Credit Hours Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the credit hours calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Credit Hours Calculator

Formulas Used

Degree Completion

percent_complete = total_after_semester / degree_requirement * 100

Credits Remaining

credits_remaining = remaining > 0 ? remaining : 0

Semesters Remaining

semesters_left = remaining > 0 ? ceil(remaining / credits_per_semester) : 0

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
credits_completedCredits Completed72
credits_in_progressCredits In Progress15
degree_requirementCredits Required for Degree120
credits_per_semesterCredits Per Semester (Planned)15
total_after_semesterDerived value= credits_completed + credits_in_progresscalculated
remainingDerived value= degree_requirement - total_after_semestercalculated

How It Works

How to Track Credit Hours Toward Graduation

Formula

Remaining = Degree Requirement - (Completed + In Progress)

Semesters Left = ceil(Remaining / Credits Per Semester)

Typical Requirements

  • Associate degree: 60 credits
  • Bachelor's degree: 120 credits
  • Master's degree: 30-60 credits

    • Worked Example

    72 credits done, 15 in progress, need 120 total, plan 15 per semester.

    credits_completed = 72credits_in_progress = 15degree_requirement = 120credits_per_semester = 15
    1. 01Total after semester: 72 + 15 = 87
    2. 02Completion: 87 / 120 x 100 = 72.5%
    3. 03Remaining: 120 - 87 = 33 credits
    4. 04Semesters: ceil(33 / 15) = 3

    Ready to run the numbers?

    Open Credit Hours Calculator