Weighted GPA Calculator
Calculate your weighted GPA with our comprehensive calculator that accounts for AP, IB, Honors, and Dual Enrollment courses. Get instant results with detailed explanations.
Calculate Your Weighted GPA
Enter your courses, grades, credit hours, and course types to calculate your weighted GPA instantly.
Weighted GPA Calculator
Enter your courses with grades and course types to calculate your weighted GPA
How to Use the Weighted GPA Calculator
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Enter your course name (optional but helpful for tracking)
- Select your letter grade (A+, A, A-, B+, etc.)
- Enter the number of credit hours for the course
- Choose the course type (Regular, Honors, AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment)
- Click "Add Course" to include more courses
- Your weighted GPA will be calculated automatically
What You Need
- Final grades for all courses you want to include
- Credit hours or units for each course
- Knowledge of which courses are Honors, AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment
- Your school's specific weighting system (if different from standard)
Understanding Weighted GPA
What is Weighted GPA?
A weighted GPA gives additional points to grades earned in more challenging courses like Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Honors, and Dual Enrollment classes. This system recognizes that these courses require more effort and provide greater academic rigor than standard courses.
Standard Weighting System
| Course Type | A Grade Points | B Grade Points | C Grade Points | D Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 |
| Honors | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 | 1.5 |
| AP/IB/Dual Enrollment | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
Benefits of Weighted GPA
- Rewards students for taking challenging courses
- Provides a more accurate representation of academic rigor
- Used by many high schools for class rank determination
- Can boost overall GPA when performing well in advanced courses
- Demonstrates college readiness to admissions committees
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA Comparison
Weighted GPA
- ✓Accounts for course difficulty
- ✓Can exceed 4.0 scale
- ✓Rewards academic rigor
- ✓Used for class rank
- ✗Not standardized across schools
Unweighted GPA
- ✓Standardized 4.0 scale
- ✓Easy to understand
- ✓Used by most colleges
- ✓Consistent across institutions
- ✗Doesn't reflect course difficulty
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the highest possible weighted GPA?
The highest possible weighted GPA depends on your school's weighting system. With the standard system (5.0 for AP/IB courses), the maximum is typically 5.0. However, some schools use different scales, so check with your guidance counselor.
Do colleges prefer weighted or unweighted GPA?
Most colleges recalculate GPAs using their own methods, often focusing on core academic subjects. They consider both the GPA and the rigor of courses taken. Taking challenging courses with good grades is generally more impressive than easy courses with perfect grades.
How much do AP courses boost my GPA?
In the standard weighting system, AP courses add 1.0 point to your grade (A = 5.0 instead of 4.0). The actual impact on your overall GPA depends on how many AP courses you take and your grades in all courses.
Should I take AP courses if I might get a B?
Generally, yes. A B in an AP course (4.0 weighted points) often looks better to colleges than an A in a regular course (4.0 unweighted points) because it demonstrates your willingness to challenge yourself academically.
Can I calculate my weighted GPA for specific semesters?
Yes! Our calculator can be used for any time period. Simply enter the courses from the specific semester or year you want to calculate. For cumulative weighted GPA, include all courses from all semesters.
What if my school uses a different weighting system?
Some schools use different point values (like 6.0 for AP courses or 4.33 for A+). Our calculator uses the most common system, but you can manually adjust the calculation or check with your school counselor for your specific system.
Do Dual Enrollment courses count as weighted?
Most schools treat Dual Enrollment courses the same as AP or IB courses for weighting purposes, giving them the full 1.0 point boost. However, policies can vary by school district, so verify with your guidance counselor.
How do I improve my weighted GPA?
To improve your weighted GPA: 1) Take more honors, AP, or IB courses, 2) Perform well in challenging courses you're already taking, 3) Consider summer or online advanced courses, and 4) Focus on improving grades in your current weighted courses.
Related GPA Tools & Resources
High School GPA Calculator
Calculate your unweighted high school GPA for college applications.
Cumulative GPA Calculator
Calculate your overall GPA across multiple semesters or years.
Final Grade Calculator
Determine what you need on your final exam to achieve your target grade.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA Guide
Comprehensive comparison of weighted and unweighted GPA systems.
How to Calculate GPA
Step-by-step guide to calculating both weighted and unweighted GPAs.
GPA Scale Reference
Complete reference for GPA scales and grade conversions.
Ready to Calculate Your Weighted GPA?
Use our free weighted GPA calculator above to get instant results. Track your academic progress and plan for college admissions success.
Academic Success Tips
- •Stay organized with a planner or digital calendar
- •Break large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks
- •Create a consistent study schedule with dedicated time blocks
- •Form or join study groups for difficult subjects
- •Set specific, measurable academic goals for each semester