GPA Calculator
Enter each course's credit hours and letter grade. This calculator uses a standard 4.0 scale (A/A+ = 4.0).
How do you calculate GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a weighted average of your course grades based on how many credit hours each class is worth. In plain English: classes with more credits affect your GPA more.
To get total grade points earned, multiply each course's grade point value by its credit hours, then add them all together.
Step-by-step GPA calculation
1) List every class and its credit hours
Start with your transcript or semester schedule. Write down each class and the number of credits. Common values are 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits.
2) Convert letter grades to grade points
Most schools use a 4.0 scale. A common conversion looks like this:
- A or 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
Important: some schools use slightly different values (for example, A+ = 4.3). Always check your institution's policy.
3) Multiply each grade point by the course credits
Example: a B (3.0) in a 4-credit class gives you 12.0 quality points.
4) Add all quality points and all attempted GPA credits
Keep a running total of both numbers.
5) Divide
Divide total quality points by total attempted GPA credits. The result is your GPA for that term.
Quick example
Suppose your semester looks like this:
- Biology: 4 credits, A- (3.7) → 14.8 points
- English: 3 credits, B+ (3.3) → 9.9 points
- History: 3 credits, B (3.0) → 9.0 points
- Math: 4 credits, C+ (2.3) → 9.2 points
Total points = 14.8 + 9.9 + 9.0 + 9.2 = 42.9
Total credits = 4 + 3 + 3 + 4 = 14
GPA = 42.9 ÷ 14 = 3.06
How to calculate cumulative GPA
Your cumulative GPA combines all terms, not just one semester. Use this formula:
In the calculator above, enter your prior credits and prior GPA to estimate your updated cumulative GPA automatically.
What counts and what usually does not
Usually counts
- Letter-graded courses (A through F)
- Repeated courses (depending on replacement rules)
Often does not count
- Pass/Fail courses (P often gives credit but no GPA points)
- Withdrawals (W)
- Incomplete (I), until a final grade is posted
Policies vary by college and high school. If your number is different from your school portal, the school's official GPA rules win.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA
In high school, you may see a weighted GPA where AP or honors classes receive extra points (for example, A = 5.0 in AP). College GPA is usually unweighted on a 4.0 scale, but institutions can differ.
- Unweighted GPA: all classes use the same scale.
- Weighted GPA: advanced courses can add bonus points.
Tips to improve GPA
- Prioritize high-credit classes. Improving a 4-credit course helps more than a 1-credit class.
- Use office hours and tutoring early, not after midterms.
- Track grade weights in each course syllabus (tests, homework, labs).
- Retake low grades if your school has a grade-replacement policy.
- Protect attendance and assignment deadlines; consistency beats cramming.
Common GPA calculation mistakes
- Using percentage grades directly instead of grade-point conversions.
- Forgetting to weight by credit hours.
- Including P/F or W classes that do not affect GPA.
- Rounding too early before the final step.
- Assuming every school uses the exact same A+/A- rules.
Bottom line
If you are asking, "How do you calculate GPA?", the answer is simple: convert grades to points, multiply by credits, add everything, and divide by total GPA credits. Use the calculator at the top of this page to do it fast and accurately.