How GPA Is Defined at Ohio State University
At The Ohio State University, grade point average (GPA) is calculated on a 4.0 scale using quality points assigned to letter grades. GPA is determined by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of graded credit hours attempted. Ohio State refers to this calculation as the point-hour ratio.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students at Ohio State | High school GPA calculations |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Transfer GPA from other institutions |
| Students using standard graded coursework | Courses with non-GPA grading symbols only |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses and grades:
- Use only official Ohio State letter grades that carry quality points
- Enter only courses with final grades assigned
- Exclude courses graded S, U, W, I, PE, EN, or similar non-GPA symbols
This calculator is intended to match the official undergraduate cumulative GPA as calculated by Ohio State.
Types of GPA Reported at Ohio State
Ohio State officially reports the following GPA types:
- Semester GPA: GPA calculated for a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA: GPA calculated across all graded coursework completed at Ohio State
Not all students will see every GPA type, depending on enrollment status and academic level.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at Ohio State is calculated by assigning quality points to each graded course and dividing the total quality points by the total graded credit hours attempted.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading scale |
| Graduate programs | Yes | 4.0 | Calculated separately from undergraduate GPA |
| Law School | Yes | 4.0 | Governed by unit-specific grading rules |
Official GPA Scale
Ohio State uses the following official grade-to-points scale:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2.0 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1.0 |
| E (Fail) | 0.0 |
Ohio State does not award A+ or D- grades. The letter grade E represents a failing grade.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A through E | Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) |
| Repeated courses counted per policy | Withdrawals (W) |
| Final graded coursework | Incompletes (I, until resolved) |
| Standard letter-graded courses | PE, EN, and other non-GPA symbols |
Miscounts often occur when non-GPA grades are mistakenly entered as letter-graded courses.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Ohio State
Each course contributes to GPA based on its credit hours. Courses with more credit hours carry greater weight because quality points are calculated by multiplying grade points by course credit hours.
How GPA Is Calculated
Ohio State uses the following formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Graded Credit Hours
Example:
A 3-credit course with an A earns 12 quality points.
A 4-credit course with a B+ earns 13.2 quality points.
Total quality points (25.2) divided by total credits (7) results in a GPA of 3.60.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Ohio State allows students to petition for Grade Forgiveness when repeating a course. When approved, the original attempt remains on the transcript but is excluded from GPA calculations. Limits and eligibility are defined by university policy.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Official transcripts list all courses and grades earned. Some transcript grades appear for record-keeping purposes but do not affect GPA unless they carry quality points.
Graduate GPA
Graduate students at Ohio State receive a GPA calculated on a 4.0 scale. Graduate GPA is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA and may be subject to program-specific academic rules. Not all graduate programs calculate GPA in the same way.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including non-GPA grades such as S, U, or W
- Using grade scales not used by Ohio State
- Counting incomplete grades before they are finalized
- Misapplying repeat-course rules
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio State use a weighted GPA?
No. Ohio State GPA is calculated on an unweighted 4.0 scale using quality points assigned to each letter grade.
Do Pass/No Pass courses affect GPA?
No. Courses graded Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory do not carry quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Does a failing grade count toward GPA?
Yes. A grade of E earns 0.0 quality points and is included in GPA calculations.
Are withdrawals included in GPA?
No. Withdrawal grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Does Ohio State award A+ grades?
No. The highest possible grade is A, which carries 4.0 grade points.
Is undergraduate GPA combined with graduate GPA?
No. Undergraduate and graduate GPAs are calculated and reported separately.
Related Official University Links
- University Registrar
https://registrar.osu.edu/ - Buckeye’s Guide to Academic Policies
https://registrar.osu.edu/policies-information/university-policy/buckeyes-guide-to-academic-policies/ - Ohio State Transcript Key
https://registrar.osu.edu/student-hub/transcripts-and-verifications/transcript-key/ - Ohio State GPA Calculation Overview
https://gpadmissions.osu.edu/resources/calculate-gpa.html
Accuracy Disclaimer
This GPA calculator guide is based solely on publicly available Ohio State University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official university records and transcripts govern all final GPA determinations.