Degree Progress Tracker Formula

Understand the math behind the degree progress tracker. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Degree Progress Tracker

Formulas Used

Overall Progress

overall_pct = min(total_completed / total_required * 100, 100)

Gen-Ed Remaining

gen_ed_remaining = max(gen_ed_required - gen_ed_completed, 0)

Major Remaining

major_remaining = max(major_required - major_completed, 0)

Elective Remaining

elective_remaining = max(elective_required - elective_completed, 0)

Total Remaining Credits

total_remaining = max(total_required - total_completed, 0)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
gen_ed_completedGen-Ed Credits Completed30
gen_ed_requiredGen-Ed Credits Required42
major_completedMajor Credits Completed24
major_requiredMajor Credits Required54
elective_completedElective Credits Completed12
elective_requiredElective Credits Required24
total_completedDerived value= gen_ed_completed + major_completed + elective_completedcalculated
total_requiredDerived value= gen_ed_required + major_required + elective_requiredcalculated

How It Works

How to Track Degree Progress

Most degrees split requirements into three buckets: general education, major coursework, and electives. Tracking each separately reveals where your gaps are.

Formula

Overall Progress = (Gen-Ed Done + Major Done + Elective Done) / Total Required x 100

This breakdown helps you prioritize which courses to take next so every semester moves you toward graduation efficiently.

Worked Example

A student has completed 30 of 42 gen-ed credits, 24 of 54 major credits, and 12 of 24 elective credits.

gen_ed_completed = 30gen_ed_required = 42major_completed = 24major_required = 54elective_completed = 12elective_required = 24
  1. 01Total completed: 30 + 24 + 12 = 66
  2. 02Total required: 42 + 54 + 24 = 120
  3. 03Overall progress: 66 / 120 x 100 = 55.0 %
  4. 04Gen-ed remaining: 42 - 30 = 12
  5. 05Major remaining: 54 - 24 = 30
  6. 06Elective remaining: 24 - 12 = 12

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Degree Progress Tracker