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July 13th, 2025
Starting first-year engineering at the University of Alberta? You’re not alone if you're feeling overwhelmed with new classes, grading systems, and wondering how your grades actually impact your future. One of the most important things you’ll hear about is GPA and for Engineering students, your Program Admission Factor (PAF) plays a big role too.
Don’t stress! This blog will walk you through what GPA and PAF mean, how they’re calculated, and how you can keep track of where you stand. And yes, we’ve included an easy-to-use GPA & PAF calculator right on this page to make your life easier.
📘 What Is GPA?
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a weighted average of your course grades based on a 4.0 scale. Each letter grade corresponds to a number:
A+, A = 4.0
A- = 3.7
B+ = 3.3
B = 3.0
B- = 2.7
C+ = 2.3
C = 2.0
C- = 1.7
D+ = 1.3
D = 1.0
F = 0.0
To calculate GPA:
Multiply each course’s grade points by its credit weight (usually 3.0 or 4.0 units).
Add up the total grade points.
Divide by the total number of units attempted.
Example: If you got an A- (3.7) in a 4.0-unit course and a B (3.0) in a 3.0-unit course:
(3.7×4.0 + 3.0×3.0) ÷ (4.0 + 3.0) = (14.8 + 9.0) ÷ 7.0 = 3.4 GPA
🎯 What Is PAF (Program Admission Factor)?
PAF is a factor applied to your GPA to determine your eligibility for a program after first year. If you don’t take a full course load, you’ll get a deduction.
To avoid a deduction:
Take at least 37.0 engineering units in the Fall/Winter terms.
If you take fewer than 37.0 units, 0.05 is deducted from your GPA for each unit short. For example:
36.0 units → -0.05
35.0 units → -0.10
34.0 units → -0.15
Qualifying Year students: If you're repeating the first year, you’ll automatically receive a –0.30 PAF deduction. Also, you must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in the Fall term to stay in Engineering.
🧮 Use the Calculator Below!
We’ve embedded a GPA & PAF Calculator right here on our site. Just enter your course grades, credit weights, and it’ll automatically:
Calculate your term GPA
Apply the appropriate PAF deduction
Let you estimate how well you need to do in remaining courses
Whether you’re tracking your progress or figuring out what it takes to reach your dream discipline, this calculator is your best friend.
💡 Final Tips
📓 Keep a spreadsheet of your grades and units throughout the term.
📊 Use BearTracks to view your unofficial transcript at the end of each term.
🎯 Always aim for a GPA of 2.0+ to stay in good standing and qualify for program placement.
🧑💼 Qualifying year students: focus on improving steadily. You still have a clear path to re-enter the program.
💬 Need help? Contact your department advisor or visit the Engineering Student Success Centre.
Instructions
Click with their respective checkbox if you are a first-year or Y2Q2 student.
Add your courses to respective term.
Determine the units for that course. Check your unofficial transcript on BearTracks. It typically ranges from 3-4.5 units.
Calculate your GPA for that term, or calculate Fall/Winter GPA.
If you are a first-year or Y2Q2 student, after calculating Fall/Winter GPA, you can also calculate your PAF as well.
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