FAU GPA Calculator
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An FAU GPA calculator is a web-based tool that computes your semester and cumulative GPA using FAU’s grading scale and credit hours.
How to Use the FAU GPA Calculator
This FAU GPA calculator is designed to help Florida Atlantic University students quickly compute semester and cumulative GPAs by entering course credits and letter grades. The tool includes an interactive bar chart (built with Plotly.js) that visualizes grade points per course and updates dynamically as you edit inputs. It fits neatly between two sidebars on a standard WordPress content column and uses a clean white background for readability.
Getting Started
To begin, add each course on the form inside the calculator: enter the course name (optional), the credit hours, and select the letter grade you expect or have received. The calculator supports FAU’s standard letter-grade to grade-point mapping (for example, A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, etc.). If your program uses different grading rules, you can adjust the grade-point values in the script.
Step-by-step Instructions
- Input course details: Click “Add Course” to add rows. For each row, provide credits and choose a letter grade from the drop-down.
- Review the live results: The calculator will immediately show the computed semester GPA and, if you add prior completed credits and cumulative GPA, the projected cumulative GPA.
- Visualize your grades: The Plotly.js bar chart displays each course’s grade points and credit weighting so you can see which classes most influence your GPA.
- Edit and experiment: Try different hypothetical grades to plan your target GPA. Use the “Reset” button to clear all entries and start fresh.
Features and Benefits
Accurate GPA math
The calculator multiplies grade points by credit hours, sums them, and divides by total credits to produce accurate GPA results. This standard calculation mirrors FAU’s approach to GPA computation and helps you make informed decisions about course loads and academic goals.
Interactive visualization
Plotly.js powers the interactive chart. Hover to see exact grade-point values, zoom into ranges, and toggle visibility of course series. Visual feedback is engaging and aids in prioritizing course focus.
Responsive design for WordPress
The calculator’s container uses a max-width that matches common WordPress content areas (760px) and scales down for mobile devices. The white background and compact layout ensure it fits cleanly between two sidebars in most themes.
Export and print
You can print the results or copy them to a personal academic planner. The display is optimized for printing so your results remain clear on paper.
Tips for Accurate Use
- Use the correct credit hours for each course (e.g., 3.0 for standard lecture courses).
- If repeating a course, follow FAU’s repeat policy when deciding whether to include both entries in cumulative calculations.
- Double-check grade-entry selection to avoid misreading A- as B+ or similar close grades.
- For transfer credits or unusual grading systems, consult FAU Academic Records to confirm how those credits factor into your GPA.
Technical Notes
The calculator uses modern JavaScript and Plotly.js and is self-contained in a single HTML file that you can paste into a WordPress Custom HTML or a code block plugin. The script is built to avoid conflicts with common WordPress scripts by encapsulating variables and attaching the main UI to a single container element. If Plotly fails to load, check for console errors or caching issues.
Sample Calculation Example
For example, if you take three courses worth 3 credits each and earn grades of A (4.0), B+ (3.3), and B (3.0), the calculator converts each letter grade to grade points, multiplies by credits, sums them, and divides by total credits to produce a semester GPA. The FAU GPA calculator shows these numbers step-by-step so you can audit the math.
Troubleshooting
If the chart fails to render, check the browser console for errors and ensure Plotly.js is loading correctly. Clear any caching or use a different browser. If the calculator is wider than your layout, reduce the CSS max-width from 760px to 720px.
Privacy and Data
All calculations run locally in your browser; no data is transmitted externally. This helps protect your course information and personal details.
Final thoughts
This FAU GPA calculator combines accuracy and visualization to help students plan and experiment with grading outcomes. Embed it on advising pages or personal sites to make semester planning simple and transparent. Start using the FAU GPA calculator today to plan realistic goals, make informed course choices, and track progress toward graduation with confidence and clarity. Now.
Disclaimer
This calculator is a planning and visualization tool only. It does not replace FAU’s official GPA records or academic advising. Policies about grade repeats, transfer credits, or grade forgiveness differ by program and can affect official GPA calculations. For authoritative information, contact the FAU Registrar or your academic advisor.
FAQ
How precise are the calculations?
The calculator uses standard grade-point arithmetic and rounds results to two decimal places, which is sufficient for planning but may differ slightly from FAU’s official rounding practices. Use official transcripts for exact records.
Can I include transfer credits?
Yes. Enter prior cumulative credits and your prior cumulative GPA in the provided fields to compute a combined cumulative GPA. Verify FAU policy for how transfer credits are counted toward institutional GPA.
Is this tool official?
No. This is a third-party planning tool for students and advisors. It is not an official FAU system.
Can I change the grade scale?
Yes. The mapping of letter grades to grade points is located in the JavaScript under a single object (gradePoints). Modify those values if your program uses a different scale.