How GPA Is Defined at Caltech
At the California Institute of Technology, grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of units attempted in courses that carry letter grades and are included in GPA. Only courses that are officially designated as GPA-bearing are used in the calculation. Certain grades appear on the transcript but are excluded from GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students with letter-graded coursework | First-year students during terms when only Pass grades are issued |
| Graduate students in programs that report GPA | Courses graded Pass, Withdrawn, Incomplete, or Examination |
| Students calculating term or cumulative GPA | Non-credit coursework |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Enter only courses that received letter grades included in GPA.
- Use the official Caltech unit value for each course.
- Exclude Pass, Withdrawn, Incomplete, and Examination grades.
- Exclude first-year Pass grades from terms where GPA is not reported.
This calculator is intended to match the GPA values shown on official Caltech transcripts once GPA reporting applies.
Types of GPA Reported at Caltech
Caltech officially reports the following GPA types:
- Term GPA, calculated for a single academic term.
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all GPA-bearing coursework completed to date.
Not all students have GPA reported at all stages of enrollment.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at Caltech is calculated using letter-graded courses after GPA reporting begins. During the initial academic period when only Pass grades are awarded, GPA is not calculated. Once letter grades apply, all GPA-bearing courses are included according to published grading rules.
Official GPA Scale
Caltech uses a letter-grade system with plus and minus distinctions. GPA is calculated using grade points assigned by the Registrar. If a specific numeric grade-point table is not published for a program, GPA reflects the Registrar’s official internal scale.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses | Pass (P) |
| F grades | Withdrawn (W) |
| Repeated courses | Incomplete (I) |
| Examination (E) |
GPA errors most often occur when transcript grades that do not carry grade points are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Caltech
Each course carries a fixed number of academic units. Grade points earned in a course are weighted by its unit value, meaning higher-unit courses have a greater impact on GPA than lower-unit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Caltech GPA is calculated using the following formula:
Total grade points earned ÷ total GPA-bearing units attempted
Example:
A student earns:
- 9 units with a grade of A
- 9 units with a grade of B
- 9 units with a grade of C
The total grade points are divided by 27 units to determine GPA.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, the original grade remains on the transcript. GPA calculation follows official Registrar policy regarding whether multiple attempts are included. Original grades are not removed from the academic record.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. These grades document enrollment status or course completion but are excluded from grade point calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at Caltech is calculated using letter-graded coursework when GPA is reported by the program. Some graduate programs may have additional grading standards, but GPA calculation follows Registrar policy when applicable.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass grades in GPA calculations
- Counting Withdrawn or Incomplete courses as GPA-bearing
- Using incorrect unit values
- Assuming repeated courses replace original grades
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Caltech calculate GPA for first-year students?
No GPA is reported during academic periods when only Pass grades are issued. GPA begins once letter grading applies.
Do Pass grades count toward GPA at Caltech?
No. Pass grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Are Withdrawn courses included in GPA?
No. Withdrawn courses are excluded from GPA calculations.
Do failed courses affect GPA?
Yes. F grades are included in GPA calculations and carry grade points.
Is GPA calculated the same for all programs?
GPA calculation follows Registrar rules, but not all programs report GPA at all stages.
Does Caltech remove old grades when a course is repeated?
No. Original grades remain on the transcript and are handled according to official repeat policies.
Related Official University Links
- California Institute of Technology Registrar’s Office
https://registrar.caltech.edu/ - Caltech Academic Catalog — Grades and Grading
https://www.catalog.caltech.edu/current/general-information/grades-and-grading/ - Caltech Scholastic Requirements
https://www.catalog.caltech.edu/current/academic-policies/scholastic-requirements/ - Caltech Graduate Academic Policies
https://www.catalog.caltech.edu/current/graduate-information/academic-policies/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available California Institute of Technology academic and registrar documentation. Official transcripts and Registrar determinations govern final GPA calculations.