Short answer. Semester GPA = total quality points / total credits. Quality points are grade points (A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0) times the credits for each course.
What a semester GPA is
Your semester GPA covers only the courses you take in one term. It is different from your cumulative GPA, which covers every term so far. Schools use the semester GPA for the dean's list, academic probation and some scholarships, so it is useful to know it before grades are posted.
The formula
Each letter grade has a number of grade points. Each course has a number of credits. Multiply them to get the quality points for that course. Add up the quality points for all your courses, then divide by the total credits.
Semester GPA = sum of (grade points x credits) / sum of credits
The grade points used
The tool uses the common 4.0 scale with plus and minus grades: A+ and A are 4.0, A- is 3.7, B+ is 3.3, B is 3.0, B- is 2.7, C+ is 2.3, C is 2.0, C- is 1.7, D+ is 1.3, D is 1.0, D- is 0.7 and F is 0. Some schools give 4.3 for an A+. Some do not use plus and minus at all. Schools set their own rules, so check your syllabus or school handbook.
Why credits matter
A course with more credits has more weight. A B in a 4-credit lab moves your GPA more than an A in a 1-credit seminar. If you want to raise your semester GPA, focus first on the courses with the most credits.
Pass or fail courses
Courses taken pass or fail usually do not count in your GPA. Leave them out of the list. A withdrawal (W) also does not count at most schools. An incomplete counts once a grade is given.
From semester to cumulative
When you have your semester GPA, you can join it with your earlier record. Use the cumulative GPA calculator, which takes your old GPA and credits and adds the new term.
Worked example
Example. Four courses: Biology, 4 credits, B+ (3.3). English, 3 credits, A (4.0). Math, 3 credits, B- (2.7). History, 3 credits, A- (3.7).
Quality points: 4 x 3.3 = 13.2. 3 x 4.0 = 12.0. 3 x 2.7 = 8.1. 3 x 3.7 = 11.1. Total = 44.4.
Credits: 4 + 3 + 3 + 3 = 13. Semester GPA = 44.4 / 13 = 3.42 (3.415 rounded).
Questions
What is the difference between semester and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA covers one term. Cumulative GPA covers all terms. The cumulative GPA calculator joins them.
Is an A+ worth more than an A?
On this scale both are 4.0. Some schools give 4.3 for an A+. Check your own school's scale.
Do pass or fail classes count?
Usually not. Leave them out of the list.
What is a good semester GPA?
Many dean's lists start at 3.5. Many schools put students on probation below 2.0. Rules differ by school.
Can I use this for a quarter system?
Yes. Use the quarter credits for each course. The formula is the same.
Last checked by the StudyCount team.