How the UCLA GPA Calculator Works

UCLA uses the University of California standard 4.0 grading scale with plus/minus distinctions. Your GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points by total units attempted. UCLA includes plus/minus grades in GPA calculations, which can significantly affect your overall average.

Here is UCLA’s official grading scale with quality points:

The formula UCLA uses is straightforward:

Example: You take 4 courses at UCLA. MATH 31A (4 units, A = 16.0 quality points), ENGL 3 (5 units, B+ = 16.5 quality points), CHEM 14A (4 units, A- = 14.8 quality points), HIST 1C (4 units, B = 12.0 quality points).

Total quality points: 16.0 + 16.5 + 14.8 + 12.0 = 59.3. Total units: 4 + 5 + 4 + 4 = 17. GPA = 59.3 ÷ 17 = 3.49.

Understanding Your UCLA GPA

Term GPA vs. Cumulative GPA

Your term GPA includes only courses from one quarter. Your cumulative GPA includes all UCLA courses you have ever taken. Both appear on your transcript and in MyUCLA.

UCLA uses cumulative GPA for academic standing, graduation requirements, and honors. You need a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate from most colleges within UCLA. Some majors have higher requirements, like engineering which often requires a 2.5+.

What Counts as a Good GPA at UCLA?

For graduation: 2.0 minimum in most colleges. Below this, you cannot graduate regardless of completed units.

For good standing: 2.5 to 3.2 keeps you in good academic standing and eligible for campus activities. Many clubs and organizations require a minimum 2.5 GPA.

For scholarships and programs: 3.3 to 3.6 qualifies for most merit scholarships and honors programs. The College Honors program typically requires 3.5+.

For graduate school and competitive opportunities: 3.7 to 4.0 makes you competitive for prestigious internships, research positions, and top graduate programs. Summa cum laude at UCLA requires 3.9+.

UCLA-Specific GPA Policies

Dean’s List and Honors

UCLA’s Dean’s List recognition requires a 3.75+ GPA for the quarter with at least 12 graded units. The College Honors program has additional requirements including a minimum cumulative GPA that varies by department.

Latin Honors at graduation (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) are based on your final cumulative GPA and typically require being in the top percentages of your graduating class within your college.

Academic Probation and Disqualification

If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, you are placed on academic probation. You have one quarter to raise it above 2.0. Failure to do so can result in academic disqualification.

Some colleges within UCLA have stricter standards. For example, the School of Engineering may place students on probation if their term GPA falls below 2.5, even if their cumulative GPA is above 2.0.

Grade Forgiveness and Course Repeats

UCLA allows course repeats for grade improvement under specific conditions. When you repeat a course, the new grade replaces the old one in your GPA calculation, but both grades remain on your transcript.

Important limitations: You can only repeat courses in which you received a grade of C- or lower. There is typically a limit of 16 units that can be repeated for grade replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find my official UCLA GPA?

Log into MyUCLA, then navigate to “Grades” or “Unofficial Transcript.” Your official term and cumulative GPAs are displayed there. Your transcript also shows your GPA, but MyUCLA updates more quickly after grades are posted.

Do AP/IB credits affect my UCLA GPA?

No. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credits appear on your transcript as transfer credit with units but no grade points. They do not affect your UCLA GPA calculation, even though they count toward graduation requirements.

How do transfer courses affect my UCLA GPA?

Transfer courses from other institutions (including community colleges and other universities) do not affect your UCLA GPA. The units may count toward graduation requirements, but the grades are not included in GPA calculations.

What if I take a course pass/no pass?

P/NP courses do not affect your GPA. If you receive a P, the units count toward graduation but no grade points are calculated. If you receive an NP, neither units nor grade points are counted. Most majors limit the number of P/NP courses that can count toward requirements.

How does UCLA handle incomplete grades?

Incomplete (I) grades do not affect your GPA until they are replaced with a final grade. You typically have one quarter to complete the work. If not completed, the I may convert to an F, which would then affect your GPA.

Does UCLA round GPAs?

UCLA calculates GPA to three decimal places but typically displays two. A 3.495 does NOT round to 3.50 for official purposes like graduation honors or program eligibility. You need the actual calculated GPA to meet thresholds.

Calculating What You Need

How to calculate what GPA you need next quarter

Use this formula: Required Quality Points = (Target GPA × Total Future Units) + (Current GPA × Current Units).

Example: You have 45 units with a 3.2 GPA. You want a 3.4 cumulative after taking 15 more units. Current quality points = 3.2 × 45 = 144. Needed total = 3.4 × 60 = 204. You need 204 – 144 = 60 quality points from 15 units. That’s 60 ÷ 15 = 4.0 average next quarter (straight As).

UCLA GPA Requirements by College

Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science

Engineering students typically need a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to remain in good standing, but many engineering programs require a 2.5+ for progression into upper-division courses. Some competitive engineering majors may have higher GPA requirements for admission to the major.

Anderson School of Management (Undergraduate)

Business Economics and other business-related majors usually need a 3.0+ cumulative GPA to be competitive for admission to upper-division courses and for internships. The college may also have specific GPA requirements for certain tracks.

College of Letters and Science

Most Letters and Science majors require a 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate, but some programs (like pre-med tracks) may have higher expectations for competitive graduate school applications.

School of the Arts and Architecture

Arts majors typically have portfolio requirements in addition to GPA considerations. Most require a 2.0+ for graduation, but competitive programs may have higher standards for studio placements.

Technical Details and Edge Cases

Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA

UCLA calculates an unweighted GPA only. Unlike high school, there is no weighting for honors or advanced courses. An A in a lower-division course and an A in a graduate-level course both count as 4.0 for GPA purposes.

Variable Unit Courses

Some UCLA courses (like research, thesis, or independent study) have variable units. Always use the unit value for which you registered. For example, if you took a 2-4 unit research course for 3 units, use 3 units in your calculation, not the maximum possible.

Summer Sessions

Courses taken through UCLA Summer Sessions count toward your UCLA GPA if they are taken for a letter grade. They appear on your UCLA transcript and are included in cumulative GPA calculations.

When to Seek Help

If your GPA is falling below your goals or academic requirements, take action immediately:

• • Meet with your academic advisor during office hours
• • Utilize UCLA’s tutoring centers (CAE, Writing Center, etc.)
• • Consider dropping a course before the deadline if you’re struggling
• • Explore P/NP grading option before the change deadline

This calculator follows UCLA’s official grading policies as published by the Office of the Registrar. For the most current information, always consult MyUCLA and your academic advisor.