GPA calculator
Calculate your cumulative GPA from letter grades and credit hours. Supports the standard 4.0 scale.
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How GPA is calculated
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Each letter grade corresponds to a numeric value on the 4.0 scale:
- A = 4.0, A- = 3.7
- B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7
- C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7
- D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, F = 0.0
For each course, multiply the grade points by the number of credits. Then add up all the grade points and divide by the total credits.
Worked example: a 16-credit semester
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade points | Credits × points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus I | 4 | A | 4.0 | 16.0 |
| English Literature | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| Chemistry | 4 | B | 3.0 | 12.0 |
| History | 3 | A− | 3.7 | 11.1 |
| Spanish | 2 | C+ | 2.3 | 4.6 |
| Total | 16 | 53.6 |
GPA = 53.6 ÷ 16 = 3.35
Notice that the two highest-credit courses (Calculus and Chemistry, 4 credits each) pull harder on the average than the 2-credit Spanish class. That C+ in Spanish costs less than a C+ in Chemistry would have — credit weighting is why a strong grade in a heavy course matters more than the same grade in a light one.
The 4.0 scale explained
The 4.0 scale is the most widely used grading system in US high schools and colleges. A 4.0 represents a perfect "A" average, while a 0.0 is a failing grade. Most students aim for a 3.0 (B average) or higher, and competitive colleges often look for a 3.5 or above.
Some schools use a slightly modified scale, but the standard 4.0 scale above is the common baseline used for college admissions and scholarship consideration.
Letter grade to grade point conversion
| Letter grade | Percentage (typical) | Unweighted points | AP/honours (weighted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93–100% | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| A− | 90–92% | 3.7 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| B− | 80–82% | 2.7 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 | 3.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| C− | 70–72% | 1.7 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 | 2.3 |
| D | 60–66% | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Percentage bands vary between institutions — some use a 10-point scale (90–100 = A) with no plus/minus grades at all. Check your school's official policy rather than assuming these cutoffs.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale where an A is always worth 4.0 regardless of course difficulty. This is what this calculator computes.
Weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced courses such as AP, IB or honours classes — an A in an AP course might be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0. Weighted GPAs can exceed 4.0 and are used to reflect the rigour of a student's course load.
Check with your school's guidance office to confirm which system they use and how they weight advanced courses.
What this calculator does not include
- Weighted GPA — this computes unweighted GPA on the standard 4.0 scale. If your school weights AP, IB or honours courses, enter the weighted point values from the table above manually.
- Pass/fail courses — these usually carry credit but no grade points and are excluded from GPA entirely at most institutions. Leave them out rather than entering them as an A.
- Retaken courses — some schools replace the original grade, others average both attempts. Check your registrar's policy before including a repeat.
- Non-4.0 scales — UK, Indian and many European systems use different grading scales entirely and don't convert to GPA with a simple formula.
Frequently asked questions
How is GPA calculated?
Multiply each course's grade points by its credits, add all grade points together, then divide by the total number of credits. The result is your cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
What is a good GPA?
A 3.0 (B average) is generally considered good. A 3.5 or above is excellent and competitive for most colleges. For graduate school admissions, 3.5+ is often expected.
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale for all courses regardless of difficulty. Weighted GPA adds extra points for AP, IB or honours classes, so it can go above 4.0. This calculator computes unweighted GPA.
Do credit hours affect my GPA?
Yes, significantly. GPA is credit-weighted, so a grade in a 4-credit course pulls twice as hard on your average as the same grade in a 2-credit course. This is why a poor grade in a heavy course hurts more than one in a light elective.
How do I raise my GPA?
The maths gets harder as you accumulate credits — each new course is a smaller share of the total. Prioritise strong grades in high-credit courses, and check whether your school allows grade replacement on retakes, which can remove a low grade from the calculation entirely.
Should I include pass/fail courses?
Usually no. Most institutions award credit for pass/fail courses but no grade points, so they're excluded from the GPA calculation. Including them as an A would inflate your result.