What counts as completed credits?

Credits that already appear on your transcript with a grade. Do not include the credits you are about to take this semester.

What if my school uses a weighted GPA?

Most schools track cumulative GPA on the standard 4.0 scale even when individual course grades are weighted. Use whatever cumulative number your transcript shows.

Why is the required GPA above 4.0?

Because the gap between your current GPA and your target is too large to close in one semester with the credits you plan to take. Consider a longer horizon or a less aggressive target.

Does this include pass/fail credits?

Usually no. Pass/fail credits typically count toward graduation but not toward GPA. Use only graded credits for both completed and planned.

Semester GPA Planner

Plan the GPA you need this semester to move your cumulative GPA toward a specific target.

Semester planner

See the semester GPA you'd need to reach a cumulative GPA target.

Current cumulative GPACompleted creditsTarget cumulative GPA

Planned semester classes

Course
Credits
Course
Credits

Required semester GPA

6.50

Planned credits

Target GPA

3.50

This target is not reachable with the planned credits on a 4.0 scale. Try adding more planned credits or setting a lower target GPA.

What this means: This is the average GPA your planned semester needs to reach your cumulative target. It's a planning estimate only — it's not an admissions guarantee or official school policy.

About this calculator

The semester GPA planner is a backwards-from-the-goal tool. You enter your current cumulative GPA, how many credits you have finished, the cumulative GPA you would like to reach, and the credits you plan to take this semester. The calculator returns the semester GPA you would need to earn to bring the cumulative number up (or hold it where it is). It also flags when the target is not reachable in a single term on the 4.0 scale.

Use the planner to set realistic semester goals. Big jumps in cumulative GPA are usually hard to make once you have a lot of completed credits, because each new semester represents a smaller share of the total. The earlier you plan, the more flexibility you have.

How it works

Required semester GPA = (target × (completed + planned) − current × completed) ÷ planned. If the result is greater than 4.0, the target is not reachable this term on the standard scale.

Example calculation

Current cumulative GPA 3.20 over 60 credits, target 3.25 with 15 planned credits. Required semester GPA = (3.25 × 75 − 3.20 × 60) ÷ 15 = 3.45. A solid but realistic semester would close the gap.

What this means

A required semester GPA inside 0 to 4.0 is reachable on the standard scale. A value above 4.0 means a single semester is not enough — you would need to spread the goal over multiple terms or adjust the target. Use the number as a planning anchor for conversations with your advisor.

FAQ

What counts as completed credits?: Credits that already appear on your transcript with a grade. Do not include the credits you are about to take this semester.
What if my school uses a weighted GPA?: Most schools track cumulative GPA on the standard 4.0 scale even when individual course grades are weighted. Use whatever cumulative number your transcript shows.
Why is the required GPA above 4.0?: Because the gap between your current GPA and your target is too large to close in one semester with the credits you plan to take. Consider a longer horizon or a less aggressive target.
Does this include pass/fail credits?: Usually no. Pass/fail credits typically count toward graduation but not toward GPA. Use only graded credits for both completed and planned.

Related calculators

GradeTally is an independent planning tool and is not affiliated with any school, college, university, or education department. Calculations are for planning purposes only — confirm official GPA rules with your school counselor, registrar, or official academic policy.