Retaking a course can significantly change your GPA — but the impact depends on your school’s repeat policy. This Course Repeat GPA Calculator helps you see how replacing or averaging grades affects your cumulative GPA, so you know exactly where you stand after repeating a class.
How Course Repeats Affect GPA
When you repeat a course, colleges handle the original and new grades differently depending on institutional policy. Some schools fully replace the original grade, while others average both attempts or count both toward your GPA. Understanding which method your school uses is essential for accurately calculating your GPA after a course repeat.
Common Course Repeat Policies
| Repeat Policy | How GPA Is Calculated |
|---|---|
| Grade Replacement | Only the higher (or most recent) grade counts |
| Grade Averaging | Both attempts are averaged into GPA |
| Both Grades Count | All attempts remain in GPA calculation |
| Credit Replacement Only | GPA stays the same, credits may change |
How to Use the Course Repeat GPA Calculator
- Enter your original course grade
- Enter your repeated course grade
- Input the course credit hours
- Choose your school’s repeat policy
- Instantly see your updated GPA
Example Calculation
A student earned a D (1.0) in a 3-credit course and later repeated it, earning a B (3.0).
- Grade Replacement Policy:
New GPA reflects only the B (3.0) - Grade Averaging Policy:
GPA includes both attempts:
(1.0 + 3.0) ÷ 2 = 2.0 GPA
Important Notes
- Not all colleges allow full grade replacement
- Some schools limit how many courses can be repeated
- Professional programs (medical, law) often count all attempts
- Transcripts usually show both grades, even if GPA replaces one
How does repeating a course affect my GPA?
Repeating a course can affect your GPA in two main ways: grade replacement or grade averaging. Some schools replace the original grade with the new one, while others average both attempts into your GPA. This calculator lets you see both outcomes instantly.
Do colleges replace the old grade or average both grades?
It depends on your school’s policy. Many U.S. colleges replace the original grade, while others average both attempts or only replace grades below a certain threshold. Always confirm your institution’s repeat policy.
Can this calculator show both replacement and averaging results?
Yes. You can toggle between grade replacement and grade averaging to see how each policy changes your cumulative GPA.
Does repeating a course remove the old grade from my transcript?
In most cases, the original grade still appears on your transcript, even if it’s replaced for GPA calculation. This calculator focuses on GPA impact, not transcript appearance.
Can I use this for failed or withdrawn courses?
Yes. You can calculate GPA changes for failed (F), low-grade, or repeated courses. Withdrawals usually don’t affect GPA unless your school assigns a grade.
Does this work for college and university GPA systems?
This calculator is designed for college and university GPA systems that use credit hours and cumulative GPA calculations. High school repeat policies vary and may not follow the same rules.
How many times can I repeat a course for GPA improvement?
That depends on your institution. Some schools allow only one repeat for GPA replacement, while others limit the number of repeat attempts per course or per degree.
Will repeating a course always increase my GPA?
Not always. If your new grade is only slightly higher—or if your school averages grades—your GPA improvement may be minimal. This calculator shows the exact impact before you retake the course.
Does this calculator factor in credit hours correctly?
Yes. GPA changes are weighted by credit hours, meaning repeating a higher-credit course will have a larger impact than repeating a lower-credit one.
Is this calculator suitable for academic planning?
Yes. It’s useful for planning retakes, estimating GPA recovery after a low grade, and deciding whether repeating a course is worth it under your school’s policy.