GPA retake calculator
Compare grade replacement with both attempts counting. Find the retake grade points needed for your target using your confirmed GPA policy.
How it works
A worked example
A 2.8 GPA over 30 counted credits includes a three-credit course at 1.0 points. Retaking it at 4.0 gives 3.1 if the old attempt is replaced, or about 2.9091 if both attempts count. A 3.0 target needs 3.0 retake points with replacement, or 5.0 with both attempts counting: impossible on a 4.0 scale.
Assumptions to check
The current GPA and counted credits already include the original attempt once and do not include the planned retake. Choose a confirmed policy. Replacement always uses the new attempt here, even if worse. Eligibility, applications, credit limits, financial aid, transcript notations and higher-grade-only policies are not automatic. GPA-counted credits are different from credits earned toward a degree.
Read all calculation notes ↗A few useful answers
Does retaking a class erase the old grade?
Only the numerical GPA treatment you select is modeled. Your institution may keep both attempts on the transcript even when one is excluded from GPA.
What if my new grade is lower?
The replacement model uses the new grade even if it lowers your GPA. If your policy keeps the higher attempt, this model does not implement that rule; compare using the retained grade only after checking the policy.
Why does the both-attempts result use more credits?
Both GPA attempts add quality points and attempted credits. This does not mean the same course earns graduation credit twice.
Planning estimates, not official academic results. Your course and institution set the rules.
How much will retaking a class raise my GPA?
The effect depends on existing quality points, the credit value of each attempt, and the policy. Removing a low original attempt changes both the numerator and denominator. Adding a new attempt without removal usually has a smaller effect when you already have many counted credits.
Check the target before choosing a retake
The result compares both policies and shows the highest GPA available from this one retake. A required grade above the selected scale means this course alone cannot reach the target. A different grade or credit window is a separate scenario, not an exception to the policy.
Use a rounded transcript GPA carefully
Multiplying a displayed cumulative GPA by its credits estimates quality points. A rounded transcript GPA can produce a small difference from the registrar’s exact calculation. Use the most precise official GPA available and confirm final decisions with your institution.
Guides for this calculation
Check your institution’s rules
These sources explain example methods and policy differences. No university preset is applied.
Illinois Registrar: eligibility and exceptions to grade replacement ↗