Why credits change the average
Multiply each course’s grade points by its credits. Add those products, then divide by the total credits. A four-credit course has more influence on the result than a one-credit course.
A worked example
An A in a three-credit course contributes 4.0 × 3 = 12 grade points. A B in another three-credit course contributes 3.0 × 3 = 9. Together, the GPA is (12 + 9) ÷ 6 = 3.50.
Combining semesters
Do not simply average two semester GPAs unless their credit totals are equal. A previous 3.0 GPA across 30 credits and a new 4.0 GPA across 15 credits combine to (3.0 × 30 + 4.0 × 15) ÷ 45 = 3.33.
Check your institution’s rules
This tool uses A and A+ = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, and the displayed grade scale. It does not apply honors or AP bonuses. Repeat courses, pass/fail credits, withdrawals, and rounding rules can be treated differently by schools. Your official transcript takes precedence.