What’s a GPA? A Guide to Calculating Your Grade Point Average
Your grade point average (GPA) is an important number to keep up during your time as a student at SDSU. Having a GPA over 3.0 can make you eligible for more scholarships and can help when finding a job after college easier. Remember to attend class regularly, go to tutoring if available, take good notes and study often if you want to improve your GPA.
Steps to Calculate Your GPA:
- Determine the number of grade points earned by taking the credit hours of each class and multiplying that number by the grade point value (listed below). For example, a grade of C in a three (3) credit English 101 class would be worth six (6) points.
- Once you’ve determined the grade points for each course, total up your semester grade points, and then total up your semester credit hours.
- Divide your total grade points by your total credit hours. The number that remains is your GPA.
Letter grades carry these point values:
- A = 4 points
- B = 3 points
- C = 2 points
- D = 1 point
- F = 0 points
Did you know:
- SDSU uses a 4.0 grading scale, with no "plusses" (example: B+) or "minuses” (example: A-).
- You can repeat a course to raise your GPA. Both courses will show up on your transcript, but only the course with the higher grade will be used to calculate your GPA.
- Looking to graduate with Honors? You’ll need a 3.5 for Cum Laude distinction, a 3.7 for Magna Cum Laude distinction, and a 3.9 for Summa Cum Laude distinction.
CALCULATING YOUR GRADE POINT AVERAGE (GPA)