CMU QPA Calculator
Official Carnegie Mellon University Quality Point Average Tool
Understanding the Carnegie Mellon QPA System
At Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), academic performance is measured using the Quality Point Average (QPA). Unlike many institutions that use a standard GPA based on credit hours, CMU uses a "units" system. Most standard full-semester courses are weighted at 9 or 12 units.
How is CMU QPA Calculated?
The calculation is a weighted average based on the number of units assigned to each course. The formula is:
QPA = Total Quality Points / Total Units Attempted
Quality Points are earned by multiplying the grade value by the number of units for that course. For example, if you earn an 'A' (4.0) in a 12-unit course, you receive 48 quality points (4.0 * 12).
CMU Grade Point Values
| Letter Grade | Quality Points (per unit) |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| R / E / F | 0.0 |
Example Calculation
Suppose a first-year Tartan takes the following schedule:
- Interpretation and Argument (9 units): Grade A (4.0) = 36 points
- Fundamentals of Programming (12 units): Grade B (3.0) = 36 points
- Calculus I (10 units): Grade A (4.0) = 40 points
Total Units: 9 + 12 + 10 = 31 units
Total Quality Points: 36 + 36 + 40 = 112 points
Semester QPA: 112 / 31 = 3.61
QPA vs. GPA: What's the Difference?
At CMU, the terms are often used interchangeably, but "QPA" is the official terminology used on transcripts and by the Registrar. It is important to note that CMU generally does not use plus/minus grades (like A- or B+) in the calculation of the official undergraduate QPA, sticking to the whole number scale (4, 3, 2, 1, 0).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an 'I' (Incomplete) affect my QPA?
No, incomplete grades do not factor into the QPA calculation until a final grade is assigned.
What about Pass/Fail (P/N) courses?
Courses taken as Pass/Fail do not count toward your QPA, though the units may count toward graduation requirements.