Please fill in all required fields before calculating.
GPA Scale
Select the scale your school uses
1
Your existing GPA
From previous semesters
Your GPA before this semester
Total credit hours already earned
2
New semester courses
Courses you are adding now
⚠️
A− value varies by school pick yours:
Check with your registrar.
IB Scale selected. Enter grades 1 7. Conversion: 7=4.0, 6=3.7, 5=3.3, 4=3.0, 3=2.0, 2=1.0, 1=0.0.
Percentage mode. Enter grade as a number (e.g. 87). Converted using standard US scale.
Course Name (optional)
Credits
Grade
Your New Cumulative GPA
0.00
Updated after this semester
Previous GPA
This Semester
Total Credits
How cumulative GPA is calculated
Your cumulative GPA is a weighted average based on credit hours, not just an average of semester GPAs. Semesters where you took more credits carry more weight in the final number.
The formula combines your existing quality points with the new quality points from this semester, then divides by your total credit hours. This works the same way whether your school uses a 4.0 or 5.0 scale.
Related tools
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New to GPA calculations?
Read the full How to Calculate GPA guide with step by step formulas and examples.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my current GPA and credit hours?
Log into your student portal or check your unofficial transcript. Your registrar's page will show your cumulative GPA and total credit hours completed. Use those numbers in Step 1.
Which grade format should I select for Step 2?
Select Letter (A F) for standard letter grades. Select Percentage (%) if your school gives numeric grades like 87 or 94. Select IB Scale (1 7) if you are in an IB program.
What does A− = 3.7 vs 3.667 mean?
Different schools assign slightly different values to plus/minus grades. Most US colleges use 3.7 for A−. Some use the more precise 3.667. Check your school's grading policy when in doubt use 3.7.
Why is my cumulative GPA barely moving even with good grades?
The more credits you have completed, the harder it is to move your cumulative GPA. This is normal one great semester makes a smaller dent the further along you are in your degree. It is just how weighted averages work.
What is the difference between semester GPA and cumulative GPA?
Your semester GPA reflects only the courses you took in one semester. Your cumulative GPA is the weighted average of all your grades across every semester you have completed, factoring in the credit hours for each course. Cumulative GPA is what appears on your transcript and what schools and employers typically care about most.
Can I raise my GPA in one semester?
Yes, but how much depends on how many credits you have already completed. If you are early in your degree a strong semester can move your GPA significantly. If you are a junior or senior with many credits completed, even a perfect semester will only move the needle by a small amount. Use the required GPA calculator to see exactly what is possible.
Does a failed course stay on my transcript?
Yes. A failed course typically stays on your transcript permanently and the F counts toward your GPA unless your school has a grade forgiveness or course repeat policy that replaces it. Check with your registrar about your options before assuming an F will disappear from your record.
What is a good cumulative GPA to graduate with?
Most schools require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate. A 3.0 is considered good, a 3.5 is strong, and 3.7 or above puts you in honors territory. For competitive graduate programs or careers in law or medicine, aim for 3.5 at minimum.