Short answer. New GPA = (current GPA x credits so far + sum of term GPA x term credits) / total credits. From 3.2 over 45 credits, three 15-credit terms at 3.5, 3.8 and 3.0 give 3.32.
What the planner does
This planner looks ahead. A normal GPA calculator tells you where you are. The planner tells you where you will be. You choose a GPA for each coming term. The tool then shows your cumulative GPA after each term.
This helps with real choices. You can test a heavy term. You can test a light term. You can see if a plan reaches 3.0 for a scholarship or 3.5 for honors. You can change one number and watch the result move.
How to use it
First, type your GPA now and the credits you have finished. If you have not started yet, type 0 for credits. Next, fill in one row for each coming term. Write the credits you plan to take. Write the GPA you expect to earn in that term. Add more rows with the button. You can plan up to 10 terms.
The list under the result shows your GPA after each term in order. Rows with missing numbers are skipped.
The formula
Every credit carries grade points. A GPA is total grade points divided by total credits. The planner keeps a running total.
Start points = GPA now x credits so far
Term points = term GPA x term credits
New GPA = (start points + all term points so far) / (credits so far + all term credits so far)
Each term adds to both the top and the bottom of the fraction. A big term moves your GPA more than a small term. A long record moves less than a short one.
Why early terms matter most
When you have few credits, each new term has a large share of the total. When you have many credits, one term cannot change much. A student with 15 credits can move a GPA by a full point in one term. A student with 90 credits will move it by a few tenths. Use this to set goals. Plan early if you want a big change.
What the planner cannot know
The tool uses the GPA you type. It does not predict your grades. Term GPA is also an average of course grades, so work out each term with the GPA calculator first if you want a sharper estimate. Schools set their own rules, so check your own school handbook. Some schools replace old grades after a retake. Some count transfer credits in a different way. The planner uses the plain method.
Worked example
Example. You have a 3.2 GPA over 45 credits. That is 3.2 x 45 = 144 grade points.
Term 1: 15 credits at 3.5 adds 52.5 points. Total 196.5 points over 60 credits. GPA = 196.5 / 60 = 3.28 (3.275 rounded).
Term 2: 15 credits at 3.8 adds 57 points. Total 253.5 over 75 credits. GPA = 253.5 / 75 = 3.38.
Term 3: 15 credits at 3.0 adds 45 points. Total 298.5 over 90 credits. GPA = 298.5 / 90 = 3.32 (3.3167 rounded).
A weak third term pulls the GPA down from 3.38 to 3.32. The planner shows this at once.
Questions
How is the planner different from the cumulative GPA calculator?
The cumulative calculator adds one new term. The planner lets you add many terms and shows the GPA after each one.
What if I have no credits yet?
Type 0 for credits finished. The GPA now box can hold any number from 0 to 4.3. It will not count with zero credits.
Can I plan a summer term?
Yes. Add a row and name it Summer. Use its real credits and the GPA you expect.
Why does my GPA move so little in a late term?
Your old credits are a large part of the total. One term is a small share, so it shifts the average by a small amount.
Can I use it to find the GPA I need?
You can test values until you reach your goal. For a direct answer, use the GPA goal calculator.
Does the planner save my numbers?
No. It runs in your browser and does not send your numbers anywhere. Copy the result if you want to keep it.
Last checked by the StudyCount team.