LSAC GPA Calculator - Calculate Your Law School CAS GPA
Calculate your official LSAC CAS GPA using our comprehensive calculator designed for law school applicants. Accurately compute your LSAC GPA on the 4.33 scale according to the exact standards used by the Law School Admission Council's Credential Assembly Service for U.S. and Canadian law school applications.
| COURSE NAME | GRADE | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|---|
What is LSAC and the CAS GPA?
The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) is the nonprofit organization that administers the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and operates the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) for students applying to law schools in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Nearly every ABA-approved law school in the United States requires applicants to submit their applications through LSAC's CAS system.
The CAS GPA—also known as your LSAC GPA—is a standardized recalculation of your undergraduate grade point average using LSAC's uniform 4.33 scale. This standardization ensures that law schools can fairly compare applicants from different undergraduate institutions with varying grading systems, policies, and academic rigor. Understanding your CAS GPA is absolutely critical because it often differs from your institutional GPA and is the primary academic metric law schools use to evaluate your application.
2025-2026 Law School Admissions Statistics
- Average Law School Median GPA: 3.65 (all ABA-approved schools)
- T14 Law Schools Median GPA Range: 3.80 to 3.96
- Yale Law School Median GPA: 3.96
- Stanford Law School Median GPA: 3.95
- Harvard Law School Median GPA: 3.93
- Columbia, NYU, Chicago, Penn Median GPA: 3.88 to 3.92
- Competitive GPA for Top Law Schools: 3.8 to 4.0+
- Minimum Competitive GPA: 3.0 (though 3.5+ strongly recommended)
Key Trend: From 2015 to 2025, the average law school median GPA increased by 0.27 points, with 27 law schools now reporting median GPAs of 3.9 or higher.
Understanding LSAC GPA Calculation Method
The Unique 4.33 Scale
Unlike most undergraduate institutions that use a 4.0 scale where an A+ equals 4.0, LSAC employs a 4.33 scale where an A+ receives 4.33 grade points. This distinctive feature can significantly benefit students whose institutions award A+ grades but may disadvantage those whose schools cap grades at A (4.0).
The 4.33 scale creates a measurable advantage for students who excel in their coursework. For example, a student with multiple A+ grades will have a CAS GPA higher than 4.0, which can be particularly advantageous when applying to highly competitive T14 law schools where median GPAs approach 4.0.
Complete LSAC Grade Conversion Table
LSAC uses a comprehensive conversion system to standardize all undergraduate grades regardless of your institution's grading methodology. The table below shows the official LSAC conversion for letter grades, percentage grades, and five-point scale systems.
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | Five-Point Scale | LSAC Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 98-100% | 1+ | 4.33 |
| A | 93-97% | 1 | 4.00 |
| A- | 90-92% | 1- | 3.67 |
| AB | — | — | 3.50 |
| B+ | 87-89% | 2+ | 3.33 |
| B | 83-86% | 2 | 3.00 |
| B- | 80-82% | 2- | 2.67 |
| BC | — | — | 2.50 |
| C+ | 77-79% | 3+ | 2.33 |
| C | 73-76% | 3 | 2.00 |
| C- | 70-72% | 3- | 1.67 |
| CD | — | — | 1.50 |
| D+ | 67-69% | 4+ | 1.33 |
| D | 63-66% | 4 | 1.00 |
| D- | 60-62% | 4- | 0.67 |
| DE / DF | — | — | 0.50 |
| E / F | Below 60% | 5 | 0.00 |
Important Note: Half-step grades like AB, BC, CD, and DE/DF are used by some institutions (particularly in the Midwest). LSAC assigns these grades specific values that fall between the standard letter grades. If your transcript shows these grades, use the exact values from the conversion table.
Step-by-Step LSAC CAS GPA Calculation
LSAC calculates your CAS GPA using a straightforward weighted average formula similar to how your undergraduate institution computes GPA, but with critical differences in grading scale and inclusion policies.
Step 1: Collect All Undergraduate Transcripts
- Four-year colleges and universities
- Community colleges and junior colleges
- Study abroad programs (if taken for credit)
- Summer session courses at any institution
- Transfer credits from other schools
- College courses taken while in high school (dual enrollment)
- Online courses taken for undergraduate credit
Step 2: Convert Each Grade to LSAC Scale
Using the official LSAC grade conversion table, assign grade points to each course.
Step 3: Calculate Quality Points
Formula: Quality Points = LSAC Grade Points × Credit Hours
Step 4: Sum Totals and Calculate CAS GPA
Formula: CAS GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours
Example Calculation with 4.33 Scale:
Course 1: Constitutional Law (4 credits) - Grade: A+ (4.33)
Quality Points: 4.33 × 4 = 17.32
Course 2: Economics (3 credits) - Grade: A (4.00)
Quality Points: 4.00 × 3 = 12.00
Course 3: English Literature (3 credits) - Grade: A- (3.67)
Quality Points: 3.67 × 3 = 11.01
Course 4: Statistics (3 credits) - Grade: B+ (3.33)
Quality Points: 3.33 × 3 = 9.99
Total Quality Points: 50.32
Total Credit Hours: 13
LSAC CAS GPA: 3.87
Critical LSAC Policies That Affect Your GPA
Repeated Courses Policy - The Most Misunderstood Rule
LSAC's repeated courses policy is fundamentally different from most undergraduate institutions and catches many applicants by surprise. Unlike colleges that practice grade replacement or academic forgiveness, LSAC includes ALL attempts of repeated courses in your CAS GPA calculation.
- BOTH the original grade AND the repeated grade count toward your CAS GPA
- ALL credit hours from all attempts are included in the calculation
- Applies even if your institution removed the original grade
- You MUST report all attempts, including expunged grades
- Retaking at a different school results in TWO separate entries
- Repeat designation only applies at the SAME institution
- Failure to report constitutes falsification
- Example: C then A? BOTH count in the final average
Example 1: Same Institution
Attempt 1: C (2.00) × 4cr = 8.00 pts
Attempt 2: A (4.00) × 4cr = 16.00 pts
Total: 24.00 pts ÷ 8cr = 3.00 GPA
Example 2: Different Institution
School A: F (0.00) × 3cr = 0.00 pts
School B: A (4.00) × 3cr = 12.00 pts
Both appear as separate full entries
Semester Credits vs. Quarter Credits
LSAC handles different credit systems with specific conversion formulas. If your institution uses quarter credits instead of semester credits, LSAC applies an automatic conversion.
Quarter Credits × 0.667 = Semester Credit Equivalents
Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit Courses
Courses graded on a pass/fail or credit/no credit basis are excluded from LSAC CAS GPA calculations. However, these courses still appear on your academic summary report sent to law schools.
COVID-19 Exception:
LSAC recognizes that many students were forced to take pass/fail grades during Spring 2020 through Spring 2021. Law schools understand this context and do not penalize applicants.
Withdrawn (W) vs. Withdrew Failing (WF)
Standard (W) grades do not affect your GPA. However, Withdrew Failing (WF) grades are treated as failures (0.00 points) and count toward credit hours attempted.
Incomplete Grades
Courses marked as (I) are excluded unless converted to letter grades before transcript submission. If converted later, you must request an updated transcript.
Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)
AP and IB credits that appear on your college transcript are NOT included in CAS GPA calculations because they represent pre-college work.
Graduate Coursework and Post-Baccalaureate
Only coursework completed BEFORE receiving your first bachelor's degree counts toward your CAS GPA.
- Graduate courses: Calculated separately
- Post-baccalaureate: Typically excluded if taken after degree
- Second bachelor's degree: Excluded
- Master's degree: Reported separately
Critical Caveat: If you take graduate-level courses that count toward your FIRST bachelor's degree, those courses ARE included in your CAS GPA.
How LSAC CAS GPA Differs from Your Transcript GPA
Common Reasons for Discrepancies
Most applicants discover their LSAC CAS GPA differs from their institutional GPA. Understanding why prepares you for potential surprises and helps you accurately predict your law school competitiveness.
1. The A+ Factor (4.33 vs. 4.0)
If your institution caps grades at A (4.0) but still awards A+ on transcripts, LSAC converts those A+ grades to 4.33. This can raise your CAS GPA significantly.
Calculation Impact:
- Institutional: 5 courses × 4cr × 4.0 = 80.0 pts
- LSAC: 5 courses × 4cr × 4.33 = 86.6 pts
- Total Boost: +0.33 GPA units
2. Grade Forgiveness & Repeats
LSAC never "forgives" grades. While your college might replace an F with an A after a retake, LSAC includes all attempts. This typically lowers your CAS GPA.
3. Inclusion of All Institutions
LSAC combines all undergraduate coursework. Community college or dual-enrollment grades from high school count, even if they aren't on your current degree transcript.
4. Plus/Minus & Credit Weighting
Standardization of plus/minus grades and the conversion of quarter credits to semester equivalents can shift your final average in either direction.
Predicting Your CAS GPA vs. Institutional GPA
Use these general guidelines to estimate how your CAS GPA will likely compare to your transcript GPA.
| Factor | Likely Higher | Likely Lower |
|---|---|---|
| A+ Grades | Multiple A+ grades with institutional 4.0 cap | No A+ grades awarded by institution |
| Repeated Courses | No repeated courses | Repeated courses with institutional grade replacement |
| Transfer Credits | Transfer credits from higher GPA institution | Transfer credits from lower GPA institution |
| Grade Forgiveness | Never used grade forgiveness | Used institutional grade forgiveness policy |
| Dual Enrollment | Strong dual enrollment grades | Poor dual enrollment grades |
Note: Because LSAC uses its own proprietary system, it is common for the final CAS GPA to vary by 0.1 to 0.3 points from your university transcript. Always perform a preliminary calculation before applying to schools near your GPA threshold.
Strategic Approaches to Maximizing Your LSAC GPA
Whether you are currently in school or have already graduated, understanding the mechanical nuances of the CAS GPA allows you to make informed decisions that maximize your law school admission chances.
Before the Damage: Undergraduate Strategy
1. Understand the A+ Advantage
Prioritize earning A+ grades in your strongest subjects. Each A+ provides a 0.33 boost per credit hour. Over a full degree, these points add up to a significant cumulative lift.
2. Be Strategic About Course Load
Taking 12-15 credits instead of 18 allows for deeper focus. A 4.0 with 12 credits is better for your CAS GPA than a 3.5 with 18 credits.
Repeat Decision Analysis
Scenario: Retaking a 3-credit course
- Original Grade: C+ (2.33)
- Expected Repeat: A (4.00)
Total Quality Points: 7.00 + 12.00 = 19.00
Total Credits: 6.00
New Average: 3.17
Note: This is far below the institutional "A" replacement grade.
3. Summer Courses & Rigor
Summer sessions allow focused attention on single, difficult subjects. However, ensure you maintain a rigorous course selection to impress admissions committees.
Upward Grade Trends
Sustained excellence after a rocky start demonstrates maturity. Law schools view a 3.7+ trend following a weak freshman year as a strong indicator of capability.
After Graduation: GPA Enhancement Options
Does not alter CAS GPA, but appears on summary to show academic growth.
Excluded from numerical CAS calculation. Generally not cost-effective for GPA boost.
The most effective way to offset a locked GPA. A 170+ score is a massive lever.
GPA-LSAT Compensation Patterns
Key Insight:
"A 6-point LSAT increase improves admission probability more than a 0.75 GPA increase."
LSAC GPA Requirements by Law School Tier
T14 Law Schools (Top 14)
The T14 law schools represent the most prestigious and competitive programs in the United States. These schools have maintained remarkably consistent top rankings for decades and offer unparalleled career opportunities, particularly in Big Law, federal clerkships, and academia.
T14 Median GPA Ranges (2025-2026 Admissions Cycle)
| Law School | Median GPA | 25th-75th Percentile Range |
|---|---|---|
| Yale Law School | 3.96 | 3.90 - 4.00+ |
| Stanford Law School | 3.95 | 3.89 - 3.99 |
| Harvard Law School | 3.93 | 3.85 - 3.99 |
| University of Chicago Law | 3.91 | 3.75 - 3.98 |
| Columbia Law School | 3.90 | 3.82 - 3.96 |
| NYU Law School | 3.91 | 3.76 - 3.97 |
| Penn Carey Law School | 3.90 | 3.72 - 3.96 |
| University of Virginia Law | 3.86 | 3.63 - 3.94 |
| UC Berkeley Law | 3.83 | 3.70 - 3.95 |
| University of Michigan Law | 3.85 | 3.60 - 3.94 |
| Duke Law School | 3.85 | 3.70 - 3.93 |
| Northwestern Law | 3.89 | 3.71 - 3.95 |
| Cornell Law School | 3.87 | 3.75 - 3.95 |
| UCLA Law School | 3.90 | 3.75 - 3.96 |
Top 50 Law Schools (Ranked 15-50)
Law schools ranked 15-50 offer excellent legal education, strong regional employment outcomes, and increasing national recognition. These schools typically have median GPAs ranging from 3.5 to 3.8.
- Median GPA Range: 3.50 - 3.80
- 25th Percentile: Typically 3.3 - 3.6
- 75th Percentile: Typically 3.7 - 3.9
- Competitive GPA Target: 3.6+ for strong consideration
Regional and State Law Schools (Ranked 51-150)
Regional law schools provide solid legal education with strong local employment networks. These schools often offer the best value proposition for students planning to practice in specific geographic markets.
- Median GPA Range: 3.2 - 3.6
- 25th Percentile: Typically 2.9 - 3.3
- Competitive GPA Target: 3.3+ recommended
- Minimum GPA: Many accept 3.0 with strong LSAT
Lower-Ranked Law Schools (Below 150)
These schools accept students with GPAs below 3.0, particularly when combined with reasonable LSAT scores and compelling narratives. However, carefully research employment outcomes and bar passage rates before applying.
- Median GPA Range: 2.8 - 3.4
- Minimum GPA: Often 2.5 - 2.8 with compensating factors
- Important Consideration: Lower-ranked schools may have significantly lower employment rates and higher student debt burdens
Common LSAC GPA Calculation Mistakes
Avoiding these common pitfalls ensures your application remains accurate and prevents frustrating delays or ethical flags during the law school admission process.
College courses taken during high school count toward your CAS GPA. Forgetting these leads to application delays and unexpected GPA adjustments.
The most common error. LSAC requires ALL attempts. Excluding grades your school 'forgave' can be flagged as application falsification.
Grades from U.S./Canadian sponsored study abroad programs are included, even if your home school excluded them from your transcript GPA.
Attempting to convert quarter to semester credits manually often leads to errors. Provide the raw data and let LSAC’s system handle the math.
LSAC requires a transcript from every single post-secondary institution attended, including that one-off summer course at a local CC.
A standard 'W' won't sink your numerical GPA, but excessive withdrawal patterns suggest academic instability to admissions committees.
If an Incomplete becomes a grade, LSAC won't know automatically. You must proactively send an updated transcript to refresh your CAS GPA.
Strong grad school grades don't boost your undergrad CAS GPA. They are reported separately and do not influence the primary numerical metric.
A Note on Accuracy
When in doubt, report it. LSAC’s integrity policies are strict. Disclosing a low grade is far better than having LSAC discover an unreported transcript, which can lead to a misconduct investigation.