Calculate semester and cumulative GPA
Enter previous cumulative information if you want an updated overall GPA. Leave both prior fields at zero to calculate only the current semester.
How the College GPA Calculator works
The College GPA Calculator assigns grade points to every graded course, multiplies grade points by credit hours, and divides total quality points by credits attempted. Grades marked Pass, Withdrawal, or Incomplete are excluded because they usually do not contribute GPA points.
Cumulative GPA = combined quality points ÷ combined GPA credits
Standard college grade-point values
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0* | B+ | 3.3 |
| A− | 3.7 | B | 3.0 |
| B− | 2.7 | C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 | D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 | P/W/I | Excluded |
*Select the 4.3 option when your college awards 4.3 points for an A+.
How to use the College GPA Calculator
- Enter your previous cumulative GPA and completed GPA credits from the transcript.
- Add each current course and its credit hours.
- Select the letter grade or choose Pass, Withdrawal, or Incomplete.
- For a repeated course, check the replacement box and choose the previous grade only if your college replaces the old attempt.
- Select Calculate GPA to see semester and cumulative results.
Worked semester example
A student completes four three-credit courses with grades A, B+, A−, and B. The quality points are 12.0, 9.9, 11.1, and 9.0, for 42.0 quality points across 12 credits. The semester GPA is 42 ÷ 12 = 3.50. If the student previously held a 3.25 GPA across 45 credits, the new cumulative GPA is approximately 3.30.
How repeated courses affect GPA
Repeat policies vary. Some colleges replace the earlier grade, some average every attempt, and others keep both attempts on the transcript but exclude one from the institutional GPA. Use replacement only when the old course credits and grade are already included in the prior cumulative figures. The calculator subtracts those old quality points and credits before adding the new attempt.
Important: This is a planning estimate. Your registrar applies official rules for repeats, transfer courses, academic forgiveness, pass/fail classes, withdrawals, and rounding.
Credit hours and cumulative GPA
Higher-credit courses have a larger effect. A four-credit science course contributes twice the GPA weight of a two-credit elective. As completed credits increase, changing cumulative GPA requires more quality points because the existing academic record carries more weight.
Planning future college grades
Use this College GPA Calculator after each semester to compare scenarios. You can change expected grades before registration or finals to see how each course affects the result. For target planning, try the GPA Planning Calculator. Convert another reporting system with the GPA Scale Converter, or browse all Education Calculators.
For official information about accredited U.S. colleges and programs, visit the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Frequently asked questions
Do transfer credits affect cumulative GPA?
Many institutions accept transfer credits without importing the original grade points. Check your registrar’s policy before including them.
Does an A+ count as 4.3?
Some colleges use 4.3, while others cap every A grade at 4.0. Select the option that matches the transcript legend.
Should pass/fail courses be entered?
You may enter them for recordkeeping, but Pass, Withdrawal, and Incomplete selections are excluded from GPA math.
Can GPA exceed 4.0?
College GPA can exceed 4.0 only when the institution uses a scale above 4.0, such as awarding 4.3 for A+.
Is the result official?
No. Only the college or university registrar can provide an official cumulative GPA.