How to calculate cumulative GPA
3.22cumulative GPA
3.20 over 45 credits, then a 3.28 term of 13 credits
Add up the grade points from every semester and divide by all the credits: cumulative GPA = total grade points ÷ total credits. With a GPA already on record, rebuild its grade points first: current GPA × credits so far.
Cumulative GPA = (current GPA × credits so far + new grade points) ÷ (credits so far + new credits)
- Cumulative GPA covers every graded class so far, across all terms
- Current grade points = current GPA × credits it covers
- Add the new term’s grade points and credits, then divide once
- Averaging semester GPAs is wrong when credit loads differ
- Use GPA credits, not total earned credits
Worked example
| Grade points | Credits | GPA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before this term | 3.20 × 45 = 144.0 | 45 | 3.20 |
| This term | 42.7 | 13 | 3.28 |
| Cumulative | 186.7 | 58 | 186.7 ÷ 58 = 3.22 |
Cumulative GPA calculator
Your GPA so far, plus this term’s classes, gives your new overall GPA.
All semesters at once
If you have every term’s grades, the simplest way is to list every class from every term and divide total grade points by total credits. The cumulative GPA calculator does the same from your current GPA and credits.
Why averaging GPAs is wrong
A 4.0 in a 6-credit summer term and a 3.0 in an 18-credit fall term are not a 3.5 overall. Weighted by credits, it is (24 + 54) ÷ 24 = 3.25.
Is cumulative GPA all four years?
Yes: in high school it covers 9th through 12th grade so far; in college it covers every term at that college. Transfer grades usually stay out of it.
Repeated classes
If your school replaces a retaken grade, the old grade’s points and credits come out of the total before the new grade goes in. Check your registrar’s repeat policy.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate a cumulative GPA?
Multiply your current GPA by the credits it covers, add the grade points from new classes, and divide by all credits together.
Is a 2.5 cumulative GPA good?
A 2.5 is between a C+ and a B− average. It meets requirements set at 2.5 or lower; many honors programs and scholarships ask for more, so check the specific one.
Is a 3.7 cumulative GPA good?
A 3.7 is an A− average on the 4.0 scale: mostly As over every term so far.
Is cumulative GPA weighted or unweighted?
It can be either. High school transcripts often show both; colleges usually report an unweighted cumulative GPA.