Two averages with different jobs
Term GPA uses only the quality points and GPA units from that term. Cumulative GPA combines the terms included in the institution's record. A transcript may also show separate institutional, transfer, major, or overall averages.
Cumulative GPA = cumulative quality points ÷ cumulative GPA units
Worked example: a strong term
Jordan has a 3.100 cumulative GPA over 45 units, or 139.5 existing quality points. A 12-unit term at 3.800 adds 45.6 quality points. The term GPA is 3.800, while the new cumulative GPA is (139.5 + 45.6) ÷ 57 = 3.247.
Both numbers are correct. They answer different questions: “How did this term go?” and “What is the average across the larger record?”
Try the numbers
Compare term and cumulative GPA
A strong term helps, but it is blended with all earlier GPA units.
Why your school's displayed number may differ
The University of Illinois distinguishes term, total institution, total transfer, and overall GPA. Cornell states that external coursework is not included in the Cornell GPA. Those are examples of why a label such as “overall” must be read with its school's transcript key.
Use the GPA calculator to see term and projected cumulative GPA update together as you choose course grades.
Policy sources
Policies vary by institution and can change. These official sources support the school-specific statements above; your registrar is the final authority.
- University of Illinois Registrar — Calculate Your GPA defines several transcript GPA totals.
- Cornell University Registrar — Transcript Key explains the Cornell GPA and external coursework.
- UC Berkeley Registrar — Grades & Grading describes term and cumulative academic standing thresholds.
Written and independently checked by GPA Clarity · Last reviewed September 9, 2026