The 4.0 scale
Most US schools convert letter grades to points: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0 and F = 0. Many add plus and minus values, such as A− = 3.7 and B+ = 3.3. Your grade point average is the average of these points, weighted by credits.
Step-by-step
1. Convert each grade to points. 2. Multiply the points by the course's credit hours. 3. Add all the results to get total quality points. 4. Divide by total credit hours. Example: an A in a 4-credit course (16 points), a B in a 3-credit course (9 points) and a C in a 3-credit course (6 points) give 31 ÷ 10 = 3.1 GPA. Our GPA calculator handles this for you.
Weighted vs. unweighted
Unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale for all classes. Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors, AP or IB courses, often +0.5 or +1.0, so an A in an AP class might count as 5.0. Colleges usually see both and may recalculate GPA using their own method.
Cumulative GPA
Your cumulative GPA includes all terms. To combine terms, add the total quality points from each and divide by the total credits, rather than averaging the term GPAs, which would be wrong if the credit loads differ.
How much can you raise it?
The more credits you've completed, the harder it's to move your GPA. A student with a 3.0 over 60 credits who earns a 4.0 in a 15-credit semester moves to (180 + 60) ÷ 75 = 3.2. Planning with real numbers helps set realistic goals.
Converting percentages
Some schools grade in percentages. A common scale is 90–100% = A, 80–89% = B, 70–79% = C and 60–69% = D, but schools vary. Use our grade percentage calculator to get the percentage from points earned.
Tips to improve
Prioritize high-credit courses, use office hours, retake courses if your school replaces grades and avoid overloading semesters. Small improvements across many credits add up.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate GPA?
Multiply each grade's points by its credits, add them up, and divide by total credits.
What is a 3.5 GPA in letter grades?
Roughly between a B+ and an A− average.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors or AP classes; unweighted doesn't.
How do I calculate cumulative GPA?
Add quality points from all terms and divide by all credits attempted.