GPA Calculation

Each letter grade awarded has an associated numeric grade point value. A grade point average (GPA) is an average of these grade points.‌‌

What is the grade point value for each letter grade?

Letter Grade Grade Points Percentage Points Rating
A+ 4.30 90-100 Excellent
A 4.00 85-89  
A- 3.70 80-84  

B+ 3.30 77-79 Good
B 3.00 73-76  
B- 2.70 70-72  

C+ 2.30 67-69 Satisfactory
C 2.00 63-66  
C- 1.70 60-62  

D 1.00 50-59 Marginal

F 0.00 0-49 Failure or WithdrawalAfter Deadline

How is my GPA calculated?

The grade point value is multiplied by the credit hours, totalled and divided by the total credit hours attempted. Grade point averages may be calculated for a semester, year, degree, program or cumulatively.

There are various CPA calculations:

  • Cumulative GPA (CGPA) - Based upon all courses taken for credit hours in any Faculty at Saint Mary‘s other than those for which grades of AE have been given. Grades of “F” are included and the most recent grade of a repeated course is used in the calculation. CGPA is used to determine academic standing and distinctions.
  • Degree GPA (DGPA) - Based upon the courses presented in fulfillment of the degree requirements. Courses without passing grades (W, F, IC, and IP) are not used to fulfill degree requirements and are not included in the DGPA. In the case of a repeated course, the most recent grade is included. Grades for courses in excess of degree requirements are not included.
  • Program GPA (PGPA) – Based upon the courses presented in fulfillment of the program (major, minor, honours, concentration) requirements. Courses without passing grades (W, F, IC, and IP) are not used to fulfill program requirements and are not included in the PGPA. The most recent grade of a repeated course is used. Grades for courses in excess of program requirements are not included.

I retook a course, how does this affect my GPA?

In the case of a repeated course, the highest grade is included in GPA calculations. Adjustments for repeated courses are processed after all final grades for a specified term are received. If you have retaken a course, allow 3-4 weeks after the official final exam period for your CGPA to be adjusted.

Note: All past decisions on academic matters, such as academic probation/requirement to withdraw, placement on the Dean‘s List, qualifications for graduation, academic distinctions, and scholarships, shall not be affected by CGPA changes due to repeated courses.

What are the CGPA requirements to be in good academic standing?

You are in good academic standing if your CGPA is 1.70 or above. Students with a CGPA below 1.70 will be placed on Academic Probation. Students who are on probation and do not satisfy the requirements for continuance will be suspended for one academic term. Those who have been suspended and have a CPGA below 1.00 or have been suspended, are now on probation and do not satisfy the requirements for continuance will be on Academic Dismissal for one academic term. See Academic Regulation 7.

I transferred from another post-secondary institution. Are my transfer credits included in my GPA calculations?

Grades for courses taken at other institutions for which advanced standing is given are not included in calculations for a grade point average, a cumulative grade point average, or in calculations for determining awards and distinctions.

Grades for courses taken at other institutions covered by the Pan Canadian Agreement for which transfer credit is given are included in these calculations.

Back to Top