Calciro

How to Calculate Your University of Michigan GPA: Grade Points and Scale

Learn how the University of Michigan calculates GPA — the 4.0 quality point scale, how credit hours weight each grade, and GPA thresholds for Dean's List, academic standing, and graduation.

Related Calculators

How the University of Michigan Calculates GPA

The University of Michigan uses a standard 4.0 quality point scale for GPA calculation:

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

Total Quality Points = Σ (Grade Points × Credit Hours for each course)

UMich Grading Scale

Letter GradeQuality PointsDescription
A+4.0Exceptional
A4.0Excellent
A−3.7Near Excellent
B+3.3Above Average
B3.0Good
B−2.7Above Satisfactory
C+2.3Average
C2.0Satisfactory
C−1.7Below Satisfactory
D+1.3Poor
D1.0Poor
D−0.7Minimum Passing
E (Fail)0.0Failing

Note: University of Michigan uses "E" for failing grades, not "F".

Worked Example

CourseCreditsGradeQuality Points
MATH 1154B+4 × 3.3 = 13.2
CHEM 1303A−3 × 3.7 = 11.1
ENGLISH 1254B4 × 3.0 = 12.0
HISTORY 1013A3 × 4.0 = 12.0
**Total****14****48.3**

GPA = 48.3 / 14 = 3.45

Key GPA Thresholds at UMich

ThresholdGPA Requirement
Academic ProbationBelow 2.0 cumulative
Required Good Standing2.0 cumulative
Minimum for Graduation (most schools)2.0 cumulative
College of Engineering graduation2.0+ (some programs require higher)
University Honors at graduationVaries by school (commonly 3.5+)
Phi Beta Kappa eligibilityTypically 3.8+

Courses That Don't Affect GPA

The following do NOT count toward GPA: - Pass/Fail (P/F) graded courses (P does not add quality points; F does) - Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) courses - Transfer credit accepted as credit only - Audited courses

How Repeated Courses Are Handled

At the University of Michigan, both the original and repeated course appear on the transcript. Both grades count in GPA calculation — Michigan does not automatically replace the original grade. Some colleges within Michigan may have grade forgiveness policies — check with your specific college's registrar.

Cumulative vs. Term GPA

Term GPA: Calculated only from courses taken in one semester or half-term Cumulative GPA: All courses across all terms — this is what appears on official transcripts and is used for academic standing

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA do I need to graduate from the University of Michigan?
Most University of Michigan schools and colleges require a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for graduation. Some programs require higher — check your specific school's requirements. The College of Engineering requires 2.0; LSA (College of Literature, Science, and the Arts) also requires 2.0 cumulative. Some majors have additional GPA requirements within the major (e.g., 2.5 in major courses).
What GPA do you need for Dean's List at UMich?
Dean's List requirements vary by school within the University of Michigan. In the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA), students typically need a 3.5+ term GPA while enrolled in 14+ credit hours in a regular semester. Other schools like Engineering and Business have their own honor lists with different criteria. Contact your specific school's academic advising office for current requirements.
Does UMich use plus/minus grading?
Yes, the University of Michigan uses plus/minus grades with distinct quality point values. A+ and A both receive 4.0 quality points; A− is 3.7; B+ is 3.3; B is 3.0; B− is 2.7, and so on. University of Michigan also uses 'E' for failing grades instead of the more common 'F' — both represent 0.0 quality points.
How are transfer courses counted in my UMich GPA?
Transfer credit accepted by the University of Michigan is generally credited toward degree requirements but does NOT count in your UMich GPA. Only courses taken at the University of Michigan (or through Michigan's official exchange programs) affect your cumulative GPA. Your transcript will show transfer credit but the grades from your previous institution don't factor into UMich GPA calculations.

Last updated 7/28/2026