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

A C+ (77%) signals stronger performance than a bare C and is required by many majors, prerequisites, and transfer agreements. This calculator shows exactly what you need on your final exam to reach it.

Calculator

%
Your average so far on graded work
%
Target course grade (C+ = 77%)
%
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 68% average on work worth 65% of the course. Your final is 35%. What do you need to finish with a C+ (77%)?

required = (77 − 68 × (1 − 0.35)) / 0.35
required = (77 − 68 × 0.65) / 0.35
required = (77 − 44.2) / 0.35
required = 32.8 / 0.35
required = 93.7%

A C+ is a stronger target than a bare C, but it's only 7 points higher. Still, with a 68% average, reaching 93.7% on the final is a high bar—you'd need to score near the top of the class. This shows how current performance limits your options: the earlier you are in the term, the easier it is to recover.

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 77% (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 77% across all rows.

Current Grade Final is 10% Final is 20% Final is 30% Final is 40% Final is 50%
40% 410.0% 225.0% 163.3% 132.5% 114.0%
45% 365.0% 205.0% 151.7% 125.0% 109.0%
50% 320.0% 185.0% 140.0% 117.5% 104.0%
55% 275.0% 165.0% 128.3% 110.0% 99.0%
60% 230.0% 145.0% 116.7% 102.5% 94.0%

Some schools and programs require a C+ (not just a C) to satisfy prerequisites, major requirements, or transfer credit. Others are content with a C (70%+). Check your specific department, course syllabus, or transfer agreement—the standard varies widely by institution.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a C and a C+?

A C is typically 70–79%, while a C+ is in the upper range of that band—usually 77–79%. The exact boundaries depend on your school's scale. Some schools require a C+ (not just a C) for prerequisites or major requirements; others treat C and C+ as the same for policy purposes. Check your syllabus or registrar.

Does a C+ satisfy a 'C or better' prerequisite?

Yes, a C+ is better than a C, so it always satisfies a C-or-better prerequisite. However, some courses may explicitly require a C+ or higher. Read the prerequisite fine print carefully—it may say 'C+' specifically, 'C or higher', or 'minimum 77%', which can mean different things.

Is a C+ the minimum for my major?

Major requirements vary by school and program. Some STEM and business majors require a C+ or B− for prerequisite courses; others accept a C. Before aiming for C+, check your major handbook or ask an academic advisor—you may be able to aim lower.

Do transfer schools accept a C+ from another college?

Transfer credit policies differ widely. Some schools accept a C or higher; others require a B. If you're taking a course to transfer, ask both your current registrar and the receiving school whether a C+ will count toward your degree.

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