Compare sourced honors rules and model repeat / withdrawal scenarios →
Do not infer a rule from the word “fail”
A conventional F and an unsatisfactory mark under a separate grading option are not necessarily equivalent. UW–Madison lists F among GPA-counted grades, while its S/U option appears among excluded grades. Apply the rule for the actual symbol.
GPA credits and earned credits answer different questions
Excluding a course from GPA removes it from both the quality-point sum and GPA-credit denominator. Whether it earns degree credit is a separate policy question. Exclusion does not by itself mean the course passed.
Confirm non-GPA consequences with your school
This calculator cannot determine whether a grading option meets a prerequisite, program requirement, or other eligibility rule. Read the applicable policy before choosing an option; do not make that choice based solely on a higher-looking GPA.
Official references
Sources checked August 31, 2026. Institution examples are limited to the stated scope; review the current official policy before acting.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Put the numbers together
In the generic example policy, A/3 plus P/3 gives 12 ÷ 3 = 4.00 GPA and 6 earned credits. A/3 plus F/3 gives 12 ÷ 6 = 2.00 GPA.
Method and limits
These examples use stated mathematical assumptions, not a claim that every institution uses the same policy. Read our methodology or check the available institution-specific profiles. Your transcript is the official record.