How to Calculate GPA: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Learn how to calculate your Grade Point Average in 5 simple steps with real examples. Works for 4.0 scale, 5.0 scale, weighted and unweighted GPAs.

A visual guide on how to calculate GPA

🧮 Quick GPA Calculator

Don't want to calculate manually? Use our free GPA calculator for instant results:

→ Free GPA CalculatorCumulative GPA Calculator

⚡ Quick Answer: GPA Calculation Formula

GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours
Where Quality Points = Grade Points (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0) × Credit Hours

Step-by-Step GPA Calculation

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Add up all the grade points

    This gives you your total grade points for all courses.

  4. Add up all the credit hours

    This gives you your total credit hours attempted.

  5. Divide the total grade points by the total credit hours

    This calculation gives you your GPA.

Real GPA Calculation Example

Example 1: Basic Semester GPA - Let's calculate a GPA for a semester with four courses:

CourseCreditsLetter GradeGrade PointsQuality Points
English 1013A4.012.0
Math 1204B+3.313.2
History 1053C2.06.0
Biology 1104A-3.714.8
Totals1446.0

Final GPA: Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credits = 46.0 ÷ 14 = 3.29 GPA

Example 2: Weighted GPA Calculation

Student taking mix of regular and AP courses:

CourseTypeCreditsGradePointsQuality
AP CalculusAP4A5.020.0
English 101Regular3B+3.39.9
AP ChemistryAP4B4.016.0
Spanish IIRegular3A-3.711.1
Totals1457.0

Weighted GPA: 57.0 ÷ 14 = 4.07 GPA

Example 3: Cumulative GPA (Multiple Semesters)

Calculating GPA across Fall and Spring semesters:

Fall Semester:

15 credits, 52.5 quality points, GPA: 3.50

Spring Semester:

16 credits, 54.4 quality points, GPA: 3.40

Calculation:

  • Total Quality Points: 52.5 + 54.4 = 106.9
  • Total Credits: 15 + 16 = 31
  • Cumulative GPA: 106.9 ÷ 31 = 3.45

Cumulative GPA: 3.45 across both semesters

Example 4: High School GPA with Plus/Minus Grades

CourseCreditsGradePointsQuality
Algebra II3B+3.39.9
English Lit3A-3.711.1
Biology4A4.016.0
World History3B3.09.0
PE2A4.08.0
Totals1554.0

High School GPA: 54.0 ÷ 15 = 3.60 GPA

Example 5: Converting Percentage to GPA

If your school uses percentage grades, convert them first:

Percentage to Letter Grade:

  • 93-100% = A (4.0)
  • 90-92% = A- (3.7)
  • 87-89% = B+ (3.3)
  • 83-86% = B (3.0)
  • 80-82% = B- (2.7)

Example Conversion:

  • Math: 88% → B+ → 3.3
  • English: 94% → A → 4.0
  • Science: 91% → A- → 3.7
  • History: 85% → B → 3.0

💡 Pro Tip: Use our Percentage to GPA Converter for instant conversions.

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:

  1. Multiply each term's GPA by the number of credits taken that term
  2. Add these values together to get total quality points
  3. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calculating GPA

How do you calculate GPA?

To calculate GPA: 1) Convert letter grades to grade points (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0), 2) Multiply each grade by credit hours to get quality points, 3) Add all quality points, 4) Add all credit hours, 5) Divide total quality points by total credit hours. Formula: GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours.

What is the formula for calculating GPA?

The GPA formula is: GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours. Quality Points are calculated by multiplying the grade point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.) by the number of credit hours for each course.

How do you calculate weighted GPA?

For weighted GPA, add extra points for honors, AP, or IB courses. Typically add 0.5 points for honors courses and 1.0 point for AP/IB courses to the standard grade point value. Then follow the same calculation: multiply by credit hours, sum quality points, divide by total credits.

How do you calculate cumulative GPA?

To calculate cumulative GPA across multiple semesters: 1) Add all quality points from all semesters, 2) Add all credit hours from all semesters, 3) Divide total quality points by total credit hours. This gives your overall GPA across all terms.

What if I retake a course?

Course retake 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 grade replacement 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. Check your institution's policies.

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. Top graduate programs typically require 3.5+. Requirements vary for scholarships and honor societies.

📚 Key Takeaways

  • ✅ GPA Formula: Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours
  • ✅ Quality Points = Grade Points × Credit Hours for each course
  • ✅ Weighted GPA adds 0.5-1.0 points for advanced courses
  • ✅ Cumulative GPA combines all semesters using total quality points
  • ✅ Use our free calculators for instant, accurate GPA calculations