What is a GPA?
Letter grades have a numerical value, called a grade point value, which is used to calculate your grade point average (GPA).
- Whether you can remain enrolled in your degree program (see academic standing.)
- Whether you can graduate.
- Your admissibility to other schools, other programs or for another degree after completion of your undergraduate degree.
Calculate your GPA
To calculate your GPA, you’ll need to know the following terms*:
Term grade point average (GPA): The grade point average for only those courses which are attempted in a single term.
Cumulative grade point average (CGPA): The grade point average of all courses attempted after admission to Dalhousie. Changing degrees may impact how your CGPA is calculated.
Credit hours: The number of hours a course is worth:
- A one-term (aka half-credit) course is typically worth 3 credit hours.
- A full-year (aka full-credit) course is typically worth 6 credit hours.
- If you withdraw from a course with a W or receive a grade of ILL, the course is worth 0 credit hours. Make sure you do not include these courses when you calculate how many credit hours you've attempted so far.
*For official definitions of the terms used in this section refer to Regulation 17.1, under Academic Regulations in the Undergraduate Academic Calendar.