How this calculator works
A college GPA weights each course by its credit hours. A four-credit lecture course therefore moves the average more than a one-credit seminar. The semester GPA is the total quality points divided by the semester credit hours, and the cumulative GPA adds the quality points already earned to the new ones and divides by all credit hours attempted. The common 4.0 scale gives an A or A+ 4.0, A- 3.7, B+ 3.3, B 3.0, and so on to F at 0. Colleges differ on plus and minus grades, repeated courses and pass/fail work, so check the registrar policy when the result must match an official transcript.
Formula
quality points = sum(grade point x credit hours). Semester GPA = quality points / semester credit hours. Cumulative GPA = (semester quality points + prior GPA x prior credit hours) / (semester credit hours + prior credit hours). The grade points are A+ and A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7 and F = 0.0.
Worked example
A semester of A 3, B+ 4 and A- 3 credit hours earns 4.0 x 3 = 12, 3.3 x 4 = 13.2 and 3.7 x 3 = 11.1 quality points, a total of 36.3 over 10 credit hours. The semester GPA is 3.63. With a prior cumulative GPA of 3.50 over 15 credit hours, the cumulative GPA becomes (36.3 + 3.50 x 15) / (10 + 15) = (36.3 + 52.5) / 25 = 3.552.
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Frequently asked questions
Do repeated courses replace the old grade?
At many colleges the new grade replaces the old one in the GPA, but some average both attempts and some keep both on the transcript while excluding the first from the calculation. Follow the registrar rule for the course. Entering both attempts when the college replaces the grade would double count the credit hours.
How are pass/fail courses treated?
They usually earn credits toward graduation but no grade points, so they are left out of the GPA. If you include a pass as an A or an F, the average will be distorted. Some colleges also exclude courses taken at another institution unless a transfer credit rule says otherwise.
What is a good college GPA?
A GPA of 3.0 or above is often required for good academic standing, and 3.5 or above is competitive for graduate school and many internships. The relevant target depends on the program and the school, so compare with the published requirements rather than a general number.
Why is my result different from the registrar?
The registrar may use a different grade-point scale, exclude certain courses, apply a grade replacement policy or include transfer credit. This calculator uses the common 4.0 scale and every course you enter. Use the official transcript when the number must be exact.