Free Online GPA Calculator
Calculate your semester and cumulative GPA instantly. Run what-if scenarios, plan target grades, and track your academic progress over time.
Quick Answer:
To calculate your GPA, multiply each course grade's point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0) by the credit hours, sum all quality points, and divide by total credit hours. CourseLink's free GPA calculator does this instantly and supports semester GPA, cumulative GPA, plus/minus grading, and what-if grade scenarios.
How to Calculate Your GPA: A Complete Guide
Your grade point average (GPA) is one of the most important numbers in your academic career. It determines eligibility for scholarships, Dean's List recognition, graduate school admission, and many job applications. Understanding how GPA is calculated empowers you to plan strategically and make informed decisions about your courseload.
The GPA Formula Explained
GPA is calculated by dividing your total quality points by your total credit hours attempted. Quality points for each course equal the grade points (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) multiplied by the credit hours. For example, a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course yields 12 quality points. If you took 15 credits total and earned 48 quality points, your GPA would be 48/15 = 3.2. Our calculator handles this math instantly for any number of courses.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
Most colleges use an unweighted 4.0 scale where an A is the highest possible grade point. Some high schools use weighted GPAs that give extra points for honors and AP courses (up to 5.0). If you are a college student, your GPA is almost certainly unweighted. Our calculator defaults to the standard 4.0 scale but supports custom scales if your institution uses a different system.
Strategic GPA Planning for College Students
Your GPA is not just a report card metric. It is a strategic tool that you can actively manage. Smart GPA planning can mean the difference between keeping and losing a scholarship, qualifying for honors at graduation, and getting into your target graduate program.
How to Recover from a Bad Semester
One bad semester does not define your college career. The math of cumulative GPA works in your favor over time: the more credits you complete with good grades, the less impact any single bad grade has. For example, if you have a 2.5 GPA after 30 credits and earn a 3.8 over the next 30 credits, your cumulative GPA rises to 3.15. Use our what-if calculator to model your recovery plan.
Course Load and GPA Strategy
Consider balancing difficult courses with more manageable ones each semester. A mix of challenging and lighter courses helps maintain a strong GPA while still progressing through your major requirements. Use CourseLink's course scheduler alongside the GPA calculator to plan semesters that are both academically rigorous and GPA-friendly.
GPA Requirements for Scholarships and Honors
Many scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA, often 3.0 or 3.5. Falling below the threshold even once can result in losing thousands of dollars in funding. Latin honors at graduation typically follow this scale: cum laude (3.5+), magna cum laude (3.7+), and summa cum laude (3.9+), though exact cutoffs vary by school. Use CourseLink's GPA tracker to monitor your standing relative to these benchmarks throughout your college career, so you are never surprised at the end of a semester.
CourseLink vs Basic GPA Calculators
| Feature | CourseLink | Basic GPA Calculators |
|---|---|---|
| Semester GPA Calculation | ||
| Cumulative GPA Calculation | ||
| What-If Grade Scenarios | — | |
| Target GPA Planning | — | |
| GPA Tracking Over Time | — | |
| Plus/Minus Grading Support | Limited | |
| Integrated with Assignment Tracker | — |
Why Students Choose CourseLink
Semester GPA Calculator
Enter your current semester courses, credit hours, and grades to instantly calculate your semester GPA on a standard 4.0 scale.
Cumulative GPA Calculator
Combine your current semester with previous semesters to calculate your overall cumulative GPA. Enter your prior GPA and total credits to get an accurate result.
Target GPA Planner
Set a target GPA and see exactly what grades you need in remaining courses to reach it. Plan semester by semester to hit Dean's List or maintain scholarship requirements.
Multiple Grading Scales
Supports standard 4.0 scale, plus/minus grading (A+, A, A-, etc.), weighted GPAs, and custom grading scales used by different universities.
What-If Grade Scenarios
Run what-if scenarios to see how different grade outcomes would affect your GPA. Compare optimistic and realistic grade projections side by side.
GPA Tracking Over Time
Track your GPA across semesters with visual charts. See your academic trend, identify patterns, and set data-driven goals for improvement.
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Common Questions Students Ask
"How do I calculate my GPA?"
"What is my cumulative GPA?"
"What GPA do I need for Dean's List?"
"How do I raise my GPA?"
"What grades do I need to get a 3.5 GPA?"
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my college GPA?
To calculate your GPA: (1) Assign each grade a point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0), (2) Multiply each grade point by the course's credit hours to get quality points, (3) Add all quality points, (4) Divide by total credit hours. For example, an A in a 3-credit course = 12 quality points. Our calculator does this math instantly.
What is the difference between semester GPA and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA is calculated using only the courses from a single semester. Cumulative GPA includes all courses from every semester you have completed. Your cumulative GPA is what appears on your transcript and is used for graduation honors, scholarships, and graduate school applications.
Is this GPA calculator free?
Yes, CourseLink's GPA calculator is completely free. Calculate semester GPA, cumulative GPA, and run what-if scenarios without any cost. Create a free account to save your calculations and track your GPA over time.
How do plus and minus grades affect my GPA?
On a plus/minus scale: A+ = 4.0 (some schools give 4.3), A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, F = 0.0. Our calculator supports all common grading scales.
What GPA do I need for Dean's List?
Dean's List requirements vary by school, but most require a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher with a minimum number of credit hours (usually 12+). Some schools require a 3.7 or higher. Use our target GPA planner to see what grades you need to reach Dean's List.
How does a withdrawal (W) affect my GPA?
A standard withdrawal (W) does not affect your GPA because it carries no grade points and no credit hours. However, a WF (withdrawal failing) at some schools is treated as an F and will hurt your GPA. Our calculator lets you include or exclude withdrawals based on your school's policy.
Can I calculate my GPA if I transferred schools?
Yes. When you transfer, most schools do not include your previous institution's grades in your new cumulative GPA. However, you can use our calculator to track your overall GPA across institutions by entering courses from both schools separately.
What GPA do I need for graduate school?
Most graduate programs expect a minimum GPA of 3.0, but competitive programs often look for 3.5 or higher. Medical schools typically want 3.7+, law schools look at 3.5+, and MBA programs generally want 3.3+. Use our target GPA planner to set and work toward your goal.