How GPA is calculated
Each letter grade is worth a number of grade points. Multiply the points by the class's credits (these are called quality points), add them up, and divide by the total credits:
GPA = Σ(grade points × credits) ÷ Σ credits
Cumulative GPA works the same way across terms. Your previous GPA times your previous credits gives your past quality points:
cumulative = (prior GPA × prior credits + this term's quality points) ÷ (prior credits + this term's credits)
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A− | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | C− | 1.7 |
| B | 3.0 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B− | 2.7 | D | 1.0 |
| D− / F | 0.7 / 0 | ||
Worked example
Biology A− (4 credits), English B+ (3), Algebra II B (4), History A (3).
3.7×4 + 3.3×3 + 3.0×4 + 4.0×3 = 14.8 + 9.9 + 12.0 + 12.0 = 48.7 quality points
48.7 ÷ 14 credits = 3.48 semester GPA
With a previous GPA of 3.20 over 30 credits: (3.20×30 + 48.7) ÷ (30 + 14) = 144.7 ÷ 44 = 3.29 cumulative.
Weighted GPA
Many high schools add a bonus for harder classes: +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP or IB, so an A in an AP class counts as 5.0. Turn on Weighted GPA and set each class's type. The bonus is never added to an F. The calculator shows your unweighted GPA alongside, since many colleges recalculate it themselves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses the 4.0 scale for every class. Weighted GPA adds a bonus for honors (+0.5) and AP or IB (+1.0) classes, so it can go above 4.0. Schools differ, so check which one your transcript uses.
Is an A+ worth 4.0 or 4.3?
Most US high schools and many colleges cap an A+ at 4.0, which is what this calculator uses. Some colleges give 4.33. If yours does, your GPA here may be slightly lower than on your transcript.
How many credits is a class?
Use the credits on your transcript or course catalog. College classes are often 3 or 4 credits; in high school a year-long class is often 1 credit and a semester class 0.5. If all your classes carry the same credit, any equal number gives the same GPA.
Do pass/fail or withdrawn classes count?
Usually not. Pass/fail classes and withdrawals typically don't affect GPA, so leave them out. A failed class normally does count, as 0 points.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
Enter this term's classes, then your previous cumulative GPA and total credits from your transcript. If you use weighted GPA, your previous GPA should be weighted too, or the result will mix the two.
How much can one semester raise my GPA?
Less the further you are along. With a 3.0 over 30 credits, a 4.0 semester of 15 credits brings you to 3.33. With a 3.0 over 90 credits, the same semester gets you to about 3.14.