Extra Credit Calculator

See how many points you need to reach a target, or calculate the grade impact of a specific extra credit assignment. Live updates on every keystroke.

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Points Needed
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New Course Grade
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Quick reference

Below you'll see the grade boost from common extra credit amounts with your entered total points.

Extra creditGrade boostNew grade (at 80%)
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How this is calculated

Mode A: Points needed

points_needed = (target% − current%) / 100 × total_points target% — the course grade you want, as a percentage (0–100) current% — your current course grade, as a percentage total_points — the sum of all points in the course

Worked example: You have 78% in a course worth 1000 points. You want a 82% final grade.

points_needed = (82 − 78) / 100 × 1000 points_needed = 4 / 100 × 1000 points_needed = 40 points Interpretation: earn 40 or more extra credit points to reach 82%.

Mode B: Grade impact

new_grade% = current% + (ec_points / total_points) × 100 current% — your current course grade, as a percentage ec_points — the points offered by this extra credit assignment total_points — the sum of all points in the course (before extra credit)

Worked example: You have 78% in a 1000-point course. An assignment offers 15 extra credit points.

new_grade% = 78 + (15 / 1000) × 100 new_grade% = 78 + 0.015 × 100 new_grade% = 78 + 1.5 new_grade% = 79.5% Interpretation: completing this assignment boosts your grade from 78% to 79.5% (C+ to C).

Grade scale

This calculator uses the standard US letter-grade scale:

LetterRange
A90–100%
B80–89%
C70–79%
D60–69%
F0–59%

Note: Some institutions use plus/minus variants (A+, A−, B+, etc.) or weighted scales. Check your syllabus or institution's official policy for your exact thresholds.

Frequently asked

Does extra credit boost my overall GPA?

Extra credit boosts your course grade only, not your GPA directly. GPA is calculated from your course grades. If extra credit raises your course grade enough to affect your letter grade (e.g., from C to B), then yes, it improves the GPA contribution from that course. But extra credit points do not add to your cumulative GPA the way they add to your course percentage.

What if my target grade is impossible?

This calculator will tell you plainly if a target is unreachable. For example, if you're at 60% and the final exam (worth 40% of the grade) allows a maximum of 100%, the highest you can reach is 84%. If you enter 85% as your target, the tool shows red and states the true maximum. We never round impossible down to possible.

Do all courses allow extra credit?

No. Extra credit is optional—some professors offer it, some don't, and rules vary widely. Check your syllabus or ask your instructor. This tool helps you plan if extra credit is available; it doesn't assume your course has it.

The numbers don't match my course. Why?

This calculator uses simple formulas and the standard US grading scale (A = 90–100%, etc.). Your course might use a different scale, weighted components, or rounding rules. Always check your syllabus for the official policy. When in doubt, email your instructor.

Does this calculator save my data?

No. Everything stays in your browser—nothing is uploaded, stored, or sent anywhere. Refresh the page and your entries vanish.

Related tools

Grade Calculator

Compute your current course grade from component scores and weights.

Final Grade Calculator

Figure out the score you need on the final exam to reach your target grade.

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