How to calculate your GPA
GPA, or grade point average, summarizes academic performance using grade points and course credits. On a credit-weighted system, courses with more credit hours contribute more to the result.
GPA formula
GPA = Total grade points earned across courses ÷ Total attempted GPA credits
For a typical credit-weighted calculation, multiply each course's grade-point value by its credits before adding the results. Your college's grading policy determines which courses and credits count.
GPA calculation example
Suppose a student takes three courses with the following illustrative grades and credits on a 4.0 scale.
| Course | Grade points | Credits | Grade points × credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course A | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Course B | 3.0 | 4 | 12.0 |
| Course C | 2.0 | 3 | 6.0 |
| Total | — | 10 | 30.0 |
The estimated GPA is 30 ÷ 10 = 3.00. This example assumes all three courses count toward GPA and uses illustrative grade-point values.
Semester GPA vs. cumulative GPA
Semester GPA reflects the courses included in one academic term. Cumulative GPA combines the grade points and GPA credits from multiple terms. It is not generally calculated by taking the simple average of semester GPAs unless the relevant credit totals are equal.
To estimate a new cumulative GPA, combine the grade points represented by your existing GPA and credits with the grade points and credits from your new courses. For official results, follow your college's transcript and repeat-course policies.
How credit hours affect your GPA
Credit hours represent the weight assigned to a course in many college grading systems. Because GPA is credit-weighted, a grade in a four-credit course generally affects your GPA more than the same grade in a one-credit course.
Enter the credits shown in your course registration or transcript. Do not assume every course has the same weight, and check how your institution treats labs, transfer credits, withdrawals, pass/fail courses, and repeated classes.
Which GPA scale should you use?
A 4.0 scale is common at US colleges, but there is no single grading policy used by every institution. Some colleges use plus/minus grades, different grade-point mappings, or other rules. Use your college's official grading scale when entering grades and interpreting the result.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my GPA?
Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, add those results, and divide by the total credit hours. Use the grade-point values and credit rules provided by your college.
What is the difference between semester GPA and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA measures performance in a particular term. Cumulative GPA combines grade points and credits across the included terms, according to your institution's rules.
Why do credit hours affect my GPA?
Credit hours determine how much each course contributes to the calculation. A course with more credits usually has a greater effect on GPA than a course with fewer credits.
Does every college use the same GPA scale?
No. Many US colleges use a 4.0 scale, but grade-point mappings, plus and minus grades, repeated courses, pass/fail classes, and rounding policies can vary. Check your institution's official grading policy.
Can I estimate my cumulative GPA?
Yes. If the calculator supports cumulative GPA estimation, enter your existing GPA and the number of credits it represents, then add your new courses. Confirm the result against your college's rules.
Need help with college coursework?
Get guidance with homework, programming, mathematics, and other academic topics through GetSetGrades.
Explore homework help