Find the class that matters most
Change one grade at a time. The class with the most credits shifts your semester GPA the most, which is where extra study time pays off.
Semester GPA calculator
This term only. Enter expected grades to see where you will land.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my GPA for one semester?
Multiply each class’s grade points by its credit hours, add those up, and divide by the semester’s total credit hours. Only this term’s classes go in.
What is the difference between semester and cumulative GPA?
A semester (or term) GPA covers one term. Your cumulative GPA covers every term so far, weighted by credits. Use the cumulative GPA calculator to combine the two.
Can I use expected grades?
Yes. Put in the grades you expect and change them to see what each class does to your term GPA. Once grades post, enter the real ones.
Does a quarter system work the same way?
Yes. Enter the quarter units each class carries instead of semester credits; the arithmetic is identical.
A worked example
Five classes, 15 credits. The grade points come to 51.8, so the semester GPA is 51.8 ÷ 15 = 3.45 — a B+ average.
| Class | Grade | Points | Credits | Grade points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting I | B+ | 3.3 | 3 | 9.9 |
| Marketing | A | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Business Writing | A− | 3.7 | 3 | 11.1 |
| Statistics | B− | 2.7 | 4 | 10.8 |
| Public Speaking | A | 4.0 | 2 | 8.0 |
| Total | 15 | 51.8 |
Where your term GPA goes next
Your registrar adds this term’s grade points and credits to everything before it to update your cumulative GPA. That is why a strong semester moves your overall GPA less as your credits pile up.
Mid-term check
Plug in your current grade in each class halfway through the term. It is a quick way to see whether you are on track for a target.
What this calculator assumes
- Grades convert on the scale you pick; the standard scale is The Princeton Review’s table.
- Pass/fail classes, withdrawals and incompletes are left out, as most registrars do.