Enter the number of units and choose the conversion direction to convert quarter units to semester units or semester units back to quarter units.
Quick overview: quarter to semester units
Many colleges treat 3 quarter terms as roughly equivalent to 2 semesters. Using this convention, the standard relationships are semester units = quarter units × 2/3 and quarter units = semester units × 3/2.
- 1 quarter unit ≈ 0.67 semester units
- 3 quarter units = 2 semester units
- 4 quarter units ≈ 2.67 semester units
- 15 quarter units = 10 semester units
To convert in the other direction, multiply semester credits by 1.5 to estimate the equivalent quarter units. Always confirm with your school if exact transfer-credit rules matter.
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Quarter to Semester Units Formula
The following formulas are used to convert academic credit units between the quarter system and the semester system.
SU = QU * 2/3 QU = SU * 3/2
Variables:
- SU is the semester units
- QU is the quarter units
To convert quarter units to semester units, multiply the quarter units by 2/3. To convert semester units to quarter units, multiply the semester units by 3/2.
What are Quarter and Semester Units?
Quarter units and semester units are academic credit measurements used by colleges and universities that follow different academic calendars. Quarter systems typically divide the school year into three main terms, while semester systems divide the year into two. Because of this difference, credits earned in one system often need to be translated into the other for transfer evaluations, degree planning, and admissions reviews.
Under a common convention, 3 quarters are treated as roughly equal to 2 semesters. That means 1 quarter unit is about 0.67 semester units, while 1 semester unit is about 1.5 quarter units. These ratios are widely used as estimates when comparing course loads or converting academic progress between schools.
How to Convert Quarter Units to Semester Units?
The following steps outline how to convert quarter units and semester units.
- First, determine the number of academic units you want to convert.
- Next, determine whether you are converting from quarter units to semester units or from semester units to quarter units.
- If converting from quarter to semester, use the formula SU = QU × 2/3.
- If converting from semester to quarter, use the formula QU = SU × 3/2.
- After calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.
Example Problem:
Use the following values as an example problem to test your knowledge.
Quarter Units (QU) = 15
Semester Units (SU) = 15 × 2/3 = 10
Quarter to Semester Unit Conversion Table
The table below lists several common quarter-unit values and their semester-unit equivalents using the standard conversion rule semester units = quarter units × 2/3.
| Quarter Units | Equivalent Semester Units | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.67 semester units | Single small-credit course |
| 2 | 1.33 semester units | Lab or discussion section |
| 3 | 2 semester units | Typical quarter-course module |
| 4 | 2.67 semester units | Common 4-unit quarter course |
| 5 | 3.33 semester units | Heavier lecture course |
| 9 | 6 semester units | Three 3-unit quarter courses |
| 15 | 10 semester units | Full-time quarter load |
Although the 2/3 and 3/2 rules are commonly used, some schools may apply their own transfer-credit policies or rounding standards. Always verify exact conversions with the registrar or transfer-credit office when precise equivalency is required.