GPA
What Is a Cumulative GPA?
Understand cumulative GPA as a credit-weighted average of grade points, and see a simple example of how it is calculated.
A cumulative GPA summarizes grade points across courses over time. At many institutions, courses contribute in proportion to their credit hours, so a four-credit course has more influence than a one-credit course. Exact rules and scales differ by institution.
Credit-weighted GPA formula
For each course, multiply its grade-point value by its credits. Add those quality points, then divide by the total credits included:
Cumulative GPA = total quality points ÷ total GPA credits
Suppose you earned a 3.0 in a 3-credit course and a 4.0 in a 4-credit course:
- First course:
3.0 × 3 = 9quality points - Second course:
4.0 × 4 = 16quality points - Combined GPA:
(9 + 16) ÷ (3 + 4) = 3.57
This example assumes both courses count toward GPA and use the same grade-point scale.
Why your school’s rules matter
Institutions may treat repeated courses, withdrawals, pass/fail classes, transfer credits, and incomplete grades differently. Letter-to-point conversions also vary. A percentage does not map to a universal GPA; use the conversion and credit rules published by your school.
Semester GPA versus cumulative GPA
A semester GPA uses courses from one term. A cumulative GPA combines the courses counted across multiple terms. To update a cumulative GPA, use the existing quality points and credits plus the new term’s quality points and credits, rather than taking the simple average of semester GPAs.
GradeWise does not assume a universal percentage-to-GPA conversion. The calculator can display a GPA only when you enter the thresholds that apply to your institution. Confirm important results with your official transcript or registrar.