final exam worth more than an assignment), convert everything to a common marks scale before entering the figures.
Can I use this for a single test rather than a whole course?
Yes. Set marks already scored to zero and total marks equal to the remaining-test figure, and it works exactly the same way as a plain "what percentage do I need" calculation for one test.
For a straightforward score-to-grade conversion, see the test grade calculator.