Semester Grade Calculator (Two Quarters + Final)
Your semester grade combines two quarter grades and a semester final — and the weights decide everything. Default here is the classic 40/40/20, but many schools run 37.5/37.5/25 or even 45/45/10. Set your real weights above and get your real semester grade.
Leave the final blank for your pre-final standing; add a target grade to see the exact final score that locks it in.
Two quarters, one goal: a worked example
Q1 84, Q2 89, final worth 20%, target 90 (A−). Pre-final standing: (84×40 + 89×40) ÷ 80 = 86.5%. Needed on final: (90 − 86.5×0.8) ÷ 0.2 = 104% — out of reach, and the highest still-available grade is 89.2 (B+). Knowing that on final-eve beats finding out on report-card day.
Which quarter matters more?
Whichever has the higher weight — and if they're equal, they're equal. The myth that "Q2 matters more because it's more recent" is only true where your school weights it more. Check your handbook; then trust the math above over the folklore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my semester grade with two quarters?
Semester grade = Q1×weight1 + Q2×weight2 + Final×weight3, with weights as decimals (0.40/0.40/0.20 is common). The calculator above handles any weights and shows your standing before the final is graded.
What happens if I fail the semester final?
It depends on the weight and your cushion: with quarters of 92 and 94 and a 20% final, even a 50 keeps you at 85.8 (B). With quarters in the low 70s, a failed final can pull the semester below passing — run your numbers above to know which situation you're in.
Do colleges see quarter grades or just semester grades?
Colleges typically receive semester grades as official transcript grades; quarter grades may appear on mid-year reports at some schools. The semester grade is the one that earns credit — that's the number to protect.
Can quarter grades be different weights, like 45/35?
Yes — some schools weight quarters unevenly or by term length. Enter whatever weights your school publishes; the calculator normalizes them correctly.