Education
Score Needed With Dropped Lowest Calculator
Use this calculator when the next score will be added to an equal-weight score list and then the lowest score or scores are dropped. It solves the next score needed to hit a target average under that policy.
Enter current equal-weight percentage scores. Use 84 for 84%, separated by commas, spaces, or new lines.
Enter the average you want after one more score is added and the lowest score rule is applied.
Use the number of lowest equal-weight scores your teacher drops from the final list.
Use 100 for a normal full-credit score, or a higher value if extra credit is possible.
Score needed
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- Score needed
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- Current after drop
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- Best with maximum next score
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What this dropped-lowest target calculator solves
This calculator works backward from a target average when a class drops the lowest score. It tests the next possible score, reapplies the dropped-lowest rule, and finds the smallest next score that reaches the target.
Formula
How to use it
- Enter the current equal-weight scores in the same grade group.
- Enter the target average you want after the next score is counted.
- Enter how many lowest scores your teacher drops.
- Leave the maximum next score at 100 unless extra credit or curves are possible.
- Check which score is dropped after the next score is added.
How to read the answer
The score needed is the smallest next equal-weight percentage that reaches the target after the full score list is sorted and the lowest score or scores are removed. The dropped-score list matters because the next score might change which grade is dropped.
When to use another grade tool
Use the grade drop calculator when all scores are already known. Use the next score needed calculator when no score is dropped. Use the weighted grade calculator when categories have separate weights, and the final grade calculator when the next score is a weighted final.
Common mistakes and edge cases
- Do not use this if assignments have different point values unless your teacher averages their percentages equally.
- A very low next score may be the score that gets dropped, which can leave the current dropped-score average unchanged.
- A score can be unreachable even after the drop policy if the target is too high.
- Scores above 100% usually mean extra credit or a curved grading policy.
Worked examples
Reach a target after one dropped score
Six current scores need a 91% next score to reach an 88% average after dropping the lowest score.
Score needed
91%
Already at target under the drop policy
A strong current score list can already stay above target even if a very low next score is dropped.
Score needed
0%
Unreachable with a normal maximum score
A low current average may still miss the target even after adding 100% and dropping the lowest score.
Score needed
>100%
Invalid drop count
The number of dropped scores must be smaller than the current score list.
Score needed
Error
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the score I need if my lowest grade is dropped?+
Add a possible next score to your current score list, drop the lowest score or scores, average the remaining scores, and find the smallest next score that reaches your target.
Is this different from the normal next score needed calculator?+
Yes. The normal next score needed calculator keeps every score. This calculator reapplies a dropped-lowest policy after the next score is added.
Can the next score be the one that gets dropped?+
Yes. If the next score is lower than every current score and your policy drops the lowest score, the next score may be dropped instead of an older score.
Can I use this for weighted categories?+
Only if these scores are averaged equally inside one category. Use the weighted grade calculator when categories have separate course weights.
What if the score needed is above my maximum score?+
Then the target is not reachable under the entered maximum. It may require extra credit, more remaining scores, a curve, or a different grading policy.
Related calculators
Grade Drop Calculator
Calculate a grade average after dropping the lowest quiz, test, homework, or assignment scores.
Next Score Needed Calculator
Solve the score you need on the next equal-weight quiz, test, homework, or assignment to reach a target average.
Remaining Scores Average Needed Calculator
Find the average you need across several remaining equal-weight quiz, test, homework, or assignment scores to reach a target grade average.
Average After Remaining Scores Calculator
Project your final equal-weight grade average after adding several known or planned remaining quiz, test, homework, or assignment scores.
Weighted Grade Calculator
Calculate a weighted course grade from category scores and weights, or find the score needed on remaining weighted work.
Grade Calculator
Calculate a class grade from points earned, points possible, extra credit, and a target percentage.
Last updated: May 17, 2026