Grade Point Average
A grade point average (GPA) is a numerical measure of a student's academic performance. It is calculated by assigning a point value to each grade, then dividing the total points earned by the number of credits attempted. Only grades of A, B, C, D and F are included in the GPA calculation.
See the table below for a scale of grades and grade points.
| Grade |
Grade Points Assigned
|
|
1 cr |
2 cr |
3 cr |
4 cr |
5 cr |
| A |
4 |
8 |
12 |
16 |
20 |
| B |
3 |
6 |
9 |
12 |
15 |
| C |
2 |
4 |
6 |
8 |
10 |
| D |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| F |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
How to calculate a GPA
Example: A student earns the following grades:
| A |
in a class for 3 credits = 12 grade points |
| C |
in a class for 4 credits = 8 grade points |
| F |
in a class for 3 credits = 0 grade points |
| B |
in a class for 5 credits = 15 grade points |
Grade points earned (35) divided by GPA credits attempted (15) = 2.33 GPA
GPA Calculator
The Minnesota Office of Higher Education provides a GPA calculator that allows students to predict their GPA or to determine the grades they will need in order to earn a specific GPA. Note that although this calculator allows for the input of plus (+) and minus (-) grades, students should avoid entering them when utilizing this tool, as Normandale does not offer plus/minus grading.