Semester GPA is computed using weighted grade points:
- GradePoints come from the selected scale or your custom entry.
- Credits are the course credit hours or units.
- Quality Points are GradePoints × Credits for each course.
- Grades like P/W/I/AU are excluded from GPA by design.
- Select the grading scale used by your institution.
- Set decimal places for how you want results displayed.
- Enter each course name, credits, and grade.
- Choose “Custom Points” if your grade points differ.
- Click Calculate GPA to view results above.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export.
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points (4.0) | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus I | 4 | A- | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| English Composition | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| Computer Science | 3 | A | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Physics Lab | 1 | B | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Example GPA | 39.7 ÷ 11 = 3.61 | |||
This is an example only; your institution’s mapping may differ.
Credit-Weighted GPA Mechanics
Semester GPA is a weighted average, so credits matter as much as grades. A three-credit course has triple the impact of a one-credit lab. The calculator multiplies each course’s grade points by its credits to get quality points, adds all quality points, then divides by total GPA credits. Rounding is applied only to the displayed GPA, while internal math keeps full precision for consistency.
Interpreting Semester Results
A semester GPA reflects one term, not your cumulative record. Review it alongside attempted and earned credits to understand what counted. If GPA credits are lower than attempted credits, it usually means outcomes like Pass, Withdraw, Incomplete, or Audit were entered and correctly excluded from GPA. Use the course breakdown to spot where most quality points were gained or lost.
Policy Variations and Edge Cases
Institutions vary in letter-to-point mappings, plus/minus rules, and repeat policies. Select the scale that matches your handbook, and use “Custom Points” when a department publishes a different table. Pass (P) generally earns credits without affecting GPA, while W/I/AU typically do not count toward GPA credits. Some schools exclude failed repeats from GPA; the F toggle supports that scenario.
Data Entry Quality Controls
Reliable results require clean inputs. Enter credits exactly as listed, including 0.5 or 1.5 units when applicable. Use consistent course names so exports remain readable. For incompletes, keep the grade as I until the registrar posts a final letter; guessing early can misstate standing. If you transfer a grade from another system, confirm that its points align before using custom values.
Using Exports for Advising
CSV exports help with spreadsheet audits, term-to-term tracking, and scenario planning. The PDF provides a shareable snapshot for advisors or scholarship files. For “what-if” analysis, change one course grade at a time and recalculate to measure impact. High-credit courses usually move the semester GPA the most, so prioritize improvement where the credit weight is largest. You can also test grade-point sensitivity by switching the scale and comparing outputs. Keep a copy of both exports when appealing a grade, because they show assumptions. When planning course loads, aim for balanced credits across difficult subjects to reduce volatility over time.
How are attempted, earned, and GPA credits different?
Attempted credits include courses taken for a grade, including failures. Earned credits include passing outcomes that award credit. GPA credits include only courses that carry grade points in the GPA formula, excluding P/W/I/AU by design.
Why don’t P, W, I, and AU change my GPA?
Many institutions record these outcomes without grade points. Pass usually awards credit but no GPA impact. Withdraw, Incomplete, and Audit typically carry no GPA credit. This keeps the GPA aligned with transcript policies.
When should I use Custom Points?
Use Custom Points when your school publishes a specific numeric value for a grade that differs from the default scale, or when a program uses special point tables. Enter the exact points shown in your handbook.
Does rounding affect the GPA math?
Displayed GPA is rounded to your selected decimals for reporting. The calculator keeps full precision during multiplication and summation, then rounds at the end. This prevents small rounding differences from accumulating across many courses.
How do repeated courses fit in?
Repeat rules vary. If your policy replaces an earlier grade, calculate the semester containing the repeated attempt separately, then follow your institution’s cumulative method. If failed repeats are excluded, you can disable counting F in GPA.
Can I use the exports for planning?
Yes. Use CSV for quick edits, charts, and “what‑if” comparisons in a spreadsheet. Use PDF for a clean snapshot to share with advisors, scholarship committees, or your records.