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Calculate Cumulative GPA (Optional)
GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing these "quality points," and dividing by total credits.
Formula
GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credits) ÷ Total Credits
Example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 12 quality points. B (3.0) in a 4-credit course = 12 quality points. Total: 24 points ÷ 7 credits = 3.43 GPA.
Take challenging courses early when you have fewer responsibilities and more time to focus.
Understand grade replacement, withdrawal deadlines, and incomplete policies before you need them.
Use the calculator to see what grades you need to reach your target GPA.
A lower GPA from heavy course loads may be better than a high GPA from light loads—context matters.
Plan course loads and predict semester GPA to meet requirements.
Calculate and track GPA for competitive grad school admissions.
Monitor GPA to maintain scholarship eligibility thresholds.
Know your GPA for applications that require or request it.
Most US colleges use a 4.0 scale (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0). Some use plus/minus grades (A- = 3.7). High schools may use weighted scales (honors/AP courses worth more).
Context matters. 3.0+ is generally "good." 3.5+ is competitive for grad school. 3.7+ is excellent. For jobs, many employers use 3.0 as a cutoff, though this varies by field.
Unweighted: all classes on same 4.0 scale. Weighted: honors/AP/IB courses worth more (5.0 scale). Colleges often recalculate to compare students fairly.
Yes, but it gets harder as you earn more credits. Math reality: going from 2.5 to 3.0 after 60 credits requires a 3.5 average over the next 60 credits. Start strong, finish stronger.
Usually, but pass/fail courses, transferred credits, and repeated courses may be handled differently. Check your school's specific policy for accurate calculations.
Semester GPA covers one term. Cumulative GPA includes all college coursework. Graduate programs and employers typically care about cumulative GPA.
Significantly. An A- (3.7) vs A (4.0) in a 4-credit course costs 1.2 quality points. Over four years, plus/minus grading can raise or lower cumulative GPA by 0.2-0.3 points.