How Cumulative GPA Is Calculated
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is the primary numerical value representing overall academic standing. While simple average calculations treat all classes equally, official academic records weigh courses based on credit hours.
The GPA Math Formula
Calculating GPA involves multiplying the grade point equivalent of each letter grade by the credit hours of the course, summing those products, and dividing by total attempted credits:
GPA = ∑ (Course Credits × Grade Point Value) / Total Credits Attempted
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Translate your letter grades to grade points (e.g. A = 4.0, B = 3.0).
- Multiply the credit hours of each class by its point value (e.g. 4 credits × 3.0 = 12.0 grade points).
- Add all course points together.
- Divide total points by the sum of all attempted credits.
Estimate your semester cumulative GPA with our interactive GPA Calculator Tool.