LSAC GPA Calculator (CAS GPA Tool for Law School Applicants)
If you are planning to apply to law school, your LSAC GPA, calculated by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC), is one of the most important numbers on your application. Unlike the GPA on your undergraduate transcript, your LSAC CAS GPA is recalculated by LSAC using their own rules, including the official 4.33 grading scale, and is the number all ABA-accredited law schools use for admissions decisions.
This free LSAC GPA calculator mirrors LSAC's official methodology as closely as possible. It helps you estimate your LSAC CAS GPA before submitting your law school applications. Whether you want to calculate your LSAC GPA, understand the LSAC GPA conversion rules, or see how repeated courses affect your score, this tool has you covered.
How to Use This LSAC GPA Calculator
Using this LSAC GPA calculator is simple. Follow these four steps to get your estimated LSAC CAS GPA in under a minute:
Enter Your Undergraduate Courses
Add each course you took as an undergraduate. The course name is optional. Only the grade and credit hours are required. Include every attempt, even repeated ones.
Select Your Grade and Credit Hours
Choose the letter grade from the LSAC dropdown (e.g., A+, B, C-) and enter the credit hours for that course. Most courses are 3 credits.
Set the Punitive Withdrawal Toggle
If you received a WF, WU, or WNP grade, toggle the switch to include them. When enabled, they count as F (0.00), which is exactly how LSAC treats them.
Calculate and Review Results
Press the "Calculate LSAC GPA" button. Your estimated LSAC GPA will appear instantly with a full course-by-course breakdown showing included, excluded, and unconverted credits.
Important: For the most accurate estimate, enter every undergraduate course from every institution you attended, including community college courses, transfer credits, and any failed attempts. LSAC collects transcripts from all institutions, so nothing gets left out.
What is LSAC GPA?
Your LSAC GPA (also called your CAS GPA) is a standardized recalculation of your undergraduate academic record performed by the Law School Admission Council through its Credential Assembly Service (CAS). Every time you apply to an ABA-approved law school, LSAC collects official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you attended and recalculates your GPA from scratch using their uniform methodology.
This means the GPA on your undergraduate diploma is not the number law schools see. Your LSAC GPA is what matters, and it can be significantly different from your school-reported GPA. Understanding how LSAC calculates GPA is critically important for every prospective law student.
Key Difference
Your undergraduate institution may use grade forgiveness, academic renewal, or highest-grade policies when reporting your GPA. LSAC ignores all of these. It recalculates your GPA using raw grades from every undergraduate institution you attended.
How LSAC Calculates GPA
The LSAC GPA formula is straightforward but strict:
LSAC GPA = (Sum of Grade Points x Credit Hours) / Total Credit Hours
For each undergraduate course, LSAC converts your letter grade to a numerical value using the LSAC 4.33 scale, multiplies it by the number of credit hours, and sums all resulting grade points. The total is then divided by the total number of credit hours included.
Step 1: Gather All Undergraduate Transcripts
LSAC collects official transcripts from every college or university you attended as an undergraduate, even if you only took a single course there.
Step 2: Convert Grades to LSAC Values
Each letter grade is converted using the LSAC 4.33 scale. A+ = 4.33, A = 4.00, B+ = 3.33, down to F/E = 0.00.
Step 3: Multiply by Credit Hours
Grade points for each course = LSAC grade value x credit hours assigned to that course.
Step 4: Sum and Divide
Add all grade points earned across all included courses, then divide by the total credit hours included.
What Is Included in LSAC GPA?
LSAC applies strict rules about which courses count toward your GPA. Knowing exactly what is included helps you use this calculator accurately and avoid surprises when your official CAS report arrives.
All undergraduate graded courses
Every course from every undergraduate institution you attended is included, regardless of when you took it or how poorly you performed.
Repeated course attempts
Both the original attempt and every retake are counted. LSAC does not use grade replacement. If you failed a course and retook it, both grades appear in your GPA.
Failing grades (F and E)
Failing grades are always counted as 0.00 grade points. There are no exceptions, even if your school allowed grade forgiveness or academic renewal.
Punitive withdrawals (WF, WU, WNP)
These are treated the same as F grades (0.00 grade points) and are included in your GPA when they appear on your transcript as punitive.
Courses from all attended institutions
Community college, transfer credits, summer courses, and dual-enrollment courses all count, as long as they were taken at the undergraduate level.
Not included: Graduate coursework, pass/fail grades (recorded as unconverted credits), non-punitive withdrawals (W, I), and non-credit courses are all excluded from your LSAC GPA.
LSAC GPA vs University GPA: Key Differences
Many applicants are shocked when they see their LSAC GPA for the first time. It is often lower than the GPA printed on their diploma. Here is why the two numbers diverge, and what it means for your law school application.
Grade Scale
Your University: 4.0 maximum (A = 4.0)
LSAC CAS: 4.33 maximum (A+ = 4.33)
Positive: students with many A+ grades benefit from LSAC's higher ceiling.
Repeated Courses
Your University: Most schools use the highest grade only.
LSAC CAS: All attempts are counted, including the failed first try.
Negative: early failures drag down your LSAC GPA even after you improved.
Failing Grades
Your University: May be forgiven, replaced, or excluded from your transcript GPA.
LSAC CAS: Always included as 0.00 grade points, with no exceptions.
Negative: grade forgiveness policies at your school do not transfer to LSAC.
Graduate Courses
Your University: Often included in your cumulative GPA.
LSAC CAS: Excluded entirely from the GPA calculation.
Neutral or positive: strong grad coursework cannot boost your LSAC GPA.
Bottom line: Your LSAC GPA is the only GPA number that law schools use for admissions decisions. It is more standardized and often stricter than what you see on your official transcript.
LSAC GPA vs. Regular GPA (Comparison Table)
The table below summarizes the most important differences between your school-reported GPA and your LSAC CAS GPA:
| Factor | Your School GPA | LSAC CAS GPA |
|---|---|---|
| GPA Scale Maximum | 4.0 | 4.33 (A+ = 4.33) |
| Repeated Courses | May use highest grade only | All attempts counted |
| Failed Courses | May be forgiven or excluded | Always included |
| Graduate Courses | Often included | Excluded |
| Pass/Fail Courses | Often excluded | Excluded (unconverted credits) |
| Multiple Institutions | Each school calculates separately | All combined into one GPA |
LSAC Grade Conversion Table (Complete)
The following is the complete LSAC grade conversion table used for CAS GPA calculations. LSAC converts all letter grades from your undergraduate transcripts to these standardized values before computing your GPA.
| Letter Grade | LSAC Grade Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.33 | Superior |
| A | 4.00 | Excellent |
| A- | 3.67 | Very Good |
| AB | 3.50 | Between A & B |
| B+ | 3.33 | Good |
| B | 3.00 | Satisfactory |
| B- | 2.67 | Below Satisfactory |
| BC | 2.50 | Between B & C |
| C+ | 2.33 | Adequate |
| C | 2.00 | Fair |
| C- | 1.67 | Weak |
| CD | 1.50 | Between C & D |
| D+ | 1.33 | Poor |
| D | 1.00 | Minimal |
| D- | 0.67 | Very Poor |
| DE/DF | 0.50 | Near Failing |
| F/E | 0.00 | Failing |
Special Grade Cases
Pass/Fail Courses
Excluded from GPA. Recorded as "unconverted credits" in your CAS report.
W (Withdrawal) / I (Incomplete)
Non-punitive withdrawals are excluded from GPA calculation.
WF / WU / WNP (Punitive)
Treated as F (0.00 grade points) and included in GPA when marked punitive.
Which Grades Are Not Included in LSAC GPA?
LSAC excludes certain types of coursework from its GPA calculation. Understanding these exclusions is essential when using any LSAC GPA calculator:
Graduate / Post-Bachelor Courses
Any courses taken after earning your bachelor's degree, including master's or post-bacc work, are excluded from LSAC GPA.
Pass/Fail Courses
Courses graded on a pass/fail basis are excluded from GPA but noted as unconverted credits. Law schools can still see them.
Non-Punitive Withdrawals (W, I)
Standard withdrawals and incompletes that are not graded are excluded from GPA.
Non-Credit Courses
Courses that carry no academic credit, such as audits or non-credit continuing education, are excluded entirely.
Important: What IS Always Included
- All failing grades (F, E), with no exceptions
- All attempts of repeated courses, both the original and the retake
- Punitive withdrawals (WF, WU, WNP), treated as F (0.00)
- Courses from all undergraduate institutions attended
Common Mistakes When Calculating LSAC GPA
Many applicants underestimate or miscalculate their LSAC GPA because of assumptions carried over from how their school reported grades. Avoiding these mistakes gives you a more accurate estimate before your official CAS report is generated.
Leaving out failed courses
LSAC counts every F or E grade as 0.00 grade points. Do not skip them when entering courses into this calculator.
Only entering the repeated course, not the original
If you retook a course, you must enter both attempts. LSAC does not apply "grade replacement." Both grades count toward your GPA.
Forgetting courses from community college or other institutions
LSAC pulls transcripts from every undergraduate institution you attended. Transfer credits and dual-enrollment courses are included.
Including graduate or post-bachelor courses
Courses taken after your bachelor's degree are excluded from your LSAC GPA. Do not add master's or post-bacc credits to this calculator.
Treating all withdrawals as excluded
Non-punitive withdrawals (W, I) are excluded. But punitive withdrawals (WF, WU, WNP) count as F grades. Enable the toggle in the calculator if you have any.
LSAC GPA Edge Cases Most Students Miss
Beyond the standard rules, LSAC applies specific policies to unusual academic situations. These edge cases catch many applicants off guard and can meaningfully affect your final CAS GPA.
Academic Bankruptcy or Renewal
Some universities allow students to declare academic bankruptcy, wiping out a poor semester from their institutional GPA. LSAC does not recognize this. All grades from that semester are still counted in your LSAC GPA.
Dual Enrollment in High School
If you took college-credit courses during high school and those credits appear on a college transcript, LSAC will include them in your GPA. Check with LSAC if you are unsure whether your institution sent a transcript.
Study Abroad Transferred Credits
Credits transferred from international study abroad programs are included in your LSAC GPA if they appear on a U.S. institution's transcript and were taken at the undergraduate level.
Incomplete (I) Grades Later Converted
If an Incomplete grade was eventually converted to a letter grade on your transcript, LSAC will count the final letter grade, not the original I. Ensure your transcript reflects the resolved grade.
Non-Standard Grading Systems
Some institutions use numeric scales, descriptive grades, or percentages. LSAC converts these to their standard 4.33 scale using an internal conversion guide, which may differ from what you expect.
Post-Baccalaureate Courses After Bachelor's
Many applicants take additional undergraduate-level courses after graduation to boost their GPA. Courses taken after your bachelor's degree are classified as post-baccalaureate and are excluded from LSAC GPA, even if they are undergraduate-level.
When in doubt, contact LSAC directly or review their official CAS documentation. Edge cases are handled case by case, and the nuances can significantly affect your final LSAC GPA.
LSAC GPA Benchmarks for Law School Admissions
While a strong LSAT score is equally important, your LSAC GPA is a major factor in law school decisions. Here are general benchmarks:
3.70 to 4.33 (Excellent):Highly competitive for T14 law schools such as Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, and NYU. Places you in the top percentile of applicants nationally.
3.50 to 3.69 (Strong):Competitive for many top-25 to top-50 law schools. A strong LSAT can compensate for GPAs in this range at elite schools.
3.00 to 3.49 (Competitive):Meets the minimum for most ABA-accredited schools. A high LSAT score becomes especially critical in this range.
Below 3.00 (Challenging):Options narrow significantly. Consider post-baccalaureate coursework or an exceptional LSAT score to strengthen your application.
Conclusion
Understanding your LSAC GPA is a critical first step in the law school admissions process. Because LSAC recalculates your GPA using stricter rules, counting all undergraduate attempts, including failing grades, and applying the 4.33 scale, knowing your estimated LSAC GPA helps you set realistic school targets, plan your LSAT preparation, and identify which courses on your transcript may be affecting your numbers most.
Use this free LSAC GPA calculator as a planning tool. Remember that your official LSAC CAS GPA is determined only after LSAC receives and processes all your official transcripts. Always refer to official LSAC resources for definitive guidance.
Related Tools & Guides
FAQs: LSAC GPA Calculator
1. How does LSAC calculate GPA?
LSAC calculates GPA by converting all undergraduate letter grades to numerical values on the 4.33 scale, multiplying each by the course's credit hours, summing all grade points, and dividing by the total credit hours included. Every undergraduate attempt, including repeats and failures, is counted.
2. Does LSAC include failed courses?
Yes, absolutely. LSAC always includes failed courses (F or E grades, worth 0.00 grade points) in its GPA calculation. Unlike some institutions that allow grade forgiveness, LSAC's policy requires all failing grades to be counted. This is one of the most impactful differences between your school GPA and your LSAC GPA.
3. Why is my LSAC GPA different from my school GPA?
Your LSAC GPA and school GPA often differ because LSAC: (1) uses a 4.33 scale instead of a 4.0 scale, (2) counts all attempts of repeated courses rather than just the best grade, (3) combines GPA from all undergraduate institutions you attended, and (4) excludes graduate coursework that some schools count. The result can be higher or lower than your reported GPA, and it is often lower if you have repeated courses or early failures.
4. Does LSAC count repeated classes?
Yes. LSAC counts both the original attempt and every retake of a course. If you received a D in a course and later retook it for an A, both grades appear in your LSAC GPA calculation. This contrasts sharply with institutional policies that often use only the highest grade or the most recent grade for GPA purposes.
5. Are pass/fail courses included in LSAC GPA?
Pass/fail courses are not included in your LSAC GPA calculation, as they cannot be converted to a numerical grade point value. However, they are recorded as "unconverted credits" in your CAS report and are visible to law school admissions offices. Unconverted credits do not help or hurt your GPA but are part of your academic record.
6. What LSAC GPA do I need for law school?
Requirements vary by school. T14 law schools (Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Chicago, NYU, Penn, UVA, Duke, Northwestern, Cornell, Georgetown, Michigan, UC Berkeley) typically have median LSAC GPAs between 3.70 and 3.96. Mid-ranked schools may have medians around 3.30 to 3.70. Most ABA-accredited law schools accept students with a minimum LSAC GPA of around 2.5 to 3.0, though a strong LSAT can compensate partially for a lower GPA.
7. What is the LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS)?
The LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) is the system through which LSAC collects, verifies, and processes your academic documents for law school applications. When you subscribe to CAS, LSAC requests official transcripts from all your undergraduate institutions, converts your grades to their 4.33 scale, and compiles a CAS report that is sent to every law school you apply to. All ABA-accredited law schools require CAS.
8. How accurate is this LSAC GPA calculator?
This calculator is built to match LSAC's official methodology as closely as possible, including the correct 4.33 grade scale, inclusion rules for repeated/failed courses, exclusion of pass/fail grades, and handling of punitive withdrawals. However, this tool provides an estimate only. Minor discrepancies may arise due to how your institution labels grades or specific LSAC evaluations of non-standard grades. Always treat this as an approximation.
Disclaimer: This calculator provides an estimate based on publicly available LSAC guidelines and is intended for informational and planning purposes only. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). Your official LSAC GPA is determined solely by LSAC after receiving and processing all official transcripts. View official LSAC CAS information → | Last updated: 2026