The words grade, point and average give you a clue as to how you calculate your grade point average (GPA). First you have to determine your grade points, and then you take an average. Every letter grade has a numerical value assigned to it: A=4; B=3; C=2; D=1; F=0.
To calculate your grade points for a class you have taken, multiply the numerical value of your letter grade by the credit hours assigned to the course. Example: You took English 101, which is three credit hours, and you earned a C in the course (Remember, C=2). Just multiply 2 (for the C) x 3 (credit hours). That is, 2 x 3 = 6. So, for this class, you have six grade points.
Now calculate the grade points for each class using the example below:
Course | Credits | Grade Earned | Grade Value | Grade Points |
ENG-101 | 3 | C | 2 | 3 x 2 = 6 |
CHM-110 | 4 | A | 4 | 4 x 4 = 16 |
PSY-201 | 3 | B | 3 | 3 x 3 = 9 |
Total Credits and Grade Points | 10 | 31 |
Once you have figured out your grade points you can compute the average. To compute the grade point average:
- Total your grade points by adding the grade points from each class: 6+16+9=31
- Total the number of credits attempted: 3+4+3=10
- Divide the total grade points by the total number of credits: 31 divided by 10 = 3.1
The grade point average, or GPA, in this case is 3.1 for the semester. You have three different GPAs.
- Semester GPA - specific to all courses taken during the semester
- Cumulative GPA - includes all coursework completed at TTC
- Program GPA - specific to coursework applying directly toward your program of study.
Grading System
Letter Grade | Numerical Scale |
A | 91-100 |
B | 81-90 |
C | 71-80 |
D | 65-70 |
F | Below 65 |