How GPA Is Defined at Ohio State University
The Ohio State University calculates GPA using a 4.0 grade-point scale based on semester credit hours. Each graded course is assigned a grade-point value. Grade points are multiplied by the course’s credit hours to produce quality points, which are averaged to determine GPA. Only grades officially designated as GPA-bearing by the university are included.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students earning letter grades | Courses graded S/U or P/NP |
| Graduate students in programs that report GPA | Transfer coursework without Ohio State letter grades |
| Students calculating term or cumulative GPA | Audit courses |
| Students repeating courses under Ohio State policy | Programs that do not report GPA |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only Ohio State courses with letter grades
- Enter the official credit hours for each course
- Exclude withdrawals, audits, and non-GPA grading symbols
- Follow repeat-course rules exactly as they appear on your transcript
This calculator is intended to match the official Ohio State term and cumulative GPA shown on student records.
Types of GPA Reported at Ohio State University
Ohio State may report more than one GPA depending on a student’s academic status.
- Term GPA: GPA for a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA: GPA across all Ohio State GPA-bearing coursework
Not all students will see all GPA types. This calculator matches term and cumulative GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using all Ohio State courses that carry credit and a GPA-eligible letter grade. Credit hours are weighted equally based on their official unit value.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts and Sciences | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading |
| Engineering | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading |
| Business | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading |
| Education and Human Ecology | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading |
| Nursing | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading |
| Architecture | Yes | 4.0 | Standard university grading |
| All other undergraduate units | Yes | 4.0 | No alternate GPA scale documented |
Official GPA Scale
Ohio State publishes the following grade-to-point values:
| Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.00 |
| A- | 3.70 |
| B+ | 3.30 |
| B | 3.00 |
| B- | 2.70 |
| C+ | 2.30 |
| C | 2.00 |
| C- | 1.70 |
| D+ | 1.30 |
| D | 1.00 |
| E | 0.00 |
Ohio State does not assign grade points for A+ or D-.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded Ohio State courses | Withdrawals (W) |
| Failed courses with grade E | Audit courses |
| Repeated courses per policy | S/U or Pass/No Pass |
| Courses with resolved Incomplete grades | Transfer credit without letter grades |
GPA errors most often occur when students include withdrawals, transfer credit, or non-GPA grading symbols.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Ohio State University
Each course’s impact on GPA is weighted by its semester credit hours. Courses with more credit hours contribute proportionally more quality points to the GPA calculation.
How GPA Is Calculated
Ohio State uses the following formula:
Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credit Hours = GPA
Example
- Course A: 3 credits × 4.00 = 12.00
- Course B: 4 credits × 3.30 = 13.20
- Course C: 3 credits × 2.00 = 6.00
Total quality points: 31.20
Total credits: 10
GPA: 3.12
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Ohio State allows course repetition under defined conditions. When a course is repeated, both attempts remain on the transcript, but only the most recent grade is included in GPA calculations, subject to university limits and eligibility rules.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on transcripts but do not affect GPA. These include withdrawals, audits, unresolved incompletes, and non-letter grading options.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA policies vary by program. Most Ohio State graduate programs calculate GPA using letter-graded coursework on the 4.0 scale. Some professional or certificate programs may follow different reporting standards. Students should rely on program-specific academic policies.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including transfer credits in GPA calculations
- Counting withdrawals or audits as GPA hours
- Using unofficial grade scales
- Ignoring repeat-course rules
- Mixing undergraduate and graduate coursework
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ohio State use a 4.0 GPA scale?
Yes. Ohio State calculates GPA using a 4.0 scale with plus and minus grades where applicable. No higher scale is used for standard GPA reporting.
Are transfer credits included in my Ohio State GPA?
No. Transfer credits may count toward degree requirements, but they do not affect Ohio State GPA unless explicitly awarded Ohio State letter grades.
Do repeated courses replace the original grade in GPA?
Yes. When a course is repeated under Ohio State policy, the most recent attempt is used in GPA calculations, while earlier attempts remain on the transcript.
Do withdrawals affect GPA at Ohio State?
No. Courses with a W grade appear on the transcript but do not carry grade points or affect GPA.
Are graduate and undergraduate GPAs combined?
No. Undergraduate and graduate GPAs are calculated separately and are not combined into a single GPA.
Does an Incomplete grade affect GPA?
No. An Incomplete does not affect GPA until a final grade is posted and recorded.
Related Official University Links
- Ohio State University Registrar
https://registrar.osu.edu/ - Ohio State Undergraduate Academic Policies
https://undergrad.osu.edu/academics/academic-policies - Ohio State Academic Catalog
https://catalog.osu.edu/ - Ohio State Graduate School Academic Policies
https://gradsch.osu.edu/handbook
Accuracy Disclaimer
This GPA calculator guide is based on publicly available Ohio State University academic policies. Official transcripts and registrar records govern final GPA calculations.