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GPA Calculator
Calculate your semester GPA and cumulative GPA instantly using our free online GPA calculator. Supports the standard 4.0 scale, weighted 5.0 scale for AP/honors courses, and letter grade or percentage inputs. Used by high school and college students across the US.
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is one of the most important metrics in your academic career — affecting college admissions, scholarship eligibility, graduate school applications, and even job prospects. Understanding how GPA is calculated helps you strategically plan your coursework and grade targets.
Formula
GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credit Hours) / Total Credit Hours | A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0
How GPA is Calculated
GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by multiplying each course grade points by the credit hours, summing these values, then dividing by total credit hours. This weighted average means a 3-credit course affects your GPA three times as much as a 1-credit course.
Letter Grade to GPA Conversion
Letter Grade
GPA Points
Percentage Range
A+
4.0 (some schools 4.3)
97-100%
A
4.0
93-96%
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
1.0
60-69%
F
0.0
Below 60%
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA: all courses treated equally on 4.0 scale. Weighted GPA: AP, IB, and honors courses get bonus points (typically 0.5 for honors, 1.0 for AP/IB) — allowing a maximum of 5.0. Colleges recalculate GPA using their own methods, so always check each institution preference. Most college applications request unweighted GPA.
What is a Good GPA?
High school: 3.5+ GPA puts you in the top academic tier for most colleges. 3.7+ GPA for competitive universities. 3.9+ for Ivy League consideration. College: 3.0+ GPA maintains good academic standing. 3.5+ GPA for most graduate school programs. 3.7+ for medical, law, or PhD programs. Dean List is typically 3.5+ per semester.
GPA Scale Differences
US colleges primarily use 4.0 scale. Some schools use plus/minus grading (adding A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3 etc.). International students: UK uses 1st class/2:1/2:2/3rd, converted to 4.0 for US applications. Canadian universities use percentage or letter grades. Always clarify the scale when comparing GPAs across institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) / Total Credits. Example: Math (A=4.0) × 3 credits = 12, English (B=3.0) × 3 credits = 9, Biology (A-=3.7) × 4 credits = 14.8. Total points = 35.8, total credits = 10, GPA = 35.8/10 = 3.58.
A 3.5 GPA is equivalent to a B+ average (87-89% range). It represents strong academic performance — above average but not straight As. A 3.5 GPA makes you competitive for most universities and many scholarships, and maintains eligibility for most merit aid programs.
To raise your GPA: take more credit hours where you can earn As (dilutes lower grades), retake courses where you earned C or below (some schools replace the old grade), focus maximum effort on high-credit courses, attend office hours and tutoring, and develop consistent study habits rather than cramming.
Most master programs require minimum 3.0 GPA. Top programs prefer 3.5+. MBA programs at top schools: 3.5+ with strong GMAT/GRE. Law school (T14): 3.7+. Medical school: 3.7+ science GPA. PhD programs: 3.5+ with strong research experience. Some programs consider GPA trend (improvement) over absolute number.
No. Admissions officers and employers often look at GPA trends. Showing significant improvement (2.5 freshman year to 3.7 senior year) demonstrates growth and maturity. Some graduate programs specifically request just the last 60 credit hours of GPA. Explain early poor performance in personal statements if needed.
Unweighted GPA: all courses on 4.0 scale regardless of difficulty. Weighted GPA: AP/IB courses get +1.0 bonus, honors courses +0.5, allowing a 5.0 maximum. A straight-A student in all AP courses has 5.0 weighted but still 4.0 unweighted. Most colleges recalculate GPA their own way.