Most universities calculate your GPA automatically, but knowing how to do it yourself lets you verify your official figure, project your final GPA before results arrive, and work out exactly what grades you need in remaining courses to hit a target.
The Formula
GPA = ∑(Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours
Every course contributes in proportion to its credit weight, not equally. A four-credit course influences your GPA twice as much as a two-credit one.
Step 1: Convert Grades to Points
Use your institution’s grade-point table. The standard US mapping is: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.
Step 2: Multiply Points by Credits
| Course | Credits | Grade | Points | Credit × Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | 4 | A | 4.0 | 16.0 |
| Physics | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| English | 3 | A- | 3.7 | 11.1 |
| Lab | 2 | A | 4.0 | 8.0 |
| Total | 12 | 45.0 |
GPA = 45.0 ÷ 12 = 3.75
Cumulative GPA Across Multiple Semesters
Do not average your semester GPAs — weight each by its credits.
Cumulative GPA = ∑(SGPA × Semester Credits) ÷ Total Credits
Two semesters of 14 and 16 credits with GPAs of 3.2 and 3.8: (3.2 × 14 + 3.8 × 16) ÷ 30 = (44.8 + 60.8) ÷ 30 = 3.52. A simple average of 3.2 and 3.8 would give 3.5 — close here, but the gap grows when credit loads differ significantly.
Projecting Your Final GPA
If you have completed 60 credits with a 3.1 GPA and want to finish at 3.5 over 120 total credits, calculate the grade points needed in the remaining 60:
Points earned so far: 3.1 × 60 = 186. Points needed total: 3.5 × 120 = 420. Points needed in remaining 60 credits: 420 − 186 = 234. Required GPA: 234 ÷ 60 = 3.9.
This shows whether your target is realistic before you commit to it.
Repeated Courses
Policies vary. Some institutions replace the old grade, some average both attempts, some count both. Check your academic regulations before assuming a retake will help your GPA.
Converting a CGPA to GPA
If your transcript shows a 10-point CGPA rather than a 4.0 GPA, use our CGPA to GPA guide for the conversion formula, or our free converter for an instant result.
FAQs
Does a W (withdrawal) affect GPA?
Usually not, if the withdrawal was official and the grade shows as W rather than F. Check your institution’s transcript policies.
Are pass/fail courses included in GPA?
Typically excluded. Credits count toward graduation but grades are not factored into the GPA calculation.
Why does my calculation differ from my transcript?
Most likely a rounding difference or a course treated differently (pass/fail, transfer credits, repeated course). Your institution’s calculated figure is the official one.
Summary
GPA is a credit-weighted average, not a simple one. Multiply each grade’s point value by its credits, sum the products, divide by total credits. For cumulative GPA across semesters, weight by credits rather than averaging GPAs. And for a quick conversion between CGPA and GPA, use the free grade converter on our homepage.