Calculator
Formula used
The calculator works with grade points. Each course contributes: grade points × credits.
Note: grading scales vary by institution. Use the scale that matches your policy.
How to use
- Pick your grading scale (4.0 or 5.0).
- Enter your current GPA and earned credits.
- Set your target GPA and total program credits.
- Optionally add planned courses with expected grades.
- Press Calculate to see the required remaining average.
Example data
| Current GPA | Earned credits | Target GPA | Total credits | Planned credits | Planned average | Remaining credits | Required remaining average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.20 | 45 | 3.50 | 120 | 15 | 3.70 | 60 | 3.675 |
This example assumes the planned grades stay consistent across planned credits.
Why a target GPA matters
Many programs set thresholds for scholarships, academic standing, honors, or internships today. A goal like 3.50 is meaningful only when paired with credits and time left. Because courses carry different credit weights, a single low grade can reduce cumulative performance more than expected. This calculator turns a vague goal into a required average for the remaining credits, helping you prioritize effort and set realistic term plans.
What the calculator measures
Cumulative GPA is a ratio of total grade points to total credits. Grade points are computed as points per grade multiplied by credits. For example, on a 4.0 scale, an A in a 3‑credit course contributes 12.0 grade points. If your current GPA is 3.20 over 45 credits, you have 144.0 grade points so far. A target of 3.50 across 120 credits requires 420.0 total points.
Scenario planning with planned courses
Planned courses let you model expected outcomes before grades post. Suppose you plan 15 credits at a 3.70 average, adding 55.5 points. The calculator subtracts those planned points from the remaining requirement and updates the remaining credits automatically. This is useful when you already know likely performance in a major or capstone sequence. You can test multiple mixes of credits and expected grades quickly.
Interpreting the required average
A required remaining average near your recent performance suggests a steady path. If the required value exceeds the grading scale, it signals the target is not achievable under the current credit plan, and you may need a longer horizon, grade replacement, or additional credits where allowed. If the required average drops to 0.00, the target is already secured mathematically, even with minimal future points.
Using results for advising and tracking
Use the result as a weekly check‑in metric: compare your in‑progress course scores against the required remaining average. Exporting to CSV supports spreadsheet tracking, while the PDF summary is convenient for advising meetings and documentation. Keep a record each term to see how changes in credits, retakes, or course difficulty affect your trajectory. With consistent updates, the calculator becomes a simple planning dashboard.
FAQs
What information do I need to start?
Enter your current cumulative GPA, credits earned, your target GPA, and total program credits. Planned courses are optional and help refine the remaining average you must maintain.
Can I use a 4.0 or 5.0 grading scale?
Yes. Choose the scale that matches your institution. The letter-to-points mapping updates, and the calculator keeps your required average within the selected scale for clearer interpretation.
How do planned courses affect the result?
Planned courses add expected grade points and credits. Those points reduce what you still need to reach the final target, and the remaining credits shrink by the planned credit total.
What if the required average is higher than the scale?
That outcome indicates the target cannot be reached with the current credit plan and assumptions. Consider adjusting the target, improving planned grades, retaking courses if allowed, or extending the total credits.
What happens when there are no remaining credits?
If remaining credits are zero, the calculator projects your final GPA using current and planned points. It then reports whether the target is already met or still short, with a brief note.
How do the CSV and PDF downloads work?
After you calculate, the page stores your latest result for this session. Use the download buttons to export the same inputs, outputs, and planned course rows for saving or sharing.
Grade mapping (4.0 scale)
| Letter | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| F | 0.00 |
If your school uses different cutoffs, treat these as a starting point.