How GPA Is Defined at University of California, Davis
At UC Davis, GPA (Grade Point Average) reflects academic performance using grade points assigned to letter grades and the units for each course. GPA is calculated using only courses taken for a letter grade. Courses graded Pass/Not Pass (P/NP), Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U), Incomplete (I), or In Progress (IP) do not factor into GPA calculations. UC Davis follows the University of California systemwide GPA framework, and GPA includes eligible coursework taken at UC campuses.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate UC Davis students calculating quarter or cumulative GPA | Courses graded P/NP, S/U, Incomplete (I), or In Progress (IP) |
| Graduate UC Davis students with letter-graded coursework | Transfer GPA from non-UC institutions |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only letter-graded UC Davis courses
- Enter the official unit value for each course
- Exclude P/NP, S/U, I, and IP grades
- Identify any courses that were repeated under UC Davis repeat rules
This calculator is intended to match the official UC Davis GPA for eligible coursework.
Types of GPA Reported at University of California, Davis
UC Davis may report more than one GPA, depending on a student’s academic level and record:
- Quarter GPA: GPA for a single academic quarter
- Cumulative GPA: GPA across all eligible quarters
Not all students will see all GPA types.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at UC Davis is calculated by dividing total grade points by total units attempted in letter-graded courses. Courses graded P/NP, S/U, Incomplete, or In Progress are excluded from GPA calculations.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges at UC Davis | Yes | UC 4.0 scale | Only letter-graded courses count toward GPA |
| Repeated undergraduate coursework | Yes | UC 4.0 scale | Replacement applies only within approved repeat limits |
Official GPA Scale
UC Davis uses the standard University of California grade-point 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
Grades such as P, NP, S, U, I, and IP do not receive grade points and are excluded from GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses (A–F) | Pass/Not Pass (P/NP) |
| Approved repeated courses within limits | Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) |
| Incomplete (I) | |
| In Progress (IP) |
Miscounts typically occur when transcript-visible grades that do not carry grade points are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at UC Davis
Each course contributes to GPA based on its unit value. Grade points are multiplied by course units, and higher-unit courses therefore have a greater impact on GPA than lower-unit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
UC Davis uses the following formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points ÷ Total Letter-Graded Units
Example:
- 4 units with a grade of A (4.0) = 16.0 grade points
- 3 units with a grade of B+ (3.3) = 9.9 grade points
- 3 units with a grade of B (3.0) = 9.0 grade points
Total grade points: 34.9
Total units: 10
GPA = 3.49
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Undergraduate students may repeat courses under UC Davis repeat policies. Up to 16 units of repeated coursework may have the earlier grade excluded from GPA calculations. Once the repeat limit is reached, both grades remain in the GPA. Repeat rules differ for graduate students and by program.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the academic transcript but do not affect GPA. Only letter grades with assigned grade points are included in GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at UC Davis is calculated using letter-graded coursework where GPA is reported. Some graduate courses may be graded S/U and excluded from GPA. GPA requirements and reporting 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 courses
- Ignoring repeat unit limits
- Using unofficial grade-point values
Frequently Asked Questions
How is GPA calculated at UC Davis?
UC Davis GPA is calculated by dividing total grade points by total units attempted in letter-graded courses. Only grades with assigned grade points are included.
Do Pass/Not Pass courses affect GPA?
No. P/NP courses appear on the transcript but do not count toward GPA calculations.
How many repeated units can replace my GPA?
Undergraduate students may replace up to 16 units of coursework under the UC Davis repeat policy. Beyond that limit, all grades are included.
Are Incomplete grades included in GPA?
No. Incomplete grades are excluded from GPA until a final grade is assigned.
Is quarter GPA different from cumulative GPA?
Yes. Quarter GPA reflects one academic term, while cumulative GPA includes all eligible coursework.
Does UC Davis calculate transfer GPA?
UC Davis does not combine non-UC transfer grades into the UC GPA.
Related Official University Links
- University of California, Davis — Office of the University Registrar
https://registrar.ucdavis.edu/ - UC Davis General Catalog — Grades and Grading
https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/academic-information-policies-regulations/grades-grading/ - UC Davis Registrar — Repeating Courses Policy
https://registrar.ucdavis.edu/records/grades/repeating-courses - UC Davis Graduate Studies — Academic Policies
https://grad.ucdavis.edu/policies
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of California, Davis academic and registrar documentation. Official UC Davis transcripts and registrar determinations govern final GPA outcomes.