Calculate Your GPA
Optional: Include Previous Cumulative GPA
Enter Your Courses
GPA Grade Scale Reference
4.0 Scale Unweighted GPA Scale
5.0 Scale Weighted GPA Scale (AP/Honors)
Weighted GPA adds bonus points for advanced courses:
- • AP/IB Courses: +1.0 point (A = 5.0)
- • Honors Courses: +0.5 point (A = 4.5)
- • Standard Courses: No bonus (A = 4.0)
What is GPA (Grade Point Average)?
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your academic performance calculated by averaging the grade points earned across all courses. This GPA calculator helps high school and college students quickly calculate their GPA using letter grades or grade points, credit hours, and optionally tracking cumulative GPA over multiple semesters.
GPA is one of the most important metrics for college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and graduate school applications. Understanding how to calculate GPA helps students track academic progress, set goals, and maintain the grades needed for their future aspirations.
How to Calculate GPA
Convert Letter Grades to Points
Convert each course's letter grade to GPA points using the standard 4.0 scale (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0). For weighted GPA, add bonus points for AP/IB (+1.0) or Honors (+0.5) courses.
Multiply by Credit Hours
Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours (usually 1-5 credits). For example: 4.0 grade points × 3 credits = 12 quality points.
Calculate Total Quality Points
Add all quality points together from all courses. This gives you the total quality points earned.
Divide by Total Credits
Divide total quality points by total credit hours to get your GPA. For example: 36 quality points ÷ 12 credits = 3.0 GPA.
College GPA Requirements
| College Type | Minimum GPA | Competitive GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Community Colleges | 2.0 or Open | 2.5+ |
| State Universities | 2.5 - 3.0 | 3.3+ |
| Private Colleges | 3.0 - 3.3 | 3.5+ |
| Competitive Universities | 3.5+ | 3.8+ |
| Top-Tier/Ivy League | 3.9+ | 3.95 - 4.0 |
Tips to Improve Your GPA
Attend All Classes
Regular attendance helps you stay on track, understand material better, and build relationships with professors.
Take Advantage of Office Hours
Meet with professors during office hours to clarify concepts and show engagement with the material.
Create a Study Schedule
Develop consistent study habits and dedicate specific times for each course to avoid cramming.
Form Study Groups
Collaborate with classmates to review material, share notes, and prepare for exams together.
Utilize Tutoring Services
Most schools offer free tutoring centers. Use these resources for difficult subjects.
Take Manageable Course Loads
Balance challenging courses with easier ones. Don't overload yourself with too many difficult classes.
Frequently Asked Questions About GPA Calculator
How do I calculate my GPA?
To calculate your GPA, multiply each course's grade point value by its credit hours, add all these products together (quality points), then divide by the total credit hours. For example: if you have a 3.0 (B) in a 3-credit course and a 4.0 (A) in a 4-credit course, your GPA would be (3.0×3 + 4.0×4) ÷ 7 = 3.57.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale where all courses are treated equally (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.). Weighted GPA accounts for course difficulty, giving extra points for AP, IB, and Honors courses. In weighted systems, an A in an AP course might be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0. Most colleges recalculate GPAs using their own methods.
What is a good GPA for college?
A good GPA depends on your goals. A 3.0 GPA (B average) is generally considered acceptable for many colleges. Competitive universities typically look for 3.5 or higher. Top-tier schools like Ivy League institutions expect GPAs around 3.9-4.0. However, colleges consider many factors beyond GPA including test scores, extracurriculars, and essays.
What is cumulative GPA?
Cumulative GPA is your overall grade point average across all terms throughout your entire academic career at your school. It includes all courses from every semester. This differs from semester or term GPA, which only reflects grades from a single academic period. Cumulative GPA is what appears on transcripts and is used for college admissions.
Can I raise my GPA in one semester?
Yes, but the amount depends on how many credits you've already completed. If you're early in your academic career with fewer credits, one strong semester can significantly raise your GPA. However, if you have many credits already, it becomes harder to make large changes. For example, a 4.0 semester will raise a 2.5 GPA much more for a freshman than for a senior.
What letter grades correspond to what GPA values?
Standard GPA 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). Some schools also use A+ (4.0 or 4.3). Weighted scales add 0.5-1.0 points for Honors courses and 1.0 point for AP/IB courses.