What Do I Need to Get a C-?
A C- is typically 70–72%. Many programs require a C or better (73%) to count toward degree requirements — verify before targeting C-. Enter your current grade and final weight below.
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Required Final Exam Score
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Why C- Matters (and When It Doesn't)
A C- (70–72%) satisfies the minimum passing threshold at most universities, but many major-specific requirements mandate a C (73%) or C+ (77%). Before targeting C-, confirm whether the course counts toward your degree at this grade.
Common requirement: Many science, engineering, and business programs require C or better (73%+) in prerequisites. A C- may not fulfill the requirement even if it technically "passes."
Required Score Table — C- Target (70%)
| Current Grade | 20% Final | 25% Final | 30% Final | 35% Final | 40% Final | 45% Final | 50% Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | >100% | >100% | >100% | >100% | 100.0% | 94.4% | 90.0% |
| 60% | >100% | 100.0% | 93.3% | 88.6% | 85.0% | 82.2% | 80.0% |
| 65% | 90.0% | 85.0% | 81.7% | 79.3% | 77.5% | 76.1% | 75.0% |
| 70% | 70.0% | 70.0% | 70.0% | 70.0% | 70.0% | 70.0% | 70.0% |
| 75% | 50.0% | 55.0% | 58.3% | 60.7% | 62.5% | 63.9% | 65.0% |
| 80% | 30.0% | 40.0% | 46.7% | 51.4% | 55.0% | 57.8% | 60.0% |
| 85% | 10.0% | 25.0% | 35.0% | 42.1% | 47.5% | 51.7% | 55.0% |
| 90% | ✓ Done | 10.0% | 23.3% | 32.9% | 40.0% | 45.6% | 50.0% |
| 95% | ✓ Done | ✓ Done | 11.7% | 23.6% | 32.5% | 39.4% | 45.0% |
C- vs C: The 3-Point Difference
Moving from C- to C requires 73% rather than 70% — a 3-point difference in course grade. With a 30% final, that means scoring about 10 points higher on the exam. In many situations it is worth the extra effort to clear the C threshold for major requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically 70–72%. Verify your institution's exact scale — some use 70–72, others 70–73.
Depends on your program. Many STEM and professional programs require C (73%) or higher for prerequisites to count. Check your program requirements.
Recalculate with 73% as the target instead of 70%. The difference is small but the impact on degree requirements can be significant.
Lower your target or speak with your professor about extra credit, incomplete grade, or course withdrawal deadlines.
A C- is worth 1.7 GPA points on a standard 4.0 scale. A C is 2.0. One course can shift your GPA by 0.03–0.08 depending on total credits.
Related Grade Target Pages
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