Education
Retake Score Needed Calculator
Use this retake score needed calculator when one quiz, test, homework, or assignment score can be replaced and you want to know the retake score required for a target average.
Enter the percentage scores that currently count. Include the score that may be replaced.
Enter the average you want after the retake score is counted. Use 90 for 90%.
Many classes keep the higher of the original and retake scores. Choose the rule from your syllabus.
Retake score needed
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- Retake score needed
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- Current average
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- Best with 100% retake
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Student quick launch
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Study path
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What this retake score needed calculator solves
This calculator works backward from a target average. It asks what retake score would need to replace one earlier score so the equal-weight score average reaches the target.
Formula
How to use it
- Enter the scores currently counted in the quiz, test, homework, or assignment group.
- Choose whether the retake replaces the lowest score or a specific score.
- Enter the target average you want after the retake.
- Choose whether the higher score counts or whether the retake always replaces the original score.
- Check the required retake score and whether a normal 100% retake can reach the target.
How to read the answer
The retake score needed is the score that must count in place of the replaced score for the average to hit the target. If it is above 100%, the target needs extra credit, more graded work, or a different policy.
When to use another grade tool
Use the retake grade calculator when you already know the retake score and want to project the new average. Use the grade drop calculator when a score is removed, the test grade calculator for one test score, and the weighted grade calculator for weighted category systems.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Do not use this if the retake is averaged with the old score instead of replacing it.
- If retakes are capped, compare the required retake score with the cap, not only with 100%.
- If the score being replaced is inside a weighted category, this equal-weight average may not match the course grade.
- Targets above 100% usually require extra credit or a custom grading policy.
Worked examples
Reach a 90 average
Scores of 72, 84, 88, 91, and 95 need a 92% retake replacing the 72% score to reach a 90% average.
Retake score needed
92%
Target already met
A lower target may already be met when the higher-score policy keeps the original score.
Retake score needed
0%
Unreachable without extra credit
A very high target can require more than a 100% retake.
Retake score needed
133%
Specific score not found
The specific score being replaced must appear in the score list.
Retake score needed
Error
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what score I need on a retake?+
Multiply the target average by the number of scores, subtract the scores that are not being replaced, and the remaining value is the retake score that must count.
Is this different from the retake grade calculator?+
Yes. The retake grade calculator projects the average from a known retake score. This calculator works backward from a target average to the retake score needed.
What if the score needed is over 100%?+
Then the target is not reachable with a normal full-credit retake alone. It may require extra credit, more future scores, or a different teacher policy.
What does higher-score policy mean?+
It means the teacher counts whichever score is higher: the original score or the retake score. If the retake is lower, the original score stays in the average.
Can this handle weighted categories?+
This calculator assumes equal-weight percentage scores inside one group. Use the weighted grade calculator when tests, homework, projects, or quizzes have separate category weights.
Related calculators
Retake Grade Calculator
Calculate how a quiz, test, homework, or assignment retake changes your grade average when one earlier score is replaced.
Grade Drop Calculator
Calculate a grade average after dropping the lowest quiz, test, homework, or assignment scores.
Test Grade Calculator
Calculate a test percentage and letter grade from points earned, points missed, or a target grade.
Grade Calculator
Calculate a class grade from points earned, points possible, extra credit, and a target percentage.
Final Grade Calculator
Find the score you need on a final exam or project your course grade from a known final score.
Average After Next Score With Drop Calculator
Project your grade average after adding one known next score and then dropping the lowest equal-weight score.
Last updated: May 16, 2026