Know the number early
Students on the pass/fail bubble who compute the exact needed score make better decisions: a 72% requirement is a study plan, a 104% requirement is a conversation with the instructor about extra credit or an incomplete. Both are easier six weeks out than six days out.
Watch for mandatory-final policies
Some courses require passing the final exam itself regardless of the weighted average — a policy that overrides this math. Check the syllabus for 'must pass the final' language before concluding you're safe.
FAQ
What if I need more than 100% to pass?
Passing on points is mathematically impossible. Your options are extra credit, an incomplete grade, or retaking the course — and the earlier you raise it with the instructor, the more options exist.
What if the needed score is negative?
You've already passed on points — even a zero on everything left keeps you above the line. Just confirm the course doesn't have a mandatory-final rule.
How this calculator is built
Independently maintained
Written by Sam Doshi and the RevenueLab editorial team. We don't sell the data feeds this tool is built on.
Sourced from primary data
Benchmarks come from public AdSense / Stripe / IRS disclosures and reader-submitted data — never third-party "$X per view" claims. Full methodology.
Last editorial review
Reviewed on a rolling quarterly cycle. Dated reviews are published on the methodology record for each calculator.
Editorial standards
See our editorial policy and disclaimer. Results are estimates, not advice.