What Is Cumulative GPA?
Cumulative GPA (also called CGPA or overall GPA) is the weighted average of all your semester GPAs, based on the number of credit hours completed each term. Unlike a semester GPA that only reflects one term, your cumulative GPA reflects your entire academic history.
Colleges use cumulative GPA for graduation requirements, Latin honors, academic standing, and it's the GPA that appears on your official transcript.
The Cumulative GPA Formula
Cumulative GPA is calculated using a credit-weighted average — not a simple average of your semester GPAs:
Cumulative GPA = Σ (Semester GPA × Credits) ÷ Σ (Credits)
Quality Points = Semester GPA × Credit Hours for that semester
Why not just average the GPAs? Because semesters with more credit hours should carry more weight. A 3.0 GPA in a 16-credit semester should count more than a 3.0 in a 12-credit semester.
5-Step Walkthrough
Gather Your Semester Data
Pull up your transcript and note the GPA and credit hours for each completed semester. You need both numbers for every term.
Calculate Quality Points Per Semester
Multiply each semester's GPA by its credit hours. For example: 3.5 GPA × 15 credits = 52.5 quality points.
Add Up All Quality Points
Sum the quality points from every semester: 52.5 + 60.8 + 44.8 = 158.1 total quality points.
Add Up All Credit Hours
Sum the credit hours from every semester: 15 + 16 + 14 = 45 total credits.
Divide: Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credits
158.1 ÷ 45 = 3.51 Cumulative GPA. That's it! Or skip the math entirely with our Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Full Example: 4-Semester Cumulative GPA
Let's walk through a realistic example with four semesters:
| Semester | GPA | Credits | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 (Freshman) | 3.2 | 14 | 44.8 |
| Spring 2025 (Freshman) | 3.5 | 15 | 52.5 |
| Fall 2025 (Sophomore) | 3.7 | 16 | 59.2 |
| Spring 2026 (Sophomore) | 3.9 | 15 | 58.5 |
| Totals | 60 | 215.0 | |
⭐ Cumulative GPA = 215.0 ÷ 60 = 3.58
Notice the upward trend — starting at 3.2 and ending at 3.9. Even though the first semester was lower, four semesters of improving grades brought the cumulative GPA to a strong 3.58.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a simple average: Don't add semester GPAs and divide by the number of semesters. Use the credit-weighted formula for accuracy.
- Including transfer credits: Transfer credits typically don't count toward your GPA at the new school. Only include semesters at your current institution.
- Forgetting labs and studios: Labs, recitations, and studios often carry separate credit hours. Make sure to include them in your credit totals.
- Counting pass/fail courses: Pass/fail grades usually don't factor into GPA. Only count graded courses. See our Pass/Fail GPA Calculator.
- Using rounded GPAs: Use the exact GPA from your transcript (e.g., 3.47, not 3.5) for the most accurate cumulative calculation.
Tips for Improving Cumulative GPA
Take heavier loads when you're thriving
More credits at a high GPA moves your cumulative GPA faster than fewer credits.
Retake low-grade courses
Many schools replace the old grade. See our Retake GPA Calculator.
Use pass/fail strategically
For electives that might hurt your GPA, consider pass/fail if your school allows it.
Plan with a GPA calculator
Use our Raise GPA Calculator to figure out exactly what you need.