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What Grade Do I Need on My Final to Get a C?

A C (70%) may be your minimum target to satisfy a prerequisite, maintain a GPA floor, or simply pass a difficult course. This calculator shows exactly what you need on your final exam.

Calculator

%
Your average so far on graded work
%
Target course grade (C = 70%)
%
What % of your course grade is the final
Required on Final
—
F
0–59 D
60–69 C
70–79 B
80–89 A
90–100

How this is calculated

required = (target − current × (1 − w)) / w

target = grade you want in the course, %
current = your average on graded work so far, %
w = final exam weight, as a decimal (e.g., 35% → 0.35)

Assumption: Your current grade is the average of all work graded so far, which makes up (1 − w) of your course grade. Everything ungraded counts toward the final.

Worked example

You have a 58% average on work worth 65% of the course. Your final is 35%. What do you need to finish with a C (70%)?

required = (70 − 58 × (1 − 0.35)) / 0.35
required = (70 − 58 × 0.65) / 0.35
required = (70 − 37.7) / 0.35
required = 32.3 / 0.35
required = 92.3%

Even though a C is a "modest" target, a low current grade makes it demanding. With a 58% average, you'd need a 92.3% on the final—well above average—to reach a C. This shows why catching up late is harder than staying ahead.

Reference: Required final score for a C, by current grade and final weight

The table below shows the final exam score you need (rounded to one decimal) to finish with a 70% (C) in the course, based on your current grade and the final exam's weight. Values above 100% mean your target is unreachable even with a perfect final exam. Target grades are fixed at 70% across all rows.

Current Grade Final is 10% Final is 20% Final is 30% Final is 40% Final is 50%
40% 340.0% 190.0% 140.0% 115.0% 100.0%
45% 295.0% 170.0% 128.3% 107.5% 95.0%
50% 250.0% 150.0% 116.7% 100.0% 90.0%
55% 205.0% 130.0% 105.0% 92.5% 85.0%
60% 160.0% 110.0% 93.3% 85.0% 80.0%

A C (70%) may satisfy some prerequisite and GPA-floor requirements, but not all. Check your specific program or department—some courses or majors require a C+ (75%+) or higher. Schools also vary in whether they count C− (65%+) the same as C (70%+).

Frequently asked questions

Is a C− the same as a C for prerequisite purposes?

It depends on your school and program. Some institutions require a C (70%+) for prerequisites, while others accept C− (65%+). Check your specific major or department requirements—the policy varies, and this calculator assumes the standard US scale where C starts at 70%.

Does my school have to accept a C from another college?

Grade transfer policies differ by institution. Some schools accept grades of C or higher when you retake a course or take it elsewhere; others require a B. Ask your registrar whether your target C in this course will count toward prerequisite requirements if you transfer it.

What if I'm one point away from a C?

This calculator shows the exact percentage needed. If you're close, ask your professor whether any rounding occurs at the final grade (most use standard rounding: 69.5% → 70%). Check your syllabus for the official policy.

Can I retake this course if I don't get a C?

Many schools allow retakes, sometimes with grade replacement (new grade replaces old) or grade forgiveness (both count, but only one toward GPA). Check your registrar's handbook for deadlines and whether your school allows this option.

Sources