College GPA Calculator

Calculate your college GPA, find what grades you need for target GPA, or project future semester outcomes. Supports standard 4.0 scale with plus/minus grades.

Enter letter grades separated by commas

Optional - leave blank to count each grade equally

What GPA you want to achieve

College GPA Formula (4.0 Scale):\n\nGPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credits) / Σ(Credits)\n\nGrade Point Values:\nA+/A = 4.0, A- = 3.7\nB+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7\nC+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7\nD+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7\nF = 0.0\n\nTarget GPA Calculation:\nCredits Needed = (Target GPA × Current Credits - Current Points) / (Future Semester GPA - Target GPA)\n\nProjected GPA:\nNew GPA = (Current Points + Future Points) / Total Credits
Example 1 - Simple GPA:\nGrades: A, B+, A-, B, C+ (3 cr each)\nPoints: 4.0×3 + 3.3×3 + 3.7×3 + 3.0×3 + 2.3×3 = 48.9\nGPA = 48.9 ÷ 15 = 3.26\n\nExample 2 - Target GPA:\nCurrent: 3.0 GPA, 60 credits\nTarget: 3.3 GPA\nAt 4.0: Need 45 credits (3 semesters)\nAt 3.5: Need 90 credits (6 semesters)\n\nExample 3 - Projected:\nCurrent: 3.2 GPA, 45 credits\nNext semester: 3.8 GPA, 15 credits\nProjected: (144 + 57) ÷ 60 = 3.35 GPA

What is the difference between high school and college GPA?

College GPA uses 4.0 scale exclusively (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0). High school may use weighted GPA (AP/Honors +0.5-1.0, allowing >4.0). College: only course grades count, no extra credit for difficulty. Transferring: high school GPA irrelevant for college GPA - you start fresh at 0.00. College courses harder but worth same points. Graduate schools see only college GPA.

How do I calculate my college GPA with plus/minus grades?

Plus/minus scale: A+ and 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, F = 0.0. Some schools don't use A+ or use different values. Example: B+ (3.3) in 3-credit class = 9.9 points. B (3.0) in 3-credit = 9.0 points. That 0.3 difference adds up - over 120 credits, it's 36 GPA points or 0.3 cumulative GPA difference.

Do college prerequisites affect my GPA?

Yes! All college courses count, including: remedial math/English (often no credit but count in GPA), prerequisites, gen-ed requirements, electives, major courses. Exception: developmental courses at some schools (marked as non-credit). Failing prerequisites hurts GPA and delays degree (must retake before progressing). Strategy: Take prerequisites seriously - easy to dismiss "intro" courses, but Cs and Ds lower GPA permanently. Strong start matters most.

What college GPA do I need for my major?

Major admission requirements: Competitive (Engineering, Nursing, Business): 3.0-3.5 minimum. Very competitive (Pre-med, CS at top schools): 3.5+ required. Open majors: 2.0-2.5 minimum. Also: Major GPA calculated separately (only major courses) - often needs to be higher than overall. Example: 2.8 overall OK but need 3.2 major GPA. Failing to maintain drops you from major. Check requirements early - may need to change major if GPA too low.

How does withdrawing from courses affect my college GPA?

Withdraw (W) before deadline: No GPA impact, loses tuition, shows on transcript. After deadline: F grade, damages GPA. Strategic use: Withdraw if failing (W better than F). Too many Ws (>3-4) looks bad for grad school/transfers. Some schools: WF (withdraw failing) = F in GPA. Best practice: Withdraw before 60% point in semester if grade below C. Can retake course - some schools replace grade, others average both attempts.

Can I raise my college GPA after freshman year?

Yes but gets harder. Freshman year: 30 credits at 2.5 GPA = 75 points. To reach 3.0 overall need: (3.0 × total credits) - current points. After sophomore (60 credits at 2.5 = 150 pts), need 30 credits at 4.0 to reach 3.0 cumulative. Junior year impact smaller. Strategy: Fix GPA early. Retake failed courses. Take summer classes for grade replacement. Consider W/F affecting graduation timeline vs GPA damage.

What college GPA is required for financial aid and scholarships?

Federal aid (Pell Grant, loans): Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) - usually 2.0 GPA minimum, complete 67% of attempted credits. Below 2.0: financial aid suspension until SAP met. Scholarships: Merit-based require 3.0-3.5 minimum, checked each semester/year. Lose scholarship = immediate tuition bill or drop out. Athletic: NCAA requires 2.0. Institutional: varies 2.5-3.5. One bad semester can lose $20K/year scholarship. Always know exact requirements!