How to use it
- Take your current cumulative GPA and total graded credits from your transcript or student portal.
- Enter this term's GPA and credits (work out the term GPA with the GPA calculator if you need to).
- The new cumulative GPA weights each part by its credits.
The formula
Cumulative GPA = (old GPA × old credits + term GPA × term credits) ÷ (old credits + term credits)
Example: 3.2 over 45 credits plus 3.6 over 15 credits: (144 + 54) ÷ 60 = 3.30.
Good to know
- The more credits you've completed, the less one semester can move your cumulative GPA — that's why early semesters matter.
- Transfer credits usually count toward your degree but not your GPA at the new school.
Questions
Is cumulative GPA the same as overall GPA?
Yes. Cumulative or overall GPA covers every graded class you've taken at the school; term GPA covers one semester.
How much can one semester raise my GPA?
It depends on how many credits you already have. With 30 credits done, a 4.0 semester of 15 credits can raise a 3.0 to about 3.33; with 90 credits done, the same semester only gets you to about 3.14.
Do repeated classes count twice?
Policies differ. Many schools drop the first attempt from the GPA once you retake the class; others average both. Check your school's repeat policy.