diff --git a/pytorch_lightning/trainer/train_loop_mixin.py b/pytorch_lightning/trainer/train_loop_mixin.py
index 8cebe7a1..2683ae66 100644
--- a/pytorch_lightning/trainer/train_loop_mixin.py
+++ b/pytorch_lightning/trainer/train_loop_mixin.py
@@ -23,7 +23,15 @@ class TrainerTrainLoopMixin(object):
             # update training progress in trainer and model
             model.current_epoch = epoch_nb
             self.current_epoch = epoch_nb
-            self.total_batches = self.nb_training_batches + self.nb_val_batches
+
+            # val can be checked multiple times in epoch
+            is_val_epoch = (self.current_epoch + 1) % self.check_val_every_n_epoch == 0
+            val_checks_per_epoch = self.nb_training_batches // self.val_check_batch
+            val_checks_per_epoch = val_checks_per_epoch if is_val_epoch else 0
+
+            # total batches includes multiple val checks
+            self.total_batches = (self.nb_training_batches +
+                                  self.nb_val_batches * val_checks_per_epoch)
             self.batch_loss_value = 0  # accumulated grads
 
             # limit the number of batches to 1 in fast_dev_run