College GPA Calculator

Credit-hour weighted on the 4.0 scale. A 4-credit course pulls your GPA harder than a 1-credit lab. Handles Pass/Fail, withdrawals, and transfer credits.

Cumulative GPA
0.00
Credit-hour weighted
0 courses
0 credit hours
0 semesters

How College GPA Is Calculated

Unlike high school where every class is often "1 credit", college courses carry different credit hours — typically 1, 3, 4, or 5. Your GPA is a credit-weighted average, so a 4-credit engineering course pulls your GPA much harder than a 1-credit P.E. class.

GPA = Σ (Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours

Worked Example: First-Year Semester

CourseCrGradePtsQuality Pts
Calculus II4B+3.313.2
Intro Psychology3A4.012.0
English Composition3A−3.711.1
Macroeconomics3B3.09.0
Chemistry Lab1A4.04.0
Total1449.3
Semester GPA = 49.3 ÷ 14 = 3.52

What Counts (and What Doesn't)

Cumulative vs Semester vs Major GPA

TypeWhat's IncludedTypical Use
CumulativeEvery graded course everTranscripts, Dean's List
SemesterOne semester onlyPer-term Dean's List
MajorOnly major-department coursesHonors in major, grad school

A student might have a 3.2 cumulative but 3.7 major GPA. Many grad programs weight the major GPA more.

Common Thresholds

GPAStatus
3.9 – 4.0Summa Cum Laude (highest distinction)
3.7 – 3.89Magna Cum Laude (high distinction)
3.5 – 3.69Cum Laude; Dean's List at most schools
3.3 – 3.49Competitive for many graduate programs
3.0 – 3.29Minimum for most grad apps and scholarships
Below 2.0Academic probation at most US universities

College GPA FAQ

How is college GPA calculated?
Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, sum, divide by total credit hours. Heavier classes pull your GPA more.
Do Pass/Fail courses count?
No. Excluded from GPA at nearly all US universities. Credits still apply to graduation.
What happens to GPA if I withdraw?
A W doesn't affect GPA — zero grade points and zero credit hours.
Do transfer credits affect GPA?
Most US universities accept transfer credits toward graduation but don't include grades in your new GPA.
What is a good college GPA?
3.7+ is excellent, 3.5–3.69 is strong, and 3.3–3.49 meets many graduate-program expectations. Latin-honors thresholds vary by institution; Summa Cum Laude is often around 3.9 or higher.
Major GPA vs cumulative GPA?
Cumulative includes every course. Major GPA only counts your declared major's courses.