What Getting A D- Means (60% = D-)
Getting a D- means finishing the course with 60%. On a standard 4.0 GPA scale, this counts as 1.0 grade points per credit hour. It matters for: earning credit hours but may not count toward major.
A d earns credit hours but often does not count toward major requirements. Use the calculator above for your exact numbers, or use the table below for a quick reference across the most common final weights and current grades.
Formula: Required Final Score = (Target 60% - Current Grade × Current Weight%) ÷ Final Weight%
Example: Current 80%, final worth 30%, target 60% → Required = 13.3%
Example: Current 80%, final worth 30%, target 60% → Required = 13.3%
Full Score Reference - What You Need to Get A D-
Rows = final exam weight percentage. Columns = your current course grade. Each cell shows exactly what you need on the final to reach 60%.
| Final Weight | Curr: 65% | Curr: 70% | Curr: 75% | Curr: 80% | Curr: 85% | Curr: 88% | Curr: 90% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20% final | 40.0% | 20.0% | ✓ Done | ✓ Done | ✓ Done | ✓ Done | ✓ Done |
| 25% final | 45.0% | 30.0% | 15.0% | ✓ Done | ✓ Done | ✓ Done | ✓ Done |
| 30% final | 48.3% | 36.7% | 25.0% | 13.3% | 1.7% | ✓ Done | ✓ Done |
| 35% final | 50.7% | 41.4% | 32.1% | 22.9% | 13.6% | 8.0% | 4.3% |
| 40% final | 52.5% | 45.0% | 37.5% | 30.0% | 22.5% | 18.0% | 15.0% |
| 45% final | 53.9% | 47.8% | 41.7% | 35.6% | 29.4% | 25.8% | 23.3% |
| 50% final | 55.0% | 50.0% | 45.0% | 40.0% | 35.0% | 32.0% | 30.0% |
How to Interpret Your Result
- "Done" - You have already locked in a D-. Even a zero on the final will not drop you below 60%. You can adjust your study priorities.
- Under 70% - Very achievable. A solid preparation effort should get you there.
- 70-85% - Solid prep required. Dedicate real time to this final.
- 85-95% - You will need a strong performance. Start early and use practice exams.
- 95-100% - Possible but you will need close to a perfect final. Review everything systematically.
- ">100%" - Mathematically out of reach. Lower your target and recalculate, or speak with your professor about options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a D- (60%) earns 1.0 grade points per credit hour on a standard 4.0 GPA scale.
It matters for: earning credit hours but may not count toward major. A d earns credit hours but often does not count toward major requirements.
Not mathematically, but talk to your professor. Some offer extra credit, curve policies, or grade replacement options. Also confirm whether an Incomplete grade is possible.
It is algebraically exact given correct inputs. The formula is: Required = (Target - Current x (1 - FinalWeight)) / FinalWeight. Accuracy depends on entering the correct current grade and final weight from your syllabus.
Yes - your current grade should be your overall running course grade, which already reflects all graded work to date. Do not enter just your exam scores.
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