Quick answer: Grade Point Average summarizes academic performance: multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, add them up, and divide by total credits. On the standard 4.0 scale, A is 4, B is 3, C is 2, D is 1 and F is 0. Weighted GPAs add bonus points for honors or AP courses.
Last reviewed: September 2026
GPA Calculator
Key facts
- GPA = total grade points ÷ total credit hours — the standard US college measure.
- On the 4.0 scale, A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.
- Courses with more credits weigh more — a 4-credit A counts double a 2-credit A.
- A 3.0 GPA is the usual cut-off for scholarships and many graduate programmes.
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a single number summarising your academic performance. This free GPA calculator computes it from your course grades and credit hours — weighted correctly, so heavy courses count more.
Add each course with its grade and credits. Your semester or cumulative GPA appears instantly, with the letter-grade scale for reference.
How to use
- Enter each course grade (letter or percentage).
- Enter the credit hours for each course.
- Your GPA appears instantly.
- Add more semesters to track your cumulative GPA.
GPA formula
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| grade points | Numeric value of each grade (A = 4.0 on the standard scale). |
| credits | Credit hours the course is worth. |
| Σ | Sum across all courses. |
Example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course, B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course → (12 + 13.2) ÷ 7 = 3.60.
Worked examples
Strong semester
A (3 cr), B+ (4 cr), B (3 cr): points = 12 + 13.2 + 9 = 34.2; hours = 10. GPA = 34.2 ÷ 10 = 3.42.
Mixed semester
A− (3 cr), B (3 cr), C+ (4 cr): points = 11.1 + 9 + 9.2 = 29.3; hours = 10. GPA = 29.3 ÷ 10 = 2.93.
Standard 4.0 grade scale
| Letter | Points | Typical % |
|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | 93–100 |
| 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+ | 1.3 | 67–69 |
| D | 1.0 | 63–66 |
| F | 0.0 | Below 63 |
Scales vary by school — some skip A+ or plus/minus grades. Check your institution’s handbook for its exact mapping.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GPA?
3.0 is solid and keeps most doors open. 3.5+ is strong; 3.7+ is competitive for top graduate schools. Context matters — major, school, and trend all count.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA?
Unweighted caps at 4.0. Weighted GPA gives honours/AP courses extra points (often up to 5.0), rewarding harder classes.
Can I raise my GPA after a bad semester?
Yes, but early grades anchor the average. Each new semester dilutes old ones — consistent A’s move a cumulative GPA faster than most students expect.
Do failed courses count?
Usually yes — an F adds 0 points but its credits still count in the divisor, dragging the average down. Retaking policies vary by school.
How do I convert a percentage to GPA?
Use your school’s scale (see the table above). Roughly: 90%+ ≈ 3.7–4.0, 80s ≈ 2.7–3.3, 70s ≈ 1.7–2.3.
Sources
- College Board — How GPA is calculated
- Khan Academy — Weighted averages, the math behind GPA
Key takeaways
- GPA = total grade points ÷ total credit hours; heavier courses weigh more.
- 3.0 is the common benchmark; 3.5+ is strong.
- Weighted scales reward advanced courses — know which scale your school uses.
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