A student's GPA is calculated by assigning points for each credit earned, with the point value based on the grade received for the class. Commonly schools assign points for the letter grade received on a scale with A equaling four points and F giving zero points. This means that if you take a three-credit class and receive an A, you will have three credits multiplied by four points, for a total of 12 points toward your GPA. These points are often called "quality points." The GPA is calculated by dividing the total quality points a student earns by the number of credits attempted. This means, if you have taken 30 credits, and you have 100 quality points, your GPA would be 3.33.
Not all classes produce grades that are calculated into a student's GPA. It is best to confirm with your school or university which grades will be used to calculate your GPA. As a general rule, only classes that are completed and earn credits produce grades which will count toward the GPA and result in letter grades of A, B, C, D or F. Classes that are assigned an I (Incomplete), IP (In progress), P (Pass/Fail), W (Withdrawal), N (No grade) or NC (No credit) grade on a student's transcript are not calculated into the GPA, even if credit is earned.
Students will take non-credited classes at times for various reasons. Common classes that do not result in credit, thus not impacting a student's GPA, include classes taken as "audit" or listed as "not for credit." Typically classes that students do not get credit for, cost little or nothing to take. Non-credited classes are also usually taken voluntarily and enrollment is open to the general population on a space available basis.
Taking classes that are non-credited, and not used in the GPA calculation, have a number of benefits for some students. Students often audit classes to learn on their own or get exposure to certain subjects without having the added stress of performance and grades. Most colleges and universities have limits on the number of classes students can take for credit in one semester and some students may want to learn more during their time as a student or not feel challenged enough. Auditing a course also lets students get a head start on a class they will have to take later for credit, gives students an idea whether or not they are interested in a certain major and provide students opportunity to learn outside their major.