How it works
GPA (grade point average) turns letter grades into one number. Each letter grade is worth a set number of points on a 4.0 scale, and each class counts in proportion to its credit hours, so a 4-credit class moves your GPA more than a 1-credit one.
The calculator multiplies each grade's points by the class credits, adds those up, and divides by the total credits.
GPA = ฮฃ(grade points ร credits) รท ฮฃ(credits)
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | C | 2.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | C- | 1.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B | 3.0 | D | 1.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | D- | 0.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | F | 0.0 |
Weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder classes: +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP or IB, so an A in an AP class counts as 5.0. A failing grade gets no bonus. Schools differ, so check your school's handbook if your number doesn't match your transcript.
Worked example
You took three classes: an A in a 3-credit class, a B+ in a 4-credit class, and a C in a 3-credit class.
Points: 4.0 ร 3 = 12.0, 3.3 ร 4 = 13.2, 2.0 ร 3 = 6.0. Total points = 31.2. Total credits = 10.
GPA = 31.2 รท 10 = 3.12.
If you already had a 3.50 GPA over 30 credits, your new cumulative GPA is (3.50 ร 30 + 31.2) รท 40 = 3.41.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GPA?
In the US a 3.0 (a B average) is usually seen as solid, and 3.5 or higher is strong. Competitive colleges and scholarships often look for 3.7 and up, but every school sets its own bar.
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses the plain 4.0 scale for every class. Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors, AP or IB classes, so it can go above 4.0. Many high schools report both.
How do I calculate cumulative GPA?
Multiply your old GPA by the credits it covers, add this term's grade points, then divide by all credits combined. Open the "Include past semesters" section above and the calculator does it for you.
Do pass/fail classes count toward GPA?
Usually not. A pass adds credits to your transcript but no grade points, so leave those classes out. A fail in a pass/fail class is sometimes counted as an F, so check your school's policy.
Is an A+ worth more than 4.0?
On the most common scale an A+ and an A are both 4.0. Some colleges give an A+ 4.3. If yours does, use an A here and add the difference by hand.