Calculate Your GPA
Optional: Include Previous Cumulative GPA
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This GPA calculator provides an estimated GPA for personal use only. Official GPAs and scales may differ, so always rely on your school’s transcript and published grading policies.
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 Your GPA
Calculating your GPA involves a straightforward formula that weighs each grade by the number of credits the course is worth. Our calculator automates this, but understanding the manual process is key to managing your grades effectively.
The GPA Formula
GPA = Σ (Grade Point × Credits) / Σ (Total Credits)
This formula means you multiply the grade point for each class by its credit hours to get "Quality Points," sum all quality points, and then divide by your total credit hours.
Step-by-Step Calculation Example
Let's say you took three courses in a semester:
| Course | Grade | Grade Point | Credits | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math 101 | A (4.0) | 4.0 | 3 | 4.0 × 3 = 12.0 |
| English 101 | B (3.0) | 3.0 | 3 | 3.0 × 3 = 9.0 |
| Science 101 | A- (3.7) | 3.7 | 4 | 3.7 × 4 = 14.8 |
| Totals | 10 | 35.8 |
Calculation: 35.8 (Total Quality Points) ÷ 10 (Total Credits) = 3.58 GPA
Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA: What's the Difference?
GPA can be measured on two different scales: unweighted and weighted. Our calculator supports both, and the choice significantly impacts the final number.
Unweighted GPA
This is the most common method, using a standard 4.0 scale where the difficulty of the course is not considered.
- ✓ Simple and standardized.
- ✓ Scale is 0.0 to 4.0.
- ✓ An "A" is always a 4.0, regardless of the class.
- ✓ Used by many colleges for initial evaluation.
Weighted GPA
This method gives more weight to advanced classes (AP, IB, Honors) to reflect their higher difficulty.
- ✓ Rewards students for taking challenging courses.
- ✓ Scale often goes up to 5.0 (or higher).
- ✓ An "A" in an AP class might be a 5.0.
- ✓ Commonly used by high schools for class rank.
Standard GPA Scale and Grade Conversion
This calculator uses a common GPA grading scale. Here is how letter grades convert to grade points for both unweighted and weighted scales:
| Letter Grade | Unweighted (4.0 Scale) | Weighted Honors (+0.5) | Weighted AP/IB (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Note: Grading scales can vary by institution. Always check your school's specific policies.
Semester GPA vs. Cumulative GPA
Our calculator helps you track both your semester GPA and your overall cumulative GPA.
Semester GPA
Your Grade Point Average for a single term or semester. It's a snapshot of your performance in your current courses.
Cumulative GPA
Your overall GPA for all courses taken throughout your entire academic career at your school. This is the number that appears on your official transcript and is most important for admissions and scholarships.
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.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale where all courses are treated equally. Weighted GPA accounts for course difficulty, giving extra points for AP, IB, and Honors courses.
What is a good GPA for college?
A good GPA depends on your goals. A 3.0 GPA is acceptable for many colleges. Competitive universities look for 3.5+. Top-tier schools expect GPAs around 3.9–4.0.