How GPA Is Defined at University of Maryland
At the University of Maryland, GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated on a 4.0 scale using quality points assigned to letter grades. GPA is computed by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted for GPA-bearing courses. Only grades that carry quality points are included. The university reports both semester GPA and cumulative GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students earning letter grades | Courses with grades that do not carry quality points |
| Graduate students with GPA-bearing coursework | Transfer credit without quality points |
| Students graded under the UMD grading system | Audited or non-credit courses |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Gather final letter grades exactly as shown on your transcript.
- Confirm the credit value for each course.
- Exclude grades that do not earn quality points.
- Separate undergraduate and graduate coursework if applicable.
This calculator is designed to match the official semester and cumulative GPA calculations used by the University of Maryland.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Maryland
The University of Maryland officially reports the following GPA types:
- Semester GPA, reflecting performance in a single academic term
- Cumulative GPA, reflecting all GPA-bearing coursework completed at the university
Not all students will have every GPA type displayed on their academic record.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA includes all University of Maryland courses completed for letter grades that carry quality points. Each course contributes to GPA based on its credit value and assigned grade points.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.0 | Uses a plus/minus grading scale |
Official GPA Scale
| Letter Grade | Quality 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 |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses graded A through F | I (Incomplete) |
| GPA-bearing undergraduate courses | P (Pass) |
| GPA-bearing graduate courses | S (Satisfactory) |
| W (Withdrawal) | |
| NGR (No Grade Reported) |
Miscounts commonly occur when transcript-listed grades that do not earn quality points are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Maryland
Each course’s credit hours are multiplied by the quality points of the earned grade. Courses with higher credit values contribute proportionally more to the GPA calculation.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official formula:
Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA-Bearing Credit Hours
Example:
A 3-credit course with a grade of A earns 12.0 quality points.
A 4-credit course with a grade of C+ earns 9.2 quality points.
Total quality points are divided by total attempted credits to produce the GPA.
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
The University of Maryland has specific policies governing repeated courses and their effect on GPA. Both original and repeated grades may appear on the transcript according to university rules.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the academic transcript but do not affect GPA because they do not earn quality points.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA. Only courses designated as GPA-bearing for graduate study are included. GPA requirements and applicability may vary by program.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including non-GPA grades in calculations
- Using incorrect credit values
- Mixing undergraduate and graduate coursework
- Assuming A+ carries more than 4.0 quality points
- Confusing semester GPA with cumulative GPA
Frequently Asked Questions
How is GPA calculated at the University of Maryland?
GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points earned by total GPA-bearing credit hours attempted. Only grades that earn quality points are included.
Does an A+ increase GPA above 4.0 at UMD?
No. An A+ carries the same quality-point value as an A, which is 4.0.
Are Pass/Fail courses included in GPA?
No. Grades such as P, S, W, I, and NGR appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Does the University of Maryland round GPA?
GPA is truncated at the thousandths place rather than rounded.
Is graduate GPA combined with undergraduate GPA?
No. Undergraduate and graduate GPAs are calculated and reported separately.
Related Official University Links
- University of Maryland Office of the Registrar — GPA Calculation
https://registrar.umd.edu/grades-records/grades/gpa-calculation - University of Maryland Undergraduate Catalog
https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/undergraduate/ - University of Maryland Graduate Catalog
https://academiccatalog.umd.edu/graduate/ - University of Maryland Academic Performance Policies
https://registrar.umd.edu/grades-records/grades/academic-performance
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available University of Maryland registrar and academic catalog documentation. Official university records and transcripts govern all final GPA calculations.