Grades
Term GPA needed to reach a target
The rearranged form that answers how well the next term has to go to reach a target cumulative GPA.
The Formula
needed term GPA = (target x total credits - current points) / new credits
The rearranged form that answers how well the next term has to go to reach a target cumulative GPA.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| G_new | Term GPA needed | points | The average the next term must achieve. |
| T | Target cumulative GPA | points | The cumulative figure you want. |
| c_old | Credits already earned | credits | Credits banked so far. |
| c_new | New credits | credits | Credits in the upcoming term. |
| q_old | Quality points so far | points | Current points in the numerator. |
What Each Symbol Means
G_newpoints
Term GPA needed
The average the next term must achieve.
Tpoints
Target cumulative GPA
The cumulative figure you want.
c_oldcredits
Credits already earned
Credits banked so far.
c_newcredits
New credits
Credits in the upcoming term.
q_oldpoints
Quality points so far
Current points in the numerator.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate cumulative gpa page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Cumulative GPA, filed under Education. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.