GPA Calculator
Calculate your grade point average by adding your courses.
The Complete Guide to Your GPA
Whether you're shooting for the Dean's List or making sure you meet graduation requirements, being able to calculate and understand your Grade Point Average is critical.
What Is a GPA (Grade Point Average)?
Your GPA stands for Grade Point Average. This is a numerical equivalent of how well you have performed academically. The GPA is calculated using a standard scale based on the letters grades that you have obtained. Your GPA can be used by institutions and employers to tell how well you are performing academically.
College GPA vs. High School GPA
Even though the mathematical formula remains essentially the same, there are differences in implementation between college and high school GPAs. College GPAs depend significantly on credit hours; taking a 4-credit science course with a lab will influence your GPA to a greater extent than a 1-credit elective. High school GPAs, on the other hand, take into account the level of difficulty of each course.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
The calculation of an unweighted GPA takes into consideration a scale of 4.0 with no weights allocated to any course, while a weighted GPA acknowledges that some courses are more difficult than others by assigning a scale of 5.0. An 'A' in an average course may be equivalent to 4.0, whereas an 'A' in an AP course may be equal to 5.0.
Standard 4.0 GPA Conversion Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentile | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 93 - 100 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90 - 92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87 - 89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83 - 86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80 - 82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77 - 79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73 - 76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70 - 72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67 - 69 | 1.3 |
| D | 65 - 66 | 1.0 |
| F | Below 65 | 0.0 |
How to Calculate Your GPA (Step-by-Step)
Determine Your Grade Points: Convert your letter grade to a 4.0 scale (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0).
Calculate Quality Points: Multiply your Grade Points by the course's Credit Hours (e.g., 4.0 Grade Points x 3 Credits = 12 Quality Points).
Find Your Totals: Sum all your Quality Points for every class, and sum all your Attempted Credits.
Divide for Your GPA: Divide your Total Quality Points by your Total Attempted Credits to get your final GPA.
Actionable Tips to Improve Your GPA
Wishing to improve your academic standing? Employing effective study techniques along with knowing how credits are weighted can really help you achieve a lot.
Balance Your Credit Load
Don't overwhelm yourself with too many credit-heavy, difficult courses in a single semester. A balanced schedule allows you to dedicate enough time to excel in each class.
Prioritize High-Credit Classes
Since the GPA system takes into account the number of credit hours, a mark in a 4-credit class will weigh far heavier than that in a 1-credit class.
Utilize Office Hours and Tutoring
Should you be having difficulty, do not wait until final exams to ask for help. Meet up with your professors at their office hours and take advantage of campus tutoring centers.