GPA Calculator

GPA Calculator

Courses This Semester

Columns: Course name · Grade · Credit hours

Results

Semester GPA (4.0 scale)
3.63
Cum Laude
10
Credit Hours
36.30
Quality Points

Course Breakdown

CourseGradePtsQP
English 101A4.012.00
Calculus IB+3.313.20
History 201A-3.711.10

This GPA calculator computes your semester GPA weighted by credit hours using the standard US 4.0 scale. Enable the cumulative toggle to combine this semester with your existing GPA and get your updated overall grade point average. Add as many courses as you need — results update instantly.

How GPA Is Calculated

GPA is a weighted average — each course's letter grade is converted to grade points, then multiplied by the credit hours for that course to produce quality points. Courses with more credits have more influence on your GPA.

Quality Points = Grade Points × Credit Hours
Semester GPA = Σ Quality Points ÷ Σ Credit Hours
New Cumulative GPA = (Old QP + Semester QP) ÷ (Old Credits + Semester Credits)
Letter GradeGrade Points (4.0 scale)Standing
A+ / A4.0Excellent
A−3.7Excellent
B+3.3Good
B3.0Good
B−2.7Good
C+2.3Satisfactory
C2.0Satisfactory
C−1.7Below average
D1.0Passing (barely)
F0.0Failing

Worked example: You take three courses: English 101 (A, 3 credits), Calculus I (B+, 4 credits), History 201 (A−, 3 credits). Quality points: 12.0 + 13.2 + 11.1 = 36.3. Total credits: 10. Semester GPA = 36.3 ÷ 10 = 3.63.

💡 Pro-Tip: GPA Recovery Strategy

Credit hours are leverage.If your GPA is low, take more credit hours per semester and earn A's — each credit hour of A work undoes the damage of prior poor grades faster. A 3-credit A brings 12 quality points; a 1-credit A only brings 4. Prioritize high-credit core courses where you can genuinely earn top marks over easy electives with few credits. Also: grade replacement (retaking a course where the new grade replaces the old) exists at many schools — check your institution's policy, as this can move GPA significantly by removing F quality points from the denominator.

GPA Calculator FAQ

How is GPA calculated on a 4.0 scale?

GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours. Quality points = grade points × credit hours per course. Grade points run from 4.0 (A) down to 0.0 (F) with increments at each + and − grade. The calculator above handles all the arithmetic automatically.

What GPA do I need for the Dean's List?

Most schools require a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher for Dean's List recognition, though some set the threshold at 3.7. You typically also need to be enrolled full-time (12+ credits) and have no incomplete grades. Check your school's specific policy — requirements vary.

Can I raise a 2.5 GPA to a 3.0?

Yes, but it takes time. If you have 60 credits at 2.5 (150 quality points), you need a final GPA of 3.0, which requires a cumulative 3.0 on all remaining credits. 30 more credits of 4.0 work brings you to (150 + 120) ÷ 90 = 3.0. The earlier in your college career you turn things around, the more achievable it is.

How does pass/fail affect my GPA?

Pass/Fail (P/F) courses typically do not count toward GPA at all — a P earns credit hours but zero quality points in either direction. An F in a P/F course, however, may be counted as an F (0.0) at some schools. Always confirm with your registrar. Many schools limit how many P/F credits count toward your degree.

Does graduate school GPA matter?

Yes. Graduate programs have their own GPA calculations independent of your undergraduate GPA. Most graduate schools require maintaining a 3.0 minimum — dropping below often triggers academic probation. Funding decisions (TA/RA positions, fellowships) frequently depend on your graduate GPA. Unlike undergrad, grade inflation at the graduate level means a B can be a warning sign in some programs.