GPA Calculator — How to Calculate Your GPA
GPA is calculated from letter grades, credit hours, and — for high school students — course difficulty. This guide explains the formula, the letter grade scale, the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA, and how to calculate your cumulative GPA across multiple semesters.
How GPA Is Calculated
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a weighted average of your course grades, where each grade is weighted by the number of credit hours in that course. The formula is:
GPA = (sum of grade points × credit hours) ÷ (total credit hours)
For example: if you earn an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course and a B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course, your GPA is (4.0 × 3 + 3.3 × 4) ÷ (3 + 4) = (12 + 13.2) ÷ 7 = 25.2 ÷ 7 = 3.60.
Letter Grade to GPA Points
| Letter Grade | GPA Points (4.0 scale) | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | 93–100% |
| A− | 3.7 | 90–92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87–89% |
| B | 3.0 | 83–86% |
| B− | 2.7 | 80–82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77–79% |
| C | 2.0 | 73–76% |
| C− | 1.7 | 70–72% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67–69% |
| D | 1.0 | 60–66% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 60% |
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA uses only the standard 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty. Weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder courses — typically +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) courses, extending the scale to 5.0.
| Course Type | Grade Earned | Unweighted Points | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard English | A (4.0) | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Honors History | B+ (3.3) | 3.3 | 3.8 (+0.5) |
| AP Calculus | B (3.0) | 3.0 | 4.0 (+1.0) |
College admissions offices vary in how they handle weighted GPA. Many recalculate applicant GPAs on their own unweighted scale to compare students from different schools. Use the GPA calculator to see both versions for your course list.
Cumulative GPA
Cumulative GPA combines quality points from all completed semesters. To calculate it, you need your total quality points earned so far (previous GPA × previous credit hours) plus your current semester quality points, divided by total credits.
The GPA calculator includes a cumulative section: enter your current cumulative GPA and total credits earned, and it automatically computes the new cumulative GPA after adding your current semester.
Common Questions About GPA
What GPA is needed for honor roll?
High school honor roll typically requires a 3.0 (B average) or higher. Many schools have two tiers: Principal's List at 3.5+ and Honor Roll at 3.0–3.49. College academic honors (Dean's List) commonly require a 3.5 semester GPA with full-time enrollment.
What GPA is needed for graduation honors?
University Latin honors vary: Cum Laude (3.5+), Magna Cum Laude (3.7+), Summa Cum Laude (3.9+) are common thresholds, though some schools use class rank percentiles instead. Always check your institution's academic catalog.
How does repeating a course affect GPA?
Policies vary. Most universities offer grade forgiveness for one repeat: the original grade is replaced. Some average both grades. Check your registrar's policy before deciding to retake a course — grade forgiveness can significantly improve a low GPA.
Does a W (withdrawal) affect GPA?
Withdrawals do not typically count in GPA calculations. However, excessive withdrawals can affect your completion rate (pace of progression), which matters for financial aid satisfactory academic progress (SAP) requirements.
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