GPA Calculator

Calculate your Grade Point Average instantly. Supports multiple grading scales including standard 4.0, weighted 5.0 for Honors/AP courses, and cumulative GPA calculations.

Perfect for high school students, college students, and anyone tracking academic performance!

Enter Your Grades

Add Honors/AP Bonus?

+1.0 points for honors courses

Course 1
Course 2
Course 3
Course 4

Calculate Cumulative GPA?

Include previous semesters

Enter Your Courses

Add your courses, select grades, and enter credit hours, then click Calculate to see your GPA results.

What is GPA (Grade Point Average)?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standardized numerical representation of your academic performance. It converts letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) into numerical values on a scale, typically 4.0 in the United States, and calculates a weighted average based on credit hours. GPA is used by schools, colleges, universities, employers, and scholarship committees to evaluate academic achievement.

Why GPA Matters

  • College admissions decisions
  • Scholarship eligibility
  • Graduate school applications
  • Job applications (entry-level)
  • Academic honors and awards

Types of GPA

  • Semester GPA: Single term performance
  • Cumulative GPA: Overall academic career
  • Major GPA: Courses in your major only
  • Weighted GPA: Includes honors bonus
  • Unweighted GPA: Standard 4.0 scale

How to Calculate GPA Step-by-Step

1

Convert Letter Grades to Grade Points

Each letter grade has a corresponding numerical value. On the standard 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
2

Calculate Quality Points for Each Course

Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours:

Quality Points = Grade Points × Credit Hours
Example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 4.0 × 3 = 12 quality points
3

Sum All Quality Points and Credits

Add up all quality points and all credit hours separately:

Total Quality Points = Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) for all courses
Total Credits = Sum of all credit hours
4

Divide to Get Your GPA

Divide total quality points by total credits:

GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credits

Example Calculation

CourseGradeCreditsPointsQuality Pts
MathematicsA34.012.0
EnglishB+33.39.9
PhysicsA-43.714.8
HistoryB33.09.0
TOTAL-13-45.7

GPA = 45.7 ÷ 13 = 3.52

GPA Grading Scales

Letter GradeStandard 4.0Weighted 5.0PercentageDescription
A+ / A4.05.093-100%Excellent
A-3.74.790-92%Excellent
B+3.34.387-89%Very Good
B3.04.083-86%Good
B-2.73.780-82%Good
C+2.33.377-79%Average
C2.03.073-76%Average
C-1.72.770-72%Below Average
D+1.32.367-69%Poor
D1.02.063-66%Poor
F0.00.0Below 60%Failing

Academic Standing & Honors

GPA RangeAcademic StandingDescription
3.90 - 4.00Summa Cum LaudeHighest Honors - Top 1-5% of graduating class
3.70 - 3.89Magna Cum LaudeHigh Honors - Top 5-10% of graduating class
3.50 - 3.69Cum LaudeHonors - Top 10-20% of graduating class
3.00 - 3.49Dean's ListGood academic standing, merit recognition
2.50 - 2.99Good StandingSatisfactory academic progress
2.00 - 2.49SatisfactoryMeeting minimum requirements
1.50 - 1.99Academic WarningBelow satisfactory - improvement required
Below 1.50Academic ProbationRisk of suspension - immediate action needed

Tips for Improving Your GPA

1

Attend Every Class

Regular attendance is strongly correlated with better grades. You'll catch important information and participate in discussions.

2

Start Assignments Early

Starting early gives you time to ask questions, seek help, revise your work, and avoid stress-induced mistakes.

3

Use Office Hours

Professors and TAs hold office hours specifically to help you. Use this free resource to clarify concepts and build relationships.

4

Form Study Groups

Collaborative learning helps you understand material from different perspectives. Explain concepts to others and learn from their insights.

5

Get Tutoring Help

Most schools offer free tutoring services. Get help early before small problems become major issues affecting your grade.

6

Balance Your Courses

Don't overload with all difficult courses in one semester. Balance challenging classes with lighter ones for sustainable success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a good GPA?

A "good" GPA depends on your goals. Generally: 3.5-4.0 is excellent and competitive for top graduate programs; 3.0-3.49 is good and meets most scholarship requirements; 2.5-2.99 is average; below 2.0 is typically below satisfactory. Remember that GPA is just one factor - internships, research, and extracurriculars also matter.

What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

Unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale where all courses are treated equally regardless of difficulty. Weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced courses (AP, IB, Honors) - typically on a 5.0 scale. For example, an A in an AP course might be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0. Weighted GPAs are more common in high school; most colleges use unweighted 4.0 scales.

How do I calculate cumulative GPA?

To calculate cumulative GPA: (1) Multiply your previous GPA by previous total credits to get previous quality points. (2) Add your new semester's quality points. (3) Divide total quality points by total credits. Formula: Cumulative GPA = (Previous GPA × Previous Credits + New Quality Points) ÷ Total Credits.

Can I raise a low GPA?

Yes, but it becomes harder as you complete more credits. Early in your academic career (first 1-2 years), you can significantly improve your GPA with strong performance. The key is to start improving immediately and be realistic about what's achievable. Focus on consistent improvement rather than drastic overnight changes.

Do Pass/Fail courses affect my GPA?

Pass/Fail (P/F) courses typically do not affect your GPA - they don't contribute quality points or count in total credits for GPA calculation. However, taking too many P/F courses can impact financial aid, academic progress, and how graduate schools view your transcript. Check your school's specific policy.

What happens if I retake a course?

Retake policies vary by institution. Common approaches include: Replacement (new grade replaces old in GPA), Averaging (both grades count), or Forgiveness (higher grade used). Some schools limit how many courses you can retake or only allow retakes for grades below C. Always check your school's specific retake policy.

Should I include GPA on my resume?

Include your GPA if: (1) It's 3.5 or higher (3.0+ for some fields); (2) You're a recent graduate or student; (3) The job posting requests it. Omit it if it's below 3.0, you've been out of school for years, or you have significant work experience. You can list just your major GPA if it's higher than cumulative.

What GPA do I need for graduate school?

Graduate school requirements vary: 3.0 is typically the minimum for admission consideration; 3.5+ is competitive for most programs; 3.7+ is competitive for top-tier programs (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT). However, factors beyond GPA matter including test scores, research experience, recommendations, and personal statements.

Need Help Improving Your GPA?

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