California High School Graduation Credit Calculator

🎓 California Admissions Tools

Why We Built This California High School Graduation Credit Calculator

Let’s be honest: tracking your high school credits in California is more confusing than it needs to be.

During my deep dive into the California Department of Education (CDE) guidelines, I found a glaring problem. The state says you need 130 credits to graduate. But if you check your local school district’s handbook (like LAUSD or San Diego Unified), they demand 220 or even 230 credits.

So, which one is it?

The answer is usually the higher number, and getting it wrong means summer school. That’s why I built this California High School Graduation Credit Calculator. Unlike static PDF checklists that just sit on your drive, this tool actively calculates your “risk status” based on both state minimums and typical district expectations.

How to Use This Tool Effectively

I designed this interface to be “stress-proof.” You don’t need to calculate percentages manually. Just grab your latest transcript and follow these steps:

1. Select Your Goal: By default, I’ve set the goal to 220 Credits (Standard District). If you are in a charter school or alternative program using the state minimum, switch the dropdown to “130 Credits”.
2. Enter Earned Credits: Input the total credits you have passed (D- or better) for each subject area.
3. Watch the Status Bar: The “On Track” status will update instantly. If the bar is Red, you are missing critical requirements. If it’s Yellow, you are close. Green means you are ready to graduate.
4. Print Your Plan: Use the “Save Result” button to download a PDF snapshot. Take this to your academic counselor to verify your plan.

💡 Pro Tip: The “A-G” Trap Many students confuse “Graduation Requirements” with “A-G Requirements.” They are NOT the same. You can graduate high school with a ‘D’ grade, but UC and CSU colleges require a ‘C’ or better for the A-G track. This calculator focuses on getting your Diploma.

The “Hidden” Math Behind Your Credits

Here is what most students get wrong about their credit count.

You might look at your total credits—say, 180—and think, “I only need 40 more!” But California credits count differently based on the category. You could have 100 Elective credits, but if you are missing 10 credits of Algebra I, you will not graduate. Period.

Here is the catch:

Elective credits are often “overflow.” Once you finish your required 2 years of PE, any extra PE class you take usually spills over into your Elective bucket. This is great for hitting the 220 total, but it won’t fix a missing English credit.

Key Features of This Tracker

• Subject-Locking: We separate “Math” from “Electives” so you don’t get a false sense of security.
• Visual Gap Analysis: See exactly how many semesters (5 credits each) you are missing in specific areas.
• State vs. District Toggle: The only tool that lets you switch between the 130-credit state floor and the 220-credit district standard.
• Privacy First: Your data is processed in your browser. We do not store your grades or transcript info.

Who Is This Calculator For?

I built this with three specific people in mind:

• The Anxious Senior: Determine exactly how many classes you need to pass in your final semester to walk the stage.
• The Planning Freshman/Sophomore: Map out your 4-year plan to ensure you hit the A-G eligibility window early.
• Parents & Counselors: A quick way to visualize a student’s progress during academic intervention meetings.

Don’t leave your diploma to chance. Use the calculator above, find your gaps, and talk to your counselor today.

Official Graduation Requirements: The Data You Need

Stop guessing. I have pulled the official data directly from the California Department of Education (CDE) code sections so you can verify exactly what is required.

Here is the breakdown comparing the absolute minimums versus what you actually need for college.

Note: Most districts require 220 credits. Always check your specific high school handbook.

The “Algebra I” Rule

This is where students get stuck. Even if you have 30 Math credits, you cannot graduate unless one of those courses is Algebra I (or an equivalent integrated math course). This is a non-negotiable state law (EC 51224.5).

Understanding the “A-G” Difference

I see this mistake all the time. Students think, “I have my 220 credits, I’m going to UCLA!”

Not necessarily. Graduating gets you a diploma. A-G completion gets you into a university. For example, a ‘D’ grade in English gives you 5 credits for graduation, but zero credit for UC/CSU admissions. You must retake that class.