How GPA Is Defined at Purdue University
At Purdue University, semester and cumulative GPA are calculated on a 4.0 grading scale using grade points assigned to letter grades. Each course grade is converted to grade points, multiplied by the course credit hours, and included in the GPA calculation if the grade is designated as GPA-bearing by the Registrar. The total grade points are divided by the total GPA-eligible credit hours.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students enrolled at Purdue University | Courses graded Pass/Not-Pass |
| Graduate students with GPA-bearing coursework | Transfer credit accepted without Purdue grades |
| Students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Audit or withdrawal grades |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use official Purdue course grades and credit hours
- Enter only courses with GPA-bearing letter grades
- Exclude courses graded Pass, Not-Pass, Withdrawal, or Audit
This calculator is intended to match Purdue’s officially reported semester and cumulative GPA.
Types of GPA Reported at Purdue University
- Semester GPA: GPA calculated using courses taken in a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA (Graduation Index): GPA calculated using all GPA-bearing Purdue coursework
Not all students see every GPA type.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at Purdue University is calculated using all GPA-bearing undergraduate courses completed at Purdue. Grades earned in transfer coursework are recorded on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Faculty / School GPA Distinctions
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colleges and Schools (General) | Yes | 4.0 scale | Standard Purdue grading rules apply |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+, 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 |
| D- | 0.7 |
| E, F, IF | 0.0 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses A+ through D- | Pass / Not-Pass |
| F, E, IF grades | Withdrawals (W, WF, WU) |
| Most recent attempt of repeated courses | Audit (AU), No Submission (NS), Incomplete (I) |
Miscounts typically occur when non-GPA symbols are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at Purdue University
Each course’s credit hours determine its weight in the GPA calculation. Courses with more credit hours contribute proportionally more grade points than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
Purdue uses the following formula:
Total Grade Points ÷ Total GPA-Eligible Credit Hours = GPA
Example
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATH 165 | 4 | A- | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| ENGL 106 | 3 | B | 3.0 | 9.0 |
| HIST 152 | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 9.9 |
Total grade points: 33.7
Total credits: 10
GPA: 3.37
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, only the most recent grade is used in GPA calculations. Earlier attempts remain on the transcript but are excluded from the GPA.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. Only grades designated as GPA-bearing by the Registrar are included.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at Purdue University is calculated on a 4.0 scale using graduate-level GPA-bearing coursework. Program-specific rules may apply.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including Pass/Not-Pass courses in GPA calculations
- Counting transfer credit toward GPA
- Using outdated grade point values
- Including withdrawn or audit courses
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA scale does Purdue University use?
Purdue uses a 4.0 grading scale with plus and minus grades. A+ and A are both awarded 4.0 grade points.
Do Pass/Not-Pass courses affect GPA?
No. Pass, Not-Pass, Withdrawal, and Audit grades do not count toward GPA.
How do repeated courses affect GPA?
Only the most recent grade from a repeated course is included in GPA calculations.
Are transfer credits included in Purdue GPA?
No. Transfer credits may count toward degree requirements but do not affect Purdue GPA.
Does Purdue calculate both semester and cumulative GPA?
Yes. Purdue reports both semester GPA and cumulative GPA.
Is graduate GPA calculated differently from undergraduate GPA?
Graduate GPA uses graduate-level coursework and follows the same grade point scale, with program-specific regulations.
Related Official University Links
- Purdue University Office of the Registrar — Grading Systems
https://www.purdue.edu/registrar/faculty/grading/grading-systems.html - Purdue University Academic Catalog — Grades and Academic Regulations
https://catalog.purdue.edu/ - Purdue University Academic Success Center — GPA Calculator
https://www.purdue.edu/asc/resources/gpa-calc.html - Purdue University Senate — Course Repeat Policy
https://www.purdue.edu/senate/documents/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available Purdue University registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern final GPA calculations.