How to Calculate GPA
A comprehensive guide to understanding and calculating your Grade Point Average.
Step-by-Step GPA Calculation
Convert each letter grade to a grade point value
Using the standard 4.0 scale: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. For plus/minus grades: A+ = 4.0, A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, etc.
Multiply each grade point value by the number of credit hours
For example, an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course equals 12 grade points.
Add up all the grade points
This gives you your total grade points for all courses.
Add up all the credit hours
This gives you your total credit hours attempted.
Divide the total grade points by the total credit hours
This calculation gives you your GPA.
GPA Calculation Example
Let's calculate a GPA for a semester with four courses:
| Course | Credits | Letter Grade | Grade Points | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English 101 | 3 | A | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Math 120 | 4 | B+ | 3.3 | 13.2 |
| History 105 | 3 | C | 2.0 | 6.0 |
| Biology 110 | 4 | A- | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| Totals | 14 | 46.0 |
GPA Calculation: Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credits = 46.0 ÷ 14 = 3.29 GPA
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA
- Uses the standard 4.0 scale for all courses
- Treats all classes equally regardless of difficulty
- Maximum possible GPA is 4.0
- Simpler to calculate and understand
- Used by many colleges for a standardized comparison
Weighted GPA
- Assigns extra points for honors, AP, or IB courses
- Typically adds 0.5 points for honors and 1.0 points for AP/IB
- Maximum possible GPA can exceed 4.0 (often 5.0)
- Rewards students for taking challenging courses
- Used by high schools to determine class rank and honors
Cumulative GPA Calculation
Your cumulative GPA represents your overall academic performance across all terms or semesters. To calculate your cumulative GPA:
- Multiply each term's GPA by the number of credits taken that term
- Add these values together to get total quality points
- Divide by the total number of credits attempted across all terms
For an easier way to calculate your cumulative GPA, use our Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Common GPA Questions
What if I retake a course?
Policies vary by institution. Some schools replace the old grade with the new one in GPA calculations, while others average the two grades or count both separately. Check your school's specific policy.
Do pass/fail courses affect GPA?
Typically, courses taken pass/fail (or credit/no credit) do not affect your GPA. You receive credit for passing, but these courses are not included in GPA calculations.
How are incomplete or withdrawn courses counted?
Incompletes generally don't affect GPA until a grade is assigned. For withdrawals, a "W" typically does not affect GPA, but a "WF" (withdrawal failing) may count as an F.
What's a good GPA?
This depends on your goals. Generally, a 3.0-3.5 is considered good, 3.5-3.8 very good, and 3.8+ excellent. Requirements vary for graduate programs, scholarships, and honor societies.