Credit Hours Total Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the credit hours total calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Completed Credits
completed_credits = completed_totalTotal Including In-Progress
total_with_current = all_totalRemaining After Current Term
remaining_credits = max(degree_required - all_total, 0)Degree Completion
pct_complete = min(all_total / degree_required * 100, 100)Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
sem1_credits | Semester 1 Credits | 15 |
sem2_credits | Semester 2 Credits | 16 |
sem3_credits | Semester 3 Credits | 14 |
sem4_credits | Semester 4 Credits | 15 |
in_progress | In-Progress Credits | 12 |
degree_required | Degree Required Credits | 120 |
completed_total | Derived value= sem1_credits + sem2_credits + sem3_credits + sem4_credits | calculated |
all_total | Derived value= completed_total + in_progress | calculated |
How It Works
How to Total Credit Hours
Credit hours quantify the instructional time a course represents. Summing your earned credits across all semesters shows how far you have progressed toward your degree.
Formula
Total Credits = Sum of Each Semester's Credits
Remaining = Degree Requirement - (Completed + In-Progress)
Most bachelor's degrees require 120 credit hours, though some programs (engineering, architecture) require more.
Worked Example
A student has completed 4 semesters (15, 16, 14, 15 credits) and is enrolled in 12 credits this term. The degree requires 120 credits.
- 01Completed credits: 15 + 16 + 14 + 15 = 60
- 02Total with in-progress: 60 + 12 = 72
- 03Remaining: 120 - 72 = 48
- 04Completion: 72 / 120 x 100 = 60.0 %
Frequently Asked Questions
Do transfer credits count toward the total?
Yes. Add any accepted transfer credits to your completed total. Your registrar can confirm which transferred.
What if I withdraw from a course?
A withdrawn course does not earn credit hours. Remove those credits from the in-progress count.
How many credits per semester is full-time?
Full-time status is typically 12 or more credit hours per semester. Some financial aid requires at least 15.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Credit Hours Total Calculator