How GPA Is Defined at University of Washington
At the University of Washington (UW), GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated on a 4.0 numerical scale using courses taken in residence that receive numeric grades. Numeric grades range from 4.0 to 0.7 in 0.1 increments, with 0.0 assigned for failing work. Grades between 0.6 and 0.1 are converted to 0.0 by the Registrar. Some grading symbols appear on the transcript but do not affect GPA.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| UW undergraduate students with numerically graded courses | Courses graded S/NS or CR/NC |
| UW graduate students with numeric grades | Transfer coursework not taken in residence |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
- Use only courses taken at UW that received numeric grades
- Exclude courses graded S, NS, CR, NC, W, I, or N
- Use the official numeric grade value shown on your transcript
This calculator is intended to match UW quarter GPA and cumulative GPA calculations for in-residence coursework.
Types of GPA Reported at University of Washington
- Quarter GPA: GPA calculated for a single academic quarter
- Cumulative GPA: GPA calculated across all graded quarters taken in residence
Not all students see all GPA types, depending on enrollment and grading basis. This calculator matches both quarter and cumulative GPA calculations.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA at UW is calculated using numerically graded courses taken in residence. Non-numeric grades do not affect GPA, even though they may count toward degree requirements.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UW Seattle | Yes | 4.0 numeric | Uses the UW numeric grading system |
| UW Tacoma | Yes | 4.0 numeric | Same system-wide grading scale |
| UW Bothell | Yes | 4.0 numeric | GPA calculated identically across campuses |
Official GPA Scale
UW publishes an official numeric grading scale.
| Numeric Grade | Letter Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 4.0–3.9 | A |
| 3.8–3.5 | A- |
| 3.4–3.2 | B+ |
| 3.1–2.9 | B |
| 2.8–2.5 | B- |
| 2.4–2.2 | C+ |
| 2.1–1.9 | C |
| 1.8–1.5 | C- |
| 1.4–1.2 | D+ |
| 1.1–0.9 | D |
| 0.8–0.7 | D- (lowest passing) |
| 0.0 | Fail |
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| Numerically graded courses | Satisfactory (S) |
| Failing grades (0.0) | Not-Satisfactory (NS) |
| Credit / No Credit (CR/NC) | |
| Withdrawals (W) | |
| Incomplete (I) or No Grade (N) |
Miscounts commonly occur when non-numeric transcript grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at University of Washington
Each course is weighted by its credit value. Courses with more credits contribute proportionally more to total grade points used in GPA calculations.
How GPA Is Calculated
UW uses the following official formula:
GPA = Total grade points ÷ Total graded credits attempted
Example:
A student earns a 3.4 in a 5-credit course and a 2.7 in another 5-credit course.
Total grade points = (5 × 3.4) + (5 × 2.7) = 30.5
Total graded credits = 10
GPA = 3.05
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
When a course is repeated, both grades remain on the transcript and are included in GPA calculations, even though the credits may only apply once toward degree requirements.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Some transcript entries record academic status or progress but do not affect GPA, even though they remain visible on the academic record.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA is calculated separately from undergraduate GPA. Programs that assign numeric grades use the same 4.0 numeric scale, though minimum acceptable grades and degree credit rules may vary by program.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including non-numeric grades in GPA math
- Using total credits earned instead of graded credits
- Assuming repeated courses replace earlier grades
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Washington use a 4.0 GPA scale?
Yes. UW uses a numeric 4.0 grading scale, with grades reported in 0.1 increments down to 0.7 and 0.0 for failing work.
Are S/NS or CR/NC grades included in GPA?
No. These grades appear on transcripts but are excluded from GPA calculations.
Is GPA calculated by quarter or cumulatively?
Both. UW reports quarter GPA and cumulative GPA based on in-residence graded coursework.
Do transfer credits affect my UW GPA?
No. Transfer coursework may count toward degree requirements but does not factor into UW GPA.
If I repeat a course, does the new grade replace the old one?
No. Both grades remain on the transcript and are included in GPA calculations.
Related Official University Links
- University of Washington Registrar — Grading System and GPA
https://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html - University of Washington Office of the Registrar
https://registrar.washington.edu/ - University of Washington Graduate School — Academic Policies
https://grad.uw.edu/policies/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based on publicly available University of Washington academic and registrar documentation. Official transcripts and registrar records govern all final GPA calculations.