How GPA Is Defined at UW–Madison
At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, GPA is a numerical measure of academic performance calculated using grades earned in courses that carry GPA credit. GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale using quality points assigned to letter grades. Each course contributes to GPA based on both the grade received and the number of credits earned. Only courses taken at UW–Madison with GPA-eligible grades are included in GPA calculations.
Who This GPA Calculator Is For
| Applies To | Does Not Apply To |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students earning letter grades | Courses graded credit/no credit or pass/fail |
| Graduate students with GPA-eligible coursework | Transfer coursework |
| Students calculating term or cumulative GPA | Audited courses or withdrawn courses |
Before You Use the GPA Calculator
Before using the calculator:
- Use only courses with letter grades that count toward GPA
- Confirm the number of credits for each course
- Exclude transfer, audit, and non-GPA grades
This calculator is intended to match the official UW–Madison term and cumulative GPA.
Types of GPA Reported at UW–Madison
UW–Madison officially reports:
- Term GPA, calculated for each semester
- Cumulative GPA, calculated across all GPA-eligible coursework taken at UW–Madison
Not all students will see all GPA types.
Undergraduate GPA
Undergraduate GPA is calculated using all UW–Madison courses taken for credit and graded on the A–F scale. Courses graded credit/no credit or pass/fail are excluded from GPA calculations.
Faculty / School GPA Distinction Table
| Faculty / School | GPA Calculated? | GPA Scale | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| College of Letters & Science | Yes | 4.0 | Uses intermediate grades AB and BC |
| School of Engineering | Yes | 4.0 | Same GPA scale as campus standard |
| Wisconsin School of Business | Yes | 4.0 | Follows university grading system |
| Credit/No Credit coursework | No | — | No GPA reported |
Official GPA Scale
UW–Madison uses the following official grade-to-points scale:
| Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| AB | 3.5 |
| B | 3.0 |
| BC | 2.5 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Grades such as S, U, CR, N, W, and I do not carry grade points and do not affect GPA.
Which Courses Count Toward GPA
| Included in GPA | Not Included in GPA |
|---|---|
| A–F graded UW–Madison courses | Credit/No Credit courses |
| Repeated graded attempts | Pass/Fail (S/U) courses |
| GPA-eligible graduate coursework | Transfer coursework |
GPA miscalculations most often occur when non-GPA grades are mistakenly included.
How Course Units Affect GPA at UW–Madison
Each course contributes to GPA proportionally based on the number of credits assigned to the course. Courses with higher credit values have a greater impact on GPA than lower-credit courses.
How GPA Is Calculated
UW–Madison calculates GPA using the official quality-point formula:
Total Quality Points ÷ Total GPA Credits = GPA
Example:
- A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 12 quality points
- BC (2.5) in a 4-credit course = 10 quality points
Total quality points: 22
Total GPA credits: 7
GPA = 3.14
Course Repeats or Special GPA Rules
Repeated courses are included in GPA calculations according to UW–Madison’s official repeat and grading policies. The transcript records all attempts, and GPA treatment follows registrar rules.
Transcript Grades vs GPA Calculations
Not all grades appearing on the transcript affect GPA. Grades such as credit/no credit, pass/fail, withdrawn, or incomplete may appear on transcripts without contributing to GPA.
Graduate GPA
Graduate GPA at UW–Madison is calculated for GPA-eligible coursework, typically courses numbered 300 and above that are graded on the A–F scale. Some graduate courses and research credits do not affect GPA. GPA policies may vary by graduate program.
Common GPA Mistakes Students Make
- Including credit/no credit or pass/fail courses
- Counting transfer grades toward GPA
- Misreading intermediate grades such as AB or BC
- Using total credits instead of GPA credits
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA scale does UW–Madison use?
UW–Madison uses a 4.0 GPA scale with intermediate grades AB (3.5) and BC (2.5). Only letter-graded courses contribute to GPA.
Do pass/fail or credit/no credit courses affect GPA?
No. These grading options appear on transcripts but do not carry grade points and are excluded from GPA.
Are transfer grades included in my UW–Madison GPA?
No. Transfer coursework may earn credit but does not affect UW–Madison GPA.
Where can I find my official GPA?
Your official term and cumulative GPA appear on your UW–Madison transcript and degree audit.
Is graduate GPA calculated differently from undergraduate GPA?
Graduate GPA includes only GPA-eligible graduate coursework and may vary by program policy.
Related Official University Links
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of the Registrar — Grades and GPA
https://registrar.wisc.edu/student-grades/ - University of Wisconsin–Madison Office of the Registrar — Valid Grades
https://registrar.wisc.edu/valid-grades/ - UW–Madison Graduate School — Grading System and GPA Calculation
https://grad.wisc.edu/documents/grading-system-gpa-calculation/
Accuracy Disclaimer
This guide is based exclusively on publicly available University of Wisconsin–Madison registrar and academic policy documentation. Official university transcripts and records govern final GPA determination.