GPA Calculator
Semester & Cumulative
| Course Name | Grade | Credits |
|---|
Cumulative GPA (Optional)
Semester GPA
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Total Credits
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Quality Points
Add your courses and grades to see your GPA
GPA Scale: What the Numbers Mean
GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by dividing total quality points by total credit hours. Quality points = grade points x credit hours for each course. Most US universities use the 4.0 scale, though some award A+ as 4.3.
| Letter Grade | Percentage | 4.0 Scale | 4.3 Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100% | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| A | 93–96% | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| A– | 90–92% | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| B– | 80–82% | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| C– | 70–72% | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| D | 60–66% | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 | 0.0 |
GPA classifications: 3.9–4.0 is typically Summa Cum Laude, 3.7–3.89 is Magna Cum Laude, and 3.5–3.69 is Cum Laude. Most graduate schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission.
GPA Questions
How is GPA calculated?+
GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours. Quality points for each course = grade points x credit hours. Example: an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course gives 12 quality points. An B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course gives 13.2 points. Add all quality points and divide by total credits.
What is a good GPA in college?+
3.5–4.0 is considered excellent (honors). 3.0–3.49 is good and meets most graduate school minimums. 2.5–2.99 is average. Below 2.0 may put you on academic probation. For competitive graduate programs, law school, or medical school, aim for 3.7 or higher.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?+
Enter your current cumulative GPA and total credits completed in the Cumulative GPA section above. The calculator combines your previous quality points with this semester's quality points and divides by total credits. Formula: (Previous GPA x Previous Credits + Semester GPA x Semester Credits) / (Previous + Semester Credits).
How much will one bad grade affect my GPA?+
The impact depends on how many credits you have completed. With 30 credits completed (GPA 3.5), one F in a 3-credit course drops your GPA to about 3.27. With 90 credits completed, the same F only drops it to about 3.40. More credits means each new grade has less impact. Use this calculator to model different scenarios.
What is the difference between semester GPA and cumulative GPA?+
Semester GPA reflects only the courses taken in one semester. Cumulative GPA is the overall average across all semesters. Transcripts show both. Employers and graduate schools typically evaluate cumulative GPA, but an upward trend (improving each semester) is also a positive signal.
Do pass/fail courses affect my GPA?+
In most universities, pass/fail (P/F) courses do not affect your GPA. A passing grade gives you credit hours without adding quality points. A failing grade also typically does not count toward GPA in pass/fail grading. However, policies vary by institution, so check your school's academic policies.
What GPA do I need for medical school or law school?+
For medical school, the average GPA of accepted students at US allopathic (MD) programs is around 3.75. Osteopathic (DO) programs average around 3.6. For law school, the top 14 schools typically require a GPA of 3.7 or higher. Mid-tier law schools admit students with GPAs of 3.3–3.5. Both medical and law schools also weigh MCAT/LSAT scores heavily alongside GPA.
Can I raise my GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.0?+
Yes, but it takes time. The fewer credits you have completed, the faster your GPA can change. With 60 credits at 2.5, you need roughly 60 more credits of straight A work (4.0) to reach a 3.25. To realistically hit 3.0, you would need about 30 credits at a 3.5 average. Use the cumulative GPA section above to model your specific scenario by entering your current GPA and credits.
Does retaking a course replace the original grade in GPA?+
Policies vary by institution. Some schools use grade forgiveness or grade replacement, where the new grade replaces the old one in GPA calculation. Others average both attempts. Some include both grades on the transcript but only count the highest in GPA. Check your registrar's office for your school's specific policy before retaking a course for GPA improvement.
How do weighted vs unweighted GPA work?+
This distinction applies mainly to high school. Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale for all courses. Weighted GPA gives extra credit for honors, AP, or IB courses (typically +0.5 for honors, +1.0 for AP/IB), resulting in scales up to 5.0. College GPA is almost always unweighted. This calculator uses the standard college 4.0 or 4.3 scale.
What is the minimum GPA to keep a scholarship?+
Most merit scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA to maintain eligibility, though requirements vary. Athletic scholarships typically require a 2.0 GPA (NCAA minimum). Some competitive scholarships require 3.5 or higher. Federal financial aid (Pell Grant, loans) requires satisfactory academic progress, usually a minimum 2.0 GPA. Always check your specific scholarship agreement for the exact requirement.
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