Calculating Your Grade Point Average (GPA)
GPA formula: Total Quality Points (QP) ÷ Total GPA hours = GPA
Step 1: Figure out your total quality points
You earn quality points, also known as grade points, based on your final grade in each course. Points are determined by Â鶹Æƽ⴫ý's grading system (found in the ):
| A | 4.00 | C | 2.00 |
| A- | 3.67 | C- | 1.67 |
| B+ | 3.33 | D+ | 1.33 |
| B | 3.00 | D | 1.00 |
| B- | 2.67 | F | 0.00 |
| C+ | 2.33 |
Multiply quality points by credit hours to determine total quality points (QP).
Example: Your final grade in TH 1000 is a B-. Multiply 2.67 (from the chart above) by 3 (number of credit hours for TH 1000). 2.67 x 3 = 8.01. You've earned 8.01 quality points for your B- in TH 1000. Repeat this for all your classes and add up the quality points to get your total quality points for the semester.
Sample:
| Course | Final Grade | QP | x | Credit Hours | = | Total QP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TH 1000 | B- | 2.67 | x | 3 | = | 8.01 |
| EN 1100 | B | 3.00 | x | 3 | = | 9.00 |
| HS 1100 | C | 2.00 | x | 3 | = | 6.00 |
| MT 1190 | C- | 1.67 | x | 3 | = | 5.01 |
| FS 1100 | A | 4.00 | x | 1 | = | 4.00 |
| 13 | 32.02 |
Step 2: Figure your term GPA by applying the GPA formula (QP ÷ credit hours = GPA) 32.02 ÷ 13 = 2.46.
Step 3: Use running totals of quality points and credit hours to determine your cumulative GPA.
Practice: Using information from the sample above, figure out the cumulative GPA after adding a 15-hour semester with a B average.
| QP | Credit Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 32.02 | 13 |
| Semester 2 | +_____ | + 15 |
| _____ | ÷&²Ô²ú²õ±è; 28 = _____ Cumulative GPA |
Problem #1 - Calculate your term GPA using your midterm grades
If the semester ended at midterm, what GPA would you have?
| Course | Midterm Grade | Grade Points | x | Credit Hours | = | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Totals: | _________ | = | _________ | |||
Total QP ÷&²Ô²ú²õ±è; Total Hours = GPA
GPA Formula: ________ ÷&²Ô²ú²õ±è; ________ = ______
Problem #2 - Set a GPA goal
Use your current GPA (quality points and hours) to figure out a realistic GPA goal for your next semester. What will you need for the term in order to meet your overall GPA goal? HINT: Access your transcript on Rockweb to find your earned credit hours and quality points.
| QP | GPA Hours | GPA | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Totals | _____ | _____ | _____ | |
| Projected Goals | _____ | _____ | _____ (semester goal) | |
| _____ | ÷&²Ô²ú²õ±è; | _____ | _____ (desired overall goal) |
Recommendations:
- Keep track of your GPA and hours.
- Know your requirements for financial aid/scholarships. See a financial aid counselor.
- Set GPA goals (both term and cumulative GPA). Use campus resources to meet them.
Other things to remember:
- Your Â鶹Æƽ⴫ý GPA does not include grades from transfer coursework.
- Transfer coursework is included in the graduation honors calculation.
- You can repeat a course (at RU) to replace a failing or low grade - see for details.
- The university catalog is the source to find grade (and other University) policies and specific graduation requirements.