How GPA Is Defined at University of Tennessee, Knoxville
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by dividing the total quality points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted in courses that count toward GPA. GPA is rounded to two decimal places.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students enrolled at UT Knoxville | Courses graded W, WP, WF, NR, P, S, NC, I, IW, IC, IS, or SI |
| Graduate students enrolled at UT Knoxville | Transfer coursework from other institutions |
| Courses with letter grades that carry grade points | Audit and non-credit coursework |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before entering courses, confirm the following:
- Only include courses taken at UT Knoxville
- Use official credit hours for each course
- Enter only letter grades that carry grade points
- Exclude courses with grades that do not affect GPA
- For repeated courses, include only the attempt used in GPA calculation
This calculator is intended to match the official semester and cumulative GPA reported by UT Knoxville.
Types of GPA Reported at UT Knoxville
UT Knoxville officially reports the following GPA types:
- Semester GPA: Calculated using courses taken in a single term
- Cumulative GPA: Calculated using all GPA-eligible coursework completed at UT Knoxville
Not all students see every GPA type on all academic records. This calculator matches the standard GPA calculation.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using UT Knoxville’s standard grading system for courses completed with letter grades that carry grade points.
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| All undergraduate colleges | Yes | 4.0 scale | Only GPA-eligible grades are included |
Official GPA Scale
UT Knoxville uses a 4.0 GPA scale for courses that carry grade points. GPA is calculated using quality points earned per credit hour.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Courses with letter grades that carry grade points | Courses graded P, S, NC |
| Failed courses with grade points | Withdrawals and incompletes |
| Repeated courses counted under official policy | Audit and non-credit courses |
Miscounts typically occur when non-GPA grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at UT Knoxville
Each course contributes to GPA based on its credit hours. Quality points are calculated by multiplying the course’s credit hours by the grade’s point value. Courses with more credit hours have a greater effect on GPA.
How GPA Is Calculated
Official Formula
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Attempted Credit Hours
Example
- A in a 3-credit course = 12.0 quality points
- B in a 4-credit course = 12.0 quality points
- C in a 3-credit course = 6.0 quality points
Total quality points: 30.0
Total attempted credits: 10
GPA: 3.00
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, only the course attempt designated by university policy is included in GPA calculation. All attempts remain visible on the transcript.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some grades appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA because they do not carry grade points. These grades are excluded from GPA calculations.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at UT Knoxville is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA. Graduate programs use the same grade-point methodology but may have different academic standing requirements. Program-specific rules may apply.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including courses graded pass/fail
- Including transfer grades
- Counting all course repeats instead of the GPA-eligible attempt
- Using incorrect credit hour values
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA scale does UT Knoxville use?
UT Knoxville uses a 4.0 GPA scale for courses that carry grade points. GPA is calculated using quality points divided by attempted credit hours.
Do pass/fail courses count toward GPA?
No. Pass, satisfactory, and no-credit grades do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA calculations.
Are transfer grades included in UT Knoxville GPA?
No. Transfer coursework may count toward degree requirements but does not affect the UT Knoxville GPA.
How are repeated courses handled in GPA calculation?
Only the course attempt designated by official policy is used in GPA calculation. All attempts remain on the transcript.
Do incomplete grades affect GPA?
Incomplete grades do not affect GPA until they are resolved. If unresolved, they may convert to a grade that affects GPA.
Is graduate GPA calculated separately from undergraduate GPA?
Yes. Graduate GPA is calculated independently and follows graduate academic policies.
Related Official University Links
- University of Tennessee, Knoxville One Stop Student Services – Grades and GPA
https://onestop.utk.edu/registration-records/grades-gpa-levels-of-distinction/ - University of Tennessee, Knoxville Undergraduate Catalog – Academic Policies
https://catalog.utk.edu/ - University of Tennessee, Knoxville Graduate Catalog – Academic Standards
https://catalog.utk.edu/content.php?catoid=15 - University of Tennessee, Knoxville Office of the University Registrar
https://registrar.utk.edu/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based solely on publicly available University of Tennessee, Knoxville academic policy documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern final GPA calculations.