GPA Calculator
Enter courses, credits, and grades to instantly see your unweighted and weighted GPA—plus a clean breakdown of how each class affects your average.
Your courses
| Course | Grade (letter or %) | Credits | Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Steps to compute GPA
- English: A- → 3.70 + 0.50 boost = 4.20 points × 3 cr12.60 qp
- Biology: B+ → 3.30 + 1.00 boost = 4.30 points × 4 cr17.20 qp
- History: B → 3.00 = 3.00 points × 3 cr9.00 qp
- GPA = total quality points ÷ total credits
Final result
Results interpretation
- Unweighted GPA is on a 4.0 scale—course rigor doesn’t change points.
- Weighted GPA adds boosts for rigorous courses then caps at your chosen maximum.
- A jump from 3.2 → 3.4 usually requires several higher-credit A/B grades to offset past averages.
- Use credits as your school defines them (semester hours, Carnegie units, etc.).
How this GPA calculator works
1) Convert grade → points. Example table: A=4.0, A−=3.7, B+=3.3, …, F=0. If you enter a percentage we map it to a letter using a common U.S. scale (93+=A, 90–92=A−, …).
2) Multiply by credits. Each class contributes grade points × credits (quality points).
3) Sum & divide. GPA = Σ(quality points) ÷ Σ(credits).
Show math
Let i index courses. Unweighted: points_i = table(letter_i) qp_i = points_i * credits_i GPA = (Σ qp_i) / (Σ credits_i) Weighted: boost_i = (level_i == Honors ? h : level_i == AP/IB ? a : 0) points*_i = min(cap, points_i + boost_i) qp*_i = points*_i * credits_i GPA* = (Σ qp*_i) / (Σ credits_i)
Limitations: schools vary in letter tables, plus/minus policy, percentage cutoffs, caps, and what counts as “Honors.” Always confirm with your handbook.
FAQ
Does my school use the same boosts?
Many use +0.5 (Honors) and +1.0 (AP/IB), capped at 5.0. Some use different values—change them above.
Can I enter percentages?
Yes. Type a number (e.g., 91) and we map it to a letter using a common scale.
What if I repeat a class?
Follow your school’s policy. Some replace the old grade; others average both. Enter rows accordingly.
How many decimals should I report?
Most transcripts round to two decimals. We show two in the banner.
What’s a good GPA?
For very selective admissions, aim for ~3.7+ unweighted or a high weighted GPA with rigorous courses.
Use cases & examples
- Pre-read: enter current term classes to monitor how each test shifts your GPA.
- What-if: toggle a course to AP/IB to see weighted impact before enrolling.
- Scholarship thresholds: check whether you meet a 3.50 requirement this semester or overall.
GPA Calculator: how to compute, improve, and interpret your GPA
GPA calculator is a phrase students search because GPA shapes placement, scholarships, internships, and graduate-school options. This page gives a fast tool and a practical guide. You can add courses, credits, and grades to see unweighted GPA on the 4.0 scale and, if you enable it, a weighted GPA with customizable boosts for Honors and AP/IB. The calculator updates instantly, shows your steps, and explains the math so you can trust the number.
GPA measures average performance by converting letter grades to points and weighting them by credit hours. Because institutions differ, our defaults mirror a common U.S. standard (A=4.0, A−=3.7, …; Honors +0.5; AP/IB +1.0; cap 5.0) yet can be changed with one click. That means you can match your handbook while still using a single, simple interface.
Why both unweighted and weighted? Unweighted tells how you performed relative to a universal 4.0 scale. Weighted compensates for rigor so a student taking AP Chemistry is not penalized compared with someone taking a lighter course. Colleges typically read both: the unweighted number shows consistency; the weighted number shows ambition.
How to use the GPA Calculator
Enter each course on a separate row. Use the letter you see on your report (A, B+, C−) or type a percentage (we convert it to a letter). Put in the course’s credit hours. If your school designates Honors or AP/IB levels, set the level and enable “Use weighted GPA.” The green banner updates as you type.
Understanding the math
GPA = total quality points ÷ total credits. A 3-credit A (4.0) generates 12 quality points. A 4-credit B+ (3.3) generates 13.2. Add every class’s quality points, divide by the sum of credits, and you have GPA. In a weighted system, add the boost before multiplying by credits, then cap at the school’s maximum (often 5.0).
Strategies to improve GPA
Focus on credit-heavy courses. An A in a 4-credit course moves your average far more than an A in a 1-credit elective. If your energy is limited, invest it where credits are high.
Use office hours and practice exams. GPA improves fastest when you turn B-range classwork into A-range outcomes—often through feedback loops rather than longer study time alone.
Plan your schedule. If your school weights AP/IB, one rigorous course that aligns with your strengths can raise your weighted GPA and transcript story without overload.
Common variations and caveats
Schools sometimes omit A+ or assign A+=4.3. Some don’t use plus/minus grades. Some weight Dual Enrollment differently from AP/IB. A few compute semester and cumulative GPAs with slightly different rounding. Our calculator is flexible but neutral; always align your final number with official policy when you report it.
Key takeaways
Your GPA summarizes outcomes across courses and credits. By understanding how each grade translates into points—and by previewing scenarios in this calculator—you can make informed decisions about study focus, course selection, and goals. Whether you’re tracking eligibility for a scholarship or targeting a graduate-school threshold, the combination of unweighted and weighted views gives the most complete picture.