How GPA Is Defined at University of Kentucky
At the University of Kentucky, grade point average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total quality points earned by the total quality hours attempted in courses that are included in GPA calculation. Quality points are assigned based on official letter grades and multiplied by the course’s credit hours. Courses graded with non-quality point marks are excluded from GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | Official GPA shown on transcripts |
| Graduate students | Academic standing determinations |
| Students estimating semester GPA | Degree progress audits |
| Students estimating cumulative GPA | Program-specific GPA thresholds |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Confirm the letter grades and credit hours for each course.
- Use only grades that generate quality points under University of Kentucky policy.
- Exclude pass/fail, withdrawal, audit, and other non-GPA grades.
This calculator is intended to match the University of Kentucky semester and cumulative GPA calculation method.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Kentucky
- Semester GPA: Calculated using courses attempted in a single academic term.
- Cumulative GPA: Calculated using all GPA-eligible coursework attempted at the University.
Not all students will see all GPA types, depending on academic level and enrollment history. This calculator aligns with semester and cumulative GPA reporting.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using official quality point values assigned to each letter grade for courses that count toward GPA. Each course’s credit hours are multiplied by its grade’s quality point value. The sum of all quality points is divided by total quality hours attempted.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most undergraduate programs | Yes | 4.0 scale with plus/minus | Standard university grading scale |
| College of Law | Yes | Program-specific | A+ may carry additional quality points |
| Other professional programs | Yes | Program-specific | Refer to unit policies |
Official GPA Scale
The University of Kentucky publishes an official letter-grade-to-quality-point scale. Where applicable, plus and minus grades carry different quality point values. Treatment of A+ grades varies by academic unit and is applied only where officially authorized.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Letter-graded courses | Pass/Fail or Credit/No Credit |
| Courses earning quality points | Withdrawals (W) |
| Repeated courses per repeat rules | Audited courses |
| Incomplete grades until resolved |
GPA miscalculations most often occur when non-quality-point grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Kentucky
Each course’s credit hours determine its weight in GPA calculation. Courses with more credit hours contribute more heavily to GPA because quality points are calculated by multiplying credit hours by grade value.
How GPA Is Calculated
The University of Kentucky uses the following formula:
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Quality Hours
Example:
A 3-credit course with a grade of A earns more quality points than a 1-credit course with the same grade. GPA reflects the combined weight of all such courses divided by total attempted quality hours.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
The University of Kentucky allows approved course repeats under the Repeat Option policy. When a repeat is approved, the new grade replaces the previous grade in GPA calculation, subject to published limits. Both attempts remain visible on the transcript.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA. These grades do not generate quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations even though they remain part of the academic record.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at the University of Kentucky is calculated using the same quality point framework as undergraduate GPA. Individual graduate programs may impose additional academic standards, but GPA calculation follows university policy.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including pass/fail or withdrawn courses in GPA calculations
- Using an incorrect quality point value for plus or minus grades
- Forgetting approved repeat options replace earlier grades for GPA
- Mixing transcript grades with GPA-eligible grades
Frequently Asked Questions
How is GPA calculated at the University of Kentucky?
GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points earned by total quality hours attempted in GPA-eligible courses. Only grades that generate quality points are included.
Do pass/fail courses count toward GPA at UK?
No. Pass/fail and credit/no credit courses do not generate quality points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Does repeating a course change my GPA?
If a course repeat is approved under university policy, the new grade replaces the previous grade for GPA calculation, within established limits.
Is GPA calculated the same for all colleges?
Most colleges follow the standard grading scale, but some professional programs use approved variations for specific grades.
Is graduate GPA calculated differently from undergraduate GPA?
The calculation method is the same, but graduate programs may enforce additional academic standards based on GPA.
Related Official University Links
- University of Kentucky Registrar – GPA Calculator
https://registrar.uky.edu/gpa-calculator - University of Kentucky Registrar – Repeat Option Policy
https://registrar.uky.edu/repeat-option - University of Kentucky Academic Catalogs
https://catalogs.uky.edu - University of Kentucky Registrar – Student Records and Grades
https://registrar.uky.edu
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Kentucky registrar and academic policy documentation. Official GPA values are determined solely by the University of Kentucky and reflected on official transcripts.