Cumulative GPA Calculator

Calculate your cumulative GPA by combining previous semesters with new semester results. Track GPA progress and plan for academic goals.

Your GPA before this semester (0.00 if first semester)

Total credits earned before this semester (0 if first semester)

GPA for the current/new semester

Credits taken this semester

Cumulative GPA Formula:\n\nCumulative GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credits\n\nTotal Grade Points = (Previous GPA × Previous Credits) + (New GPA × New Credits)\nTotal Credits = Previous Credits + New Credits\n\nGPA Change = New Cumulative GPA - Previous Cumulative GPA\n\nHonor Levels:\n• Summa Cum Laude: 3.9-4.0\n• Magna Cum Laude: 3.7-3.89\n• Cum Laude: 3.5-3.69\n• Dean's List: 3.5+\n• Good Standing: 3.0+
Example:\nCurrent GPA: 3.25 (45 credits completed)\nNew Semester: 3.75 GPA (15 credits)\n\nCalculation:\nPrevious Points = 3.25 × 45 = 146.25\nNew Points = 3.75 × 15 = 56.25\nTotal Points = 146.25 + 56.25 = 202.50\nTotal Credits = 45 + 15 = 60\n\nNew Cumulative GPA = 202.50 ÷ 60 = 3.375\nGPA Change = 3.375 - 3.25 = +0.125\n\nResult: Cumulative GPA increased to 3.375\nStatus: Cum Laude range (need 3.5 for honors)

What is cumulative GPA and how is it different from semester GPA?

Cumulative GPA is your overall GPA across all completed semesters. Semester GPA is just one term. Example: Semester 1: 3.5 GPA (15 credits), Semester 2: 3.8 GPA (16 credits). Cumulative = total points / total credits. Semester 1 points = 52.5, Semester 2 = 60.8. Cumulative = 113.3 / 31 = 3.65. Each semester's weight depends on credits taken. More credits = bigger impact on cumulative GPA.

How do I calculate my cumulative GPA from multiple semesters?

Add ALL grade points and credits from every semester. Formula: Cumulative GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credits. Example: Fall 2023 (48 points, 15 cr), Spring 2024 (51 points, 16 cr), Fall 2024 (45 points, 15 cr). Total = 144 points / 46 credits = 3.13 GPA. Don't average the semester GPAs (3.2 + 3.19 + 3.0) / 3 = 3.13 - this is WRONG unless all semesters have equal credits.

Can I improve my cumulative GPA after multiple semesters?

Yes, but it gets harder with more credits. With 30 credits at 3.0 GPA (90 points), getting 4.0 (15 credits, 60 points) raises cumulative to 3.33. But with 90 credits at 3.0 (270 points), same 4.0 semester only raises it to 3.14. Rule: Early semesters impact GPA most. Recovering from 2.0 freshman year takes multiple 3.8+ semesters. Start strong - easier to maintain than repair.

Do transfer credits count toward cumulative GPA?

Depends on school policy. Most schools: transfer credits count toward graduation requirements but NOT GPA. Your cumulative GPA starts fresh at new school. Exception: Some schools include transfer grades. Always check registrar. Strategy: If transferring with low GPA, this is a reset opportunity. If high GPA, highlight it separately on resume/applications even if not in official cumulative GPA.

What is a good cumulative GPA for graduate school?

Competitive ranges: Top PhD/Medical programs: 3.7-4.0 (with 3.5 minimum). Good graduate programs: 3.5+ for research, 3.0-3.5 for professional masters. MBA programs: 3.0-3.5 (GMAT more important). Law school: 3.5+ for top 14, 3.0+ for most. Teaching certification: 2.5-3.0 minimum. Note: Last 60 credits (junior/senior GPA) often weighted more heavily than cumulative. Strong upward trend can offset lower cumulative GPA.

How do retaken courses affect cumulative GPA?

Varies by school policy. Grade replacement: New grade replaces old (both on transcript, only new in GPA). Best option. Grade averaging: Both attempts averaged into GPA. Worse outcome. Grade forgiveness: Old grade excluded but shows on transcript. Most common. Example: F in 3-credit class (0 points), retake for B (9 points). Replacement: GPA improves by 9 points. Averaging: (0+9)/2 = 4.5 points per 3 credits. Check your school's retake policy before deciding.

What cumulative GPA do I need for academic honors?

Typical thresholds: Summa Cum Laude: 3.9-4.0 GPA (top 1-5%), Magna Cum Laude: 3.7-3.89 (top 10%), Cum Laude: 3.5-3.69 (top 25%), Dean's List: 3.5+ per semester (some schools 3.7+). Requirements vary by institution. Some use class rank instead. Benefits: Resume distinction, scholarship renewal, graduate school admissions, competitive job applications. Note: Some employers filter resumes by 3.5+ GPA for entry-level positions.