A homeschool graduation credit calculator helps you track Carnegie units earned and compare them to state requirements. Most states require 18–24 credits for a homeschool diploma, with specific requirements for core subjects like English, math, science, and social studies.
Credit Tracker
Graduation Progress
| Subject | Min Credits | Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English / Language Arts | 3 | 4 | Grammar, lit, writing, comp |
| Mathematics | 3 | 4 | Algebra I required in most states |
| Science | 2 | 3 | Lab science preferred |
| Social Studies / History | 2 | 3–4 | US History often required |
| Physical Education | 1 | 1–2 | Varies widely by state |
| Electives | 3 | 6+ | Fill remaining requirement |
How to Use the Homeschool Graduation Credit Calculator
The homeschool graduation credit calculator helps you track Carnegie units across all subjects and see how you compare to state-level diploma requirements. Each Carnegie unit equals approximately 120 hours of instruction — one class period per day for a 36-week school year.
Step 1: Set your state's credit requirement
Select your state's total credit requirement from the dropdown (18–24 credits). If you're unsure, use 20 credits — the U.S. average. Some states leave requirements entirely up to homeschool families; in that case, use the college-preparatory standard of 22–24 credits.
Step 2: Enter credits by subject
Pre-loaded subjects include the core areas colleges and states track most closely: English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and PE. Add custom subjects for electives like Foreign Language, Fine Arts, or Vocational courses. Enter partial credits (0.5 for semester courses) as needed.
Step 3: Review the progress bar and summary
The progress bar fills as you add credits. The summary box flags whether you've met core minimums and how many elective credits remain to reach the total requirement. Credits meeting the typical minimum per subject show a green checkmark; below-minimum subjects are flagged in amber.
What counts as a Carnegie unit?
One credit (Carnegie unit) = ~120 hours of instruction. A full-year course taught 5 days/week at 1 hour/day for 36 weeks = 180 hours = 1 credit. A semester course (18 weeks) = 0.5 credits. Labs, projects, and co-op classes count toward hours. Keep a time log if you want documentation for college applications.
FAQ
How many credits do I need to graduate homeschool?
Most states require 18-24 Carnegie units (credits) for a homeschool diploma. A Carnegie unit equals approximately 120 hours of instruction (1 hour/day × 180 school days). Core requirements typically include 4 English, 3-4 math, 3 science, 3-4 social studies, and electives.
Are homeschool diplomas accepted for college?
Yes. Most colleges accept homeschool diplomas when accompanied by official transcripts, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and sometimes letters of recommendation. Some colleges have specific homeschool application tracks. Community colleges often have simpler admissions for homeschool graduates.
Is this calculator free?
Yes, completely free. No signup needed.
What is a Carnegie unit?
A Carnegie unit is a standard measure of academic credit — one unit equals approximately 120 hours of instruction in a subject (roughly 1 class period per day for a 36-week school year). Most states use Carnegie units to measure homeschool graduation requirements. One semester course = 0.5 units.
What subjects are required for a homeschool diploma?
Core subjects required by most states: English/Language Arts (4 credits), Mathematics (3-4 credits), Science (3 credits), Social Studies/History (3-4 credits), Physical Education (1-2 credits), and electives to fill the remainder. Some states require fine arts, foreign language, or computer science.