College GPA Calculator
Enter your courses, credits, and letter grades to estimate your semester GPA. Optionally enter prior GPA to calculate cumulative GPA.
Calculate your college GPA
Choose your grade scale, enter your courses, and optionally add prior GPA information for a cumulative estimate.
Formula
Semester GPA = total grade points / total credits
Each letter grade converts to grade points using your chosen scale. Grade points are multiplied by course credits. If prior GPA and credits are provided, the cumulative GPA combines all grade points across semesters.
Examples
Example 1 — First semester freshman
English (3 credits, A) · Calculus (4 credits, B+) · Biology (4 credits, A−) · History (3 credits, B)
Grade points: (3×4.0) + (4×3.3) + (4×3.7) + (3×3.0) = 12 + 13.2 + 14.8 + 9 = 49.0
GPA: 49.0 ÷ 14 credits = 3.50
Example 2 — Mixed semester
Physics (4 credits, C+) · Statistics (3 credits, A) · Econ (3 credits, B+) · Writing (3 credits, A−)
Grade points: (4×2.3) + (3×4.0) + (3×3.3) + (3×3.7) = 9.2 + 12 + 9.9 + 11.1 = 42.2
GPA: 42.2 ÷ 13 credits = 3.25
FAQ
What grade scale should I choose?
Most US colleges use the standard 4.0 scale where A+ and A both equal 4.0. Some schools use the plus scale where A+ = 4.3. Check your institution's grading policy or catalog to confirm which scale applies.
How is college GPA calculated?
Each letter grade is converted to grade points, multiplied by course credits, summed across all courses, then divided by total credits. For example: a 3-credit A (4.0) and a 4-credit B+ (3.3) = (12.0 + 13.2) ÷ 7 = 3.60 GPA.
What are cumulative GPA inputs for?
If you enter your current cumulative GPA and completed credits, the calculator combines them with this semester's courses to estimate your new cumulative GPA. Leave them blank to calculate only this semester's GPA.
Will this match my official transcript?
It is an estimate. Your school may use different grade scales, repeat-course replacement policies, transfer credit rules, or academic forgiveness policies. Always confirm with your registrar.
What is a good college GPA?
A 3.0 (B average) is generally considered satisfactory. A 3.5 or above is considered strong and qualifies for most honors programs. Many graduate programs and competitive employers look for a 3.5 or higher. Below 2.0 typically puts students on academic probation.
What GPA do I need for graduate school?
Most graduate programs require a minimum of 3.0, and competitive programs such as law, medicine, or PhD programs typically expect 3.5 or above. GPA is one factor — research experience, test scores, and letters of recommendation also matter significantly.
Related tools
This calculator is for planning only. Your official grade is determined by your instructor, school, or learning management system.