Enter Courses
Example Data Table
This example shows how credits and grade values combine into GPA.
| Course | Credits | Grade | Quality Value | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Contracts | 3 | A- | 3.70 | 11.10 |
| Torts | 4 | B+ | 3.30 | 13.20 |
| Legal Writing | 2 | H | 4.00 | 8.00 |
| Example GPA | (11.10+13.20+8.00) ÷ (3+4+2) = 3.58 | |||
Formula Used
The calculator uses a standard weighted GPA method:
Rows marked as Pass (S) or Transfer/External are excluded from GPA by default. Honors (H) uses a 4.0 value. Unsatisfactory (U) can be excluded or treated as 0.0.
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the grading scale you want to follow.
- Enter each course name, credits, and grading type.
- If using letter grades, choose the letter in the grade list.
- Use the “Include” checkbox for what-if scenarios.
- Click Calculate to view GPA and breakdown.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to save the report.
UM Law GPA Guide
1) GPA credits drive weighting
GPA is a weighted average. Courses with more credits contribute more, because each row is multiplied by credits before totals are divided by GPA credits. This page shows attempted credits, earned credits, and GPA credits so you can understand which courses actually affect your average.
2) Quality points in one line
Quality points per course equal credits × quality value. A 4‑credit B+ (3.30) produces 13.20 points. The calculator adds points across included rows and divides by total GPA credits to produce the displayed GPA.
3) Choose the correct scale
The tool includes two selectable mappings: a modern plus/minus scale and a legacy scale with fewer steps. Selecting the scale controls which letter grades are valid and which quality values are applied, helping you match the grading period you are modeling.
4) Handling H, S, and U results
Not every course uses a letter. Honors (H) is treated as 4.0 for GPA. Pass (S) is recorded but excluded from GPA by default, while Unsatisfactory (U) can be excluded or treated as 0.0 if you enable the option.
5) What‑if analysis with “Include”
Each row can be toggled in or out of the GPA totals. This lets you test scenarios—dropping an elective, projecting a future grade, or comparing two plans—without deleting any entries. The breakdown table clearly marks which rows were included.
6) Goal planning for a target GPA
When goal planning is enabled, enter a target cumulative GPA and remaining credits. The calculator estimates the average GPA needed on future credits using your current quality points and GPA credits. If the required value is above 4.0, the target is flagged.
7) Rounding and clean exports
You can round to 2, 3, or 4 decimals for review. The CSV export includes summary totals plus a course‑by‑course breakdown. The PDF export creates a printable report with your GPA and the same table, suitable for advising notes.
8) Data checks that prevent errors
Credits must be positive numbers, and letter grades must match the selected scale. Blank rows are ignored. Use Transfer/External for courses excluded from GPA but still counted as earned credit, so your progress and your GPA are tracked separately.
For best results, enter official credit values from your schedule, pick the correct scale, and keep pass or transfer items labeled correctly. Then calculate, review the breakdown, and export a report for your records.
FAQs
1) What formula does the calculator use?
It computes GPA as total quality points divided by total GPA credits. Quality points are credits multiplied by the grade’s quality value on the selected scale.
2) Does Pass (S) change my GPA?
No, S is excluded from GPA by default. You can still count S credits as earned for progress by enabling the “Count S credits as earned” option.
3) How is Honors (H) handled?
H is treated as a 4.0 quality value and included in GPA credits and quality points. Use it to model honors outcomes in your cumulative GPA.
4) What happens with Unsatisfactory (U)?
U is excluded from GPA by default. If you enable “Treat U as F,” it uses a 0.0 value and includes the credits, which lowers GPA.
5) Why do I see “earned credits” and “GPA credits”?
Earned credits track progress toward completion, while GPA credits track only the credits included in the GPA calculation. Pass or transfer items can affect earned credits without changing GPA.
6) Can I exclude a course without deleting it?
Yes. Uncheck “Include this row in GPA calculation.” The row stays visible for planning, but it is ignored in the totals and the export table.
7) Are the exports official documents?
They are helpful summaries for planning and record‑keeping. Always use your institution’s policies and transcript as the final authority for official GPA reporting.