How grading works at McMaster University
McMaster uses a distinctive 12-point grade-point scale rather than the more common 4.0 scale. Grade point values range from 12 (an A+) down to 0 (an F), across 13 letter grades: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F.
Each letter grade maps to a fixed percentage band on your transcript — for example A+ is 90-100%, B+ is 77-79%, and D- is 50-52%. The corresponding grade point values are listed in the Undergraduate Calendar's General Academic Regulations, and repeated in the Grades page for easy reference.
Source: Grades — Office of the Registrar, McMaster University — 'Grade point values' section and table — verified Aug 2026
How McMaster calculates your GPA
Your GPA is a weighted average based on the grades obtained in all courses taken. Course points are calculated by multiplying the number of course units by the grade-point value of your final grade — for example, a B+ (9 points) in a 3-unit course earns 3 × 9 = 27 course points. Your Term GPA is the total points for the term divided by your Term GPA units.
Some courses do not count toward your GPA at all: courses transferred in from another university, courses deemed "Extra" to your degree requirements, and courses you passed with a non-numeric grade (P, NC, AUD, or COM). If your final grade is non-numeric, its course points are recorded as 0 and it is excluded from both the term and cumulative GPA calculations.
Source: Grades — Office of the Registrar, McMaster University — 'Course points' and 'Term GPA calculation' sections — verified Aug 2026
Dean's Honour List and Provost's Honour List at McMaster
McMaster recognizes strong academic performance with two honour rolls, both requiring at least 30 units since your last assessment: the Dean's Honour List, for a GPA of at least 9.5 (out of 12), and the Provost's Honour Roll, for a GPA of 12.0 — a perfect record.
Source: Corroborated from search-indexed excerpts of McMaster's own Undergraduate Calendar (2020 to 2025-26); the General Academic Regulations page is JS-rendered and was not directly fetched. — verified Aug 2026
Academic standing and probation at McMaster
At the end of each Winter or Spring/Summer term, McMaster assigns you an academic standing based on your record: Good Standing, Academic Probation, Program Probation, May Not Continue in Program, May Not Continue in Faculty, May Not Continue at University, or Required to Withdraw from University.
Academic Probation applies to students with a GPA of at least 3.0 but less than 3.5 (out of 12), and allows you to continue at the university for one further review period. A standing of May Not Continue at University means you must apply for reinstatement before returning, and you cannot take courses in the meantime.
Source: Corroborated from search-indexed excerpts of McMaster's General Academic Regulations; that page is JS-rendered and was not directly fetched - spot-check before publishing. — verified Aug 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can I save my semesters and track my CGPA at McMaster University?
How do I convert SGPA to CGPA at McMaster University?
Can I add past semester GPAs without entering every course?
Is my CGPA tracker data sent to your servers?
Is this McMaster University GPA calculator free?
What is the highest grade point value at McMaster?
12, for an A+ (90-100%). McMaster's scale runs from 12 down to 0 (F), not the more familiar 4.0 scale used at many other universities.
Source: Grades — Office of the Registrar, McMaster University — verified Aug 2026
What is the lowest passing grade at McMaster?
D- (1 grade point, 50-52%) is the lowest passing letter grade on McMaster's scale. F (0 points, below 50%) is a failure.
Source: Grades — Office of the Registrar, McMaster University — verified Aug 2026
Does a repeated course count twice in your McMaster GPA?
Not anymore. For attempts taken after September 1, 2018, only your most recent attempt at a repeated course counts toward your GPA — earlier attempts are excluded. Before that date, every attempt (including failures) counted.
Source: Grades — Office of the Registrar, McMaster University — verified Aug 2026
Do Pass/Fail (P) grades affect your GPA at McMaster?
No. Courses graded P (Pass), NC (No Credit), AUD (Audit), or COM are non-numeric grades and are excluded from GPA calculation entirely, even though a passed P course still counts toward your degree's credit requirements.
Source: Grades — Office of the Registrar, McMaster University — verified Aug 2026