How GPA Is Defined at Florida State University
At Florida State University (FSU), GPA is the numerical measure of academic performance calculated by dividing total quality points by total attempted credit hours with letter grades. FSU reports multiple GPA types on the academic record, including term GPA, FSU cumulative GPA, transfer GPA, and combined overall GPA. Quality points are assigned based on the grade earned in each course and the number of credit hours attempted. Transfer credit does not increase the FSU cumulative GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students calculating term or cumulative FSU GPA | Courses graded S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) |
| Graduate students calculating FSU coursework GPA | Transfer coursework when calculating FSU-only GPA |
| Students reviewing combined GPA (FSU + transfer) | Courses with no grade or administrative symbols |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses, confirm the following from your official academic record:
- Only include courses with standard letter grades.
- Use the correct credit hours for each course.
- Exclude transfer coursework when calculating FSU cumulative GPA.
This calculator is intended to match Florida State University’s term and cumulative GPA calculations for FSU coursework.
Types of GPA Reported at Florida State University
Florida State University may report the following GPA types:
- Term GPA: GPA earned in a single academic term.
- FSU Cumulative GPA: GPA based only on coursework taken at FSU.
- Transfer GPA: GPA based on coursework completed at other institutions.
- Combined Overall GPA: GPA combining FSU and transfer coursework.
Not all students will see all GPA types on their record. This calculator matches the FSU term and cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated by assigning quality points to each letter grade, multiplying by the course credit hours, and dividing total quality points by total attempted credit hours with letter grades.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Colleges | Yes | Standard FSU scale | Transfer credits excluded from FSU GPA |
| Professional Programs | Yes | Program-specific | Some professional programs may use modified scales |
Official GPA Scale
Florida State University publishes the following standard undergraduate grade-to-point values:
| Letter Grade | Quality Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.75 |
| B+ | 3.25 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.75 |
| C+ | 2.25 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.75 |
| D+ | 1.25 |
| D | 1.00 |
| D- | 0.75 |
| F | 0.00 |
A+ grades are not part of the standard undergraduate scale unless explicitly stated for a specific program.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A–F | S/U graded courses |
| Repeated courses with letter grades | Withdrawals (W) |
| Degree and elective coursework | Incomplete or no-grade symbols |
| Transfer credit (FSU cumulative GPA) |
Miscounts most often occur when non-graded or transfer courses are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Florida State University
Each course contributes to GPA in proportion to its credit hours. Courses with more credit hours have a greater impact on the GPA calculation because quality points are multiplied by the number of credits attempted.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Attempted Credit Hours (letter-graded)
Example:
A 3-credit course with an A (4.00) earns 12.00 quality points.
A 4-credit course with a B+ (3.25) earns 13.00 quality points.
Total quality points = 25.00
Total credits = 7
GPA = 25.00 ÷ 7 = 3.57
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Florida State University calculates GPA based on all college-level credit hours attempted with letter grades. Any special rules regarding repeated courses, transcript notation, or GPA impact are governed by official registrar policy and may vary by circumstance.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript symbols and grades appear on the academic record but do not affect GPA. Only standard letter grades contribute quality points used in GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated using letter-graded coursework taken at Florida State University. Transfer credit is generally not included in the graduate GPA, and individual graduate programs may apply additional academic requirements.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including S/U or non-graded courses in GPA totals.
- Counting transfer coursework toward FSU cumulative GPA.
- Using unofficial or incorrect grade-point scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA does Florida State University use for academic standing?
FSU uses the cumulative GPA based on coursework taken at Florida State University. This GPA determines academic standing, progression, and graduation eligibility.
Do transfer credits affect my FSU cumulative GPA?
No. Transfer credits appear on the academic record but do not raise or lower the FSU cumulative GPA.
Does Florida State University use plus and minus grades?
Yes. Plus and minus grades are part of the official grading system and carry different quality-point values.
Which grades do not affect GPA?
Grades such as S, U, W, I, and other administrative symbols do not carry quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Is the combined GPA the same as the FSU cumulative GPA?
No. The combined GPA includes both FSU and transfer coursework, while the FSU cumulative GPA includes only courses taken at Florida State University.
Related Official University Links
- Florida State University Registrar — Undergraduate Academic Regulations
https://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/undergraduate-information/academic-regulations-procedures/ - Florida State University Registrar — Graduate Academic Regulations
https://registrar.fsu.edu/bulletin/graduate-information/academic-regulations-procedures/ - Florida State University Transcript Legend and Grading Information
https://registrar.fsu.edu/records/transcript-legend/ - Florida State University Official GPA Calculator
https://undergrad1.its.fsu.edu/gpacalc/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available Florida State University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official university records and transcripts govern all final GPA determinations.