Semester GPA Calculator
Calculate your GPA for the current semester from up to 5 courses.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Your semester GPA reflects only the courses taken in a single academic term. It is calculated the same way as cumulative GPA — by weighting grade points by credit hours — but includes only one semester's courses.
The Formula
Variables
- Grade Points — Numeric value for each course grade (A=4.0, B+=3.3, etc.)
- Credits — Credit hours for each course this semester
- Quality Points — Grade points multiplied by credits for each course
Worked Example
You take 5 courses this semester: A- (3 cr), B+ (3 cr), A (4 cr), B- (3 cr), B (3 cr). Quality points: (3.7x3)+(3.3x3)+(4.0x4)+(2.7x3)+(3.0x3) = 11.1+9.9+16+8.1+9 = 54.1. Total credits: 16. Semester GPA = 54.1/16 = 3.38.
Practical Tips
- A single bad grade in a high-credit course can significantly drop your semester GPA.
- Full-time students typically take 12-18 credit hours per semester.
- If a course offers a late withdrawal option, dropping it before the deadline prevents it from affecting your GPA.
- Semester GPA matters for Dean's List, which is evaluated term by term.
- Summer courses are usually their own separate term for GPA purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credits should I take per semester?
Most full-time students take 12-16 credits per semester. Taking 15 credits per semester lets you graduate in 4 years (120 credits). Overloading with 18+ credits can hurt your GPA if you struggle to keep up with the workload.
Does semester GPA affect financial aid?
Yes. Federal financial aid requires Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), which typically means maintaining a 2.0 cumulative GPA and completing at least 67% of attempted courses. A very low semester GPA can trigger an academic review.
Can one semester fix a bad cumulative GPA?
It depends on how many credits you have already completed. Early in college, one strong semester can make a big difference. Later on, with 80+ credits, even a perfect 4.0 semester moves the needle less. Use the Cumulative GPA Calculator to plan.
What is academic probation?
Academic probation is a warning status triggered when your GPA falls below a threshold, usually 2.0. You typically get one semester to raise your GPA above the minimum. Failure to improve may result in academic suspension.
Do withdrawn courses count in semester GPA?
A 'W' (withdrawal) does not affect your GPA — it simply appears on your transcript. However, too many withdrawals can affect financial aid eligibility and may raise concerns with advisors or graduate programs.