How to use the gpa needed to reach a target calculator
- Enter your current cumulative GPA and the credits completed so far.
- Enter the credits still to earn and the GPA you want overall.
- If your school uses a scale other than 4.0, open More options and enter the highest grade point.
- Read the GPA you must average on the remaining credits, and whether the target can be reached.
Formula
grade points so far = current GPA x credits completed
needed GPA = (target x (completed + remaining) - grade points so far) / remaining credits
best possible GPA = (grade points so far + top grade point x remaining) / (completed + remaining)
All credits are weighted equally, as in a standard credit-weighted GPA. If the needed GPA is above the top of the scale, the target cannot be reached with those credits.
From 3.2 to 3.4
A student has a 3.2 GPA over 60 credits and will take 30 more. For an overall 3.4 over 90 credits the total grade points must be 3.4 x 90 = 306. They have 3.2 x 60 = 192, so they need 114 over 30 credits, which is a 3.80 average.
With only 15 credits left the same goal needs (3.4 x 75 - 192) / 15 = 4.20. That is above 4.0, so it is out of reach. The best possible GPA would be (192 + 60) / 75 = 3.36.
Reading the answer
A needed GPA at or below your scale maximum is possible, but a number close to the maximum means almost every grade must be top marks. The best possible GPA line shows the ceiling. If it is lower than your target, plan for a smaller step or extra credits.
If your record already beats the target even with zeros in the remaining courses, the page says the goal is already met. That usually only happens with a long record and a modest target.
Limits of the result
Schools differ on repeated courses, grade replacement, pass or fail courses and weighted scales. Check your own policy. For a semester GPA from letter grades, use the GPA Calculator, and for the score needed in one course, the Grade Calculator. To move between scales, try the GPA Scale Converter.
Assumptions and limits
- Every credit counts the same way toward the GPA.
- Your current GPA is treated as exact, although a displayed GPA is usually rounded.
- The highest grade point is 4.0 unless you change it in More options.
- Grade replacement, repeated courses and pass or fail rules are not modeled.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA do I need to raise my cumulative GPA to a target?
Multiply the target by all credits you will have, subtract your current grade points, and divide by the credits still to earn. A 3.2 over 60 credits needs a 3.80 over 30 more credits to reach 3.4.
Why does the page say my goal is not reachable?
The GPA you would need on the remaining credits is above the top of your scale. Even straight top grades would leave the overall GPA below your goal, and the best possible GPA is shown.
Does this work for a weighted GPA?
It can, if you enter the top of your weighted scale in More options and use your weighted GPA. Schools weight courses in different ways, so check how yours is calculated.
How many credits do I need to raise my GPA?
Try a larger number of remaining credits. More credits give your new grades more weight, so a lower average can reach the same target.