UMKC GPA Calculator
Enter your courses and grades from UMKC to calculate your semester or cumulative GPA. This tool uses the official UMKC grading scale for accurate results.
Grade Distribution Chart
UMKC Official Grade to Point Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | C | 2.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | C- | 1.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B | 3.0 | D | 1.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | D- | 0.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | F | 0.0 |
What is the UMKC GPA Calculator?
The UMKC GPA calculator is a specialized tool designed to help students at the University of Missouri-Kansas City determine their Grade Point Average. Your GPA is a critical metric that reflects your overall academic performance. It’s used for determining academic standing, eligibility for scholarships, honors, and admission into graduate or professional programs. This calculator uses UMKC’s specific plus/minus grading system to provide an accurate calculation for either a single semester or your entire academic career at the university. Understanding your GPA is the first step toward effective academic planning.
UMKC GPA Formula and Explanation
At UMKC, the GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of graded semester hours attempted. The formula is straightforward:
GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours
- Quality Points: For each course, this is calculated by multiplying the credit hours of the course by the grade points assigned to the letter grade you received.
- Credit Hours: The number of credits assigned to a course.
For example, if you get a ‘B’ (3.0 points) in a 3-credit course, you earn 3.0 * 3 = 9.0 Quality Points for that course. Our college GPA calculator can help with general calculations, but this tool is specific to the UMKC grading scale.
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit (Auto-inferred) | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | The letter grade received in a course. | Categorical (A through F) | A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F |
| Credit Hours | The number of credits for a single course. | Unitless (Hours) | 1 – 5 |
| Quality Points | The weighted value of a grade. (Grade Points * Credit Hours) | Unitless (Points) | 0 – 20 (for a single course) |
| GPA | The final Grade Point Average. | Unitless (4.0 Scale) | 0.0 – 4.0 |
Practical Examples
Example 1: A Standard Semester
A student takes the following courses:
- Biology (4 credit hours) – Grade: A-
- Chemistry (4 credit hours) – Grade: B+
- English (3 credit hours) – Grade: A
- History (3 credit hours) – Grade: C+
Calculation:
- Biology: 4 hours * 3.7 points = 14.8 Quality Points
- Chemistry: 4 hours * 3.3 points = 13.2 Quality Points
- English: 3 hours * 4.0 points = 12.0 Quality Points
- History: 3 hours * 2.3 points = 6.9 Quality Points
- Total Quality Points: 46.9
- Total Credit Hours: 14
- Semester GPA: 46.9 / 14 = 3.35
Example 2: A More Challenging Semester
Another student’s semester looks like this:
- Physics (5 credit hours) – Grade: C
- Calculus II (4 credit hours) – Grade: B-
- Computer Science (3 credit hours) – Grade: A
- Art History (3 credit hours) – Grade: B
Calculation:
- Physics: 5 hours * 2.0 points = 10.0 Quality Points
- Calculus II: 4 hours * 2.7 points = 10.8 Quality Points
- Computer Science: 3 hours * 4.0 points = 12.0 Quality Points
- Art History: 3 hours * 3.0 points = 9.0 Quality Points
- Total Quality Points: 41.8
- Total Credit Hours: 15
- Semester GPA: 41.8 / 15 = 2.79
For more help with your academic path, see our resources on academic advising.
How to Use This UMKC GPA Calculator
- Start with a Course: The calculator starts with one course row.
- Enter Credit Hours: In the ‘Credit Hours’ field, enter the number of credits for your first course. This is typically a number between 1 and 5.
- Select Your Grade: Use the dropdown menu to select the letter grade you received for that course. The list includes all grades from A to F, including plus (+) and minus (-) variations used at UMKC.
- Add More Courses: Click the “Add Course” button to add a new row for each additional course in your semester.
- View Real-Time Results: The calculator automatically updates your GPA in the results box with every change. You’ll see your total quality points, total credit hours, and final GPA.
- Reset: If you want to start over, simply click the “Reset” button to clear all fields.
Key Factors That Affect UMKC GPA
- Plus/Minus Grades: UMKC uses a plus/minus system, which can significantly impact your GPA. An A- is worth 3.7 points, while an A is 4.0. A B+ is 3.3, while a B is 3.0. These small differences add up.
- Credit Hours: Higher credit-hour courses have a greater impact on your GPA. A poor grade in a 5-credit course will lower your GPA more than the same grade in a 1-credit course.
- Repeated Courses: UMKC policy states that since 1985, grades in repeated courses are included in the GPA calculation. This is an important factor to consider when deciding to retake a class.
- Withdrawals (‘W’): A ‘W’ on your transcript does not affect your GPA, but a ‘WF’ (Withdrew Failing) is calculated as an F and will negatively impact it.
- Transfer Credits: Courses transferred from non-University of Missouri institutions are not included in the UM GPA calculation. Understanding how your transfer credits apply is crucial.
- Credit/No Credit (CR/NC): Grades of CR or NC do not earn grade points and do not affect your GPA. However, there are limits on using this option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 1. How is the UMKC GPA calculated?
- It is calculated by dividing your total quality points by your total attempted credit hours. This UMKC GPA calculator does this for you automatically.
- 2. What is the difference between semester GPA and cumulative GPA?
- Semester GPA is for a single term, while cumulative GPA includes all courses taken at any UM System university.
- 3. Does UMKC use plus/minus grades?
- Yes, UMKC has used a plus/minus grading system for grades A, B, C, and D since the fall of 1993. This provides a more nuanced assessment of performance.
- 4. What is a “good” GPA at UMKC?
- While a 2.0 GPA is required to maintain good academic standing, a “good” GPA depends on your goals. Many scholarships and honors programs require a 3.0 or higher. For pre-health, a 3.0+ BCPM GPA is often needed.
- 5. How do I find my official GPA?
- You can view your official grades and GPA by logging into the Pathway student system and navigating to “Academic Records”.
- 6. Does retaking a course replace the old grade?
- No, since 1985, all grades, including those in repeated courses, are included in the GPA calculation at UMKC. You may be able to use the GPA Adjustment Policy in some cases.
- 7. Are grades from other UM System schools included in my UMKC GPA?
- Yes, your UMKC grade point average will include all classes taken at any UM System university (e.g., Mizzou, UMSL, Missouri S&T).
- 8. What grade do I need to get credit for a class?
- For courses not taken as Credit/No Credit, students must typically earn a C- or better to receive credit. For study tips, check our student success blog.