GPA Calculator Kent State: How to Use It

This page explains how to calculate your grade point average (GPA) at Kent State University, what grades and credit hours count, and how to use the official university system or a simple calculator to get your number. You enter your letter grades and the credit hours for each course, and you get back your semester or cumulative GPA on Kent State’s 4.0 scale.

Formula

Kent State calculates GPA by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted. The formula is:

GPA = (Σ (grade points × credit hours)) ÷ (Σ credit hours)

Where:

• Grade points – the numerical value of each letter grade (A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, etc.)
• Credit hours – the number of semester hours assigned to the course (usually 1–5)
• Σ – sum across all courses in the term or cumulative record

For example, a 3-credit course with a B (3.0) gives 9 grade points (3 × 3). A 4-credit course with an A (4.0) gives 16 grade points. Add all grade points, then divide by the total credits.

Worked Example

Suppose you take two courses:

• Course 1: 3 credits, grade B (3.0) → grade points = 3 × 3 = 9
• Course 2: 4 credits, grade A (4.0) → grade points = 4 × 4 = 16

Total grade points = 9 + 16 = 25. Total credits = 3 + 4 = 7. GPA = 25 ÷ 7 = 3.571, rounded to 3.57.

Kent State’s Grading Scale

Kent State uses a standard 4.0 scale with plus/minus grades. The exact grade point values are:

• A = 4.0
• A- = 3.7
• B+ = 3.3
• B = 3.0
• B- = 2.7
• C+ = 2.3
• C = 2.0
• C- = 1.7
• D+ = 1.3
• D = 1.0
• F = 0.0

Some courses may be taken pass/fail (S/U) or audited; those do not affect your GPA unless you receive an F (which counts as 0).

How to Calculate Your Semester GPA

To find your GPA for a single semester:

1. List each course, its letter grade, and its credit hours.
2. Convert each letter grade to its numeric value using the scale above.
3. Multiply the grade value by the credit hours for that course.
4. Add all the grade points.
5. Add all the credit hours.
6. Divide total grade points by total credit hours.

Example: A semester with a 3-credit B, a 4-credit A-, and a 2-credit C+ gives grade points: 3×3=9, 4×3.7=14.8, 2×2.3=4.6. Total points = 28.4, total credits = 9, GPA = 28.4 ÷ 9 = 3.16.

Cumulative GPA and Repeated Courses

Your cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at Kent State (and sometimes transfer courses, depending on your program). When you repeat a course, Kent State’s policy generally allows the most recent grade to replace the earlier one in the GPA calculation, but the earlier grade remains on your transcript. Check with your academic advisor for the exact repeat policy, as it can affect financial aid and graduation requirements.

Using an Online GPA Calculator

Many students use a free online GPA calculator to avoid manual math. To use one accurately:

• Enter the exact letter grade (including plus/minus) as shown on your transcript.
• Enter the credit hours exactly as listed for each course (do not round).
• For a semester GPA, include only that term’s courses.
• For a cumulative GPA, include all courses that count toward your GPA.

Double-check your credit hours – a common mistake is using the number of class meetings per week instead of the official credit hours.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

One frequent error is using a 4.0 scale without plus/minus values, which can overestimate your GPA. Another is forgetting that an F counts as 0 grade points but still adds credit hours to the denominator, pulling your GPA down sharply.

Also, some students assume that a “C-� is worth 2.0, but at Kent State it’s 1.7. Always refer to the official scale. Finally, pass/fail courses (S/U) do not affect GPA, but a failing grade in a pass/fail course (U) may count as an F depending on the course – verify with the registrar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my current GPA at Kent State?

Log in to FlashLine, go to the Student tab, and select “Academic Records� or “Grades.� Your semester and cumulative GPA are displayed there. You can also request an official transcript from the Registrar’s Office.

What GPA do I need to stay in good standing?

Generally, undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Some programs (like nursing or education) require higher GPAs for admission or continuation. Check your program’s requirements or the University Catalog.

How does a repeated course affect my GPA?

Kent State’s repeat policy typically replaces the old grade with the new one in the GPA calculation, but both remain on your transcript. For example, if you got a D (1.0) in a 3-credit course and retake it for an A (4.0), your new GPA uses the 4.0, not the 1.0. The D is still listed but not counted in the GPA.

Do transfer credits count toward my Kent State GPA?

Transfer credits appear on your transcript but generally do not count in your Kent State GPA. Only courses taken at Kent State (or approved study abroad) are included in your cumulative GPA. However, transfer credits may affect your academic standing and financial aid eligibility.

What is a “good� GPA at Kent State?

A 3.0 is considered a B average and is often required for graduate school or scholarships. A 3.5 or higher is typically honors-level. The average GPA varies by major, so check with your department for specific benchmarks.

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in grade | Grade | A=4, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2, C-=1.7, D+=1.3, D=1, F=0 | A=4
in credit | Credit Hours | - | 3 | 0
out gpa | GPA | - | (grade * credit) / credit | 2