How GPA Is Defined at UC Berkeley
At the University of California, Berkeley, grade-point average (GPA) is computed using grades and units for courses undertaken at the University of California. Only units from courses with letter grades that carry grade points are included in GPA computations. Grades such as P, NP, S, U, I, and IP carry no grade points and are excluded from grade-point calculations. Plus/minus grades adjust grade points by three-tenths except that A+ and A both carry 4.0 grade points per unit.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Students enrolled in UC Berkeley courses graded with letter grades that carry grade points | Courses graded P/NP, S/U, I, IP (no grade points; excluded from GPA) |
| Undergraduate students calculating semester or cumulative GPA | Grades or units from institutions outside the University of California |
| Graduate students calculating GPA on UC coursework | Informal admissions GPA (such as high school UC GPA used in freshman admissions) |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Gather all course grades and corresponding unit values from UC Berkeley coursework.
- Exclude grades that do not carry grade points (P, NP, S, U, I, IP).
- Use the official UC Berkeley plus/minus grading scale when entering grades.
This calculator is intended to match the GPA reported on official UC Berkeley academic records for UC coursework.
Types of GPA Reported at UC Berkeley
UC Berkeley reports GPA based on coursework completed at the University of California. Official GPA types include:
- Semester GPA: GPA calculated for a single academic term.
- Cumulative GPA: GPA calculated across all UC Berkeley terms completed.
Not all students see all GPA types, and some programs or departments may calculate additional internal GPAs. This calculator matches the official transcript GPA.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at UC Berkeley is calculated as a unit-weighted average of grade points earned in UC Berkeley courses that receive letter grades carrying grade points. Units from courses graded with marks that do not carry grade points are excluded from the GPA calculation.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All UC Berkeley undergraduate colleges and schools | Yes | 4.0 scale with plus/minus | GPA is calculated uniformly across colleges for UC coursework |
Official GPA Scale
| Grade | Grade Points per Unit |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
A+ and A carry the same grade-point value of 4.0.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A through F | Courses graded P, NP, S, U |
| UC Berkeley Extension XB courses taken after matriculation | Incomplete (I) or In Progress (IP) grades until replaced |
| Courses carrying grade points and unit credit | Courses with no grade-point value |
Miscounts commonly occur when students include P/NP or incomplete grades that do not carry grade points.
How Course Units Affect GPA at UC Berkeley
Each course’s unit value is multiplied by the grade-point value assigned to the grade earned. Courses with more units have a greater impact on GPA than lower-unit courses. Only units from courses with grade points are used in the calculation.
How GPA Is Calculated
UC Berkeley uses the following formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points ÷ Total Units with Grade Points
Example:
- 4-unit course with an A (4.0) = 16.0 grade points
- 3-unit course with a B+ (3.3) = 9.9 grade points
- 3-unit course with a C (2.0) = 6.0 grade points
Total grade points: 31.9
Total units: 10
GPA: 3.19
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Policies governing course repeats, transcript notation, and GPA impact are established by UC Berkeley Academic Senate regulations. Repeat rules may affect how grades appear on transcripts and how they factor into GPA, depending on the specific policy applied.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades may appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. Grades without grade-point value, such as P, NP, S, U, I, and IP, are excluded from GPA calculations unless replaced by a letter grade that carries grade points.
Graduate GPA
Graduate programs at UC Berkeley use the same grade-point values for grades that carry grade points. Graduate students are required to maintain a minimum GPA in UC Berkeley graduate coursework. Units graded below the minimum standard may not earn degree credit. GPA reporting and requirements may vary by graduate program.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including P/NP or S/U courses in GPA calculations.
- Counting Incomplete or In Progress grades before a final grade is posted.
- Assigning a higher value to A+ than is officially used.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade scale does UC Berkeley use for GPA?
UC Berkeley uses a 4.0 GPA scale with plus and minus grading. An A+ does not exceed 4.0 and is calculated the same as an A.
Do Pass or Not Pass grades affect GPA?
No. P and NP grades carry no grade points and are excluded from all GPA calculations.
Are Incomplete grades included in GPA?
No. Incomplete grades are excluded until a final letter grade is assigned that carries grade points.
Are transfer courses included in UC Berkeley GPA?
No. Only coursework completed at the University of California is included in the official UC Berkeley GPA.
Is GPA calculated differently by college or major?
No. The official transcript GPA is calculated uniformly across undergraduate colleges for UC coursework, although departments may compute internal GPAs for advising or review purposes.
Related Official University Links
- University of California, Berkeley Office of the Registrar — Grades and Grading
https://registrar.berkeley.edu/academic-records/grades-grading/ - UC Berkeley Undergraduate Academic Catalog — Grades and GPA Policies
https://undergraduate.catalog.berkeley.edu/policies/grades/ - UC Berkeley Graduate Academic Catalog — Grades and GPA Policies
https://graduate.catalog.berkeley.edu/policies/grades/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of California, Berkeley registrar and academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and university records govern all final GPA determinations.