College GPA Calculator
Calculate cumulative GPA across semesters
How to use
Enter your current cumulative GPA and total credits completed. Then add your new semester courses with letter grades and credit hours. The calculator combines both to show your updated cumulative GPA. Use the "GPA needed" section to find what GPA you must achieve in remaining credits to reach a target.
Formula
Examples
Updating cumulative GPA
Current GPA of 3.2 with 60 credits. This semester: A in Statistics (3 credits), B+ in Biology (4 credits), A- in English (3 credits). New semester GPA is 3.59, cumulative GPA rises to 3.26.
First semester student
Leave prior GPA at 0 and credits at 0. Enter all your first semester courses. The cumulative GPA equals your semester GPA.
Target GPA planning
Current GPA of 3.0 with 90 credits, targeting 3.25 for graduation. With 30 credits remaining, you need a 3.75 GPA in those credits. If you have only 15 credits left, the required GPA would exceed 4.0, so the target is unachievable.
Frequently asked questions
How is cumulative GPA calculated?
Cumulative GPA is the weighted average of all grade points earned divided by all credits attempted. Each course contributes grade points equal to the letter grade value times the credit hours. This is summed across all semesters and divided by total credits.
What grade scale does this use?
This calculator uses the standard US 4.0 scale where A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, and F=0.0. Plus/minus grades are supported (A-=3.7, B+=3.3, etc.). A+ is treated as 4.0 since most US colleges cap at 4.0.
Can I raise my GPA significantly in one semester?
The more credits you have completed, the harder it is to move your cumulative GPA. With 30 credits completed, one great semester has a big impact. With 90+ credits, even a perfect 4.0 semester only moves the needle a few tenths. Start strong and maintain consistency.
What GPA do I need for graduate school?
Requirements vary by program. Most master's programs expect a 3.0+ GPA. Competitive programs (top MBA, medical school, law school) typically want 3.5+. Check your target program's specific requirements, as they may weight major GPA differently from cumulative GPA.
Does retaking a course replace the old grade?
Grade replacement policies vary by school. Some replace the old grade entirely, some average both attempts, and some count both. Check your college's policy. In this calculator, only enter the grade that counts toward your GPA per your school's rules.
About this tool
Calculate your cumulative college GPA by combining your existing GPA with new semester courses. Find the GPA needed to reach your target.
All calculations are performed locally in your browser. Your data never leaves your device.