GPA Calculator

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical summary of academic performance calculated over a given period. It is computed by dividing the total quality points earned by the total credit hours attempted. GPA is used by schools, employers, and graduate programs to evaluate academic achievement.

GPA is calculated using a weighted formula: GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credit Hours) / Σ(Credit Hours). Each letter grade maps to a grade point value on the 4.0 scale — for example, A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, and so on. Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, sum those products, then divide by the total credit hours.

A GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally considered honors level and qualifies for the Dean's List at most colleges. A 3.0 is widely regarded as satisfactory and meets the minimum for most graduate school applications. A GPA below 2.0 may place students on academic probation at many institutions.

An unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale for all courses regardless of difficulty. A weighted GPA adds bonus points for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses — typically +0.5 or +1.0 — creating a scale that can go up to 5.0. Colleges use both types when evaluating applicants, often noting course rigor alongside the GPA.

Cumulative GPA combines all semesters into a single average: Cumulative GPA = (Total Quality Points Earned) ÷ (Total Credit Hours Attempted). To add a new semester, take your previous total quality points (previous GPA × previous credit hours), add this semester's quality points (sum of grade points × credits for each course), then divide by the combined total credit hours.

The standard 4.0 scale assigns grade point values as follows: A+ / 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, D- = 0.7, F = 0.0. Some schools do not distinguish A+ from A, treating both as 4.0. Always confirm your institution's specific scale with your registrar.