GPA Calculator
GPA Calculation Results
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points | Quality Points | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Add courses to see breakdown | |||||
GPA Calculation Formula
GPA = (Sum of Quality Points) ÷ (Total Credit Hours)
Quality Points = Grade Points × Credit Hours
How GPA Works
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is a crucial academic metric that affects college admissions, scholarship eligibility, and career opportunities. Understanding how to calculate it correctly ensures you know exactly where you stand academically.
The visual GPA scale shows where your GPA falls on the spectrum from 0.0 to 4.0+. The colored markers indicate different academic levels: red for struggling, yellow for average, blue for good, and green for excellent.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale. Weighted GPA gives extra points for challenging courses like honors and AP classes. Colleges often consider both when evaluating applicants.
Understanding Grade Points
- A grade (4.0): Excellent performance, typically 90-100%
- B grade (3.0): Good performance, typically 80-89%
- C grade (2.0): Average performance, typically 70-79%
- D grade (1.0): Below average, typically 60-69%
- F grade (0.0): Failing grade, typically below 60%
Common Questions About GPA
What’s the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale. Weighted GPA gives extra points for challenging courses: typically +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP/IB courses. So an A in an AP course could be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0.
How do plus/minus grades affect GPA?
Many schools use plus/minus grading: A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, etc. This calculator uses the most common conversion. Check your school’s specific policy for exact point values.
Important Note
Pass/fail courses typically don’t affect GPA. They either earn credit (pass) or don’t (fail), but don’t contribute grade points to your GPA calculation.
What if I retake a course?
Policies vary by school. Some schools average the two grades, some take the higher grade, and some replace the old grade entirely. Use your school’s policy when calculating your GPA.
Common GPA Scenarios
| Scenario | Courses & Grades | Unweighted GPA | Weighted GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight A Student | 6 courses, all A (3 AP) | 4.00 | 4.50 |
| Balanced Student | 5 A, 3 B, 2 C (2 honors) | 3.20 | 3.40 |
| Improving Student | 2 A, 4 B, 3 C, 1 D | 2.50 | 2.50 |
GPA Benchmarks for College
- 4.0+ (weighted): Highly competitive for top universities
- 3.5-3.9: Competitive for most four-year colleges
- 3.0-3.49: Good for state universities
- 2.0-2.99: Meets basic admission requirements
- Below 2.0: May require academic improvement plans
Improvement Tips
Focus on high-credit courses first. Improving grades in 4-credit courses has a greater impact on your GPA than similar improvements in 1-credit courses.
Using This GPA Calculator
- Enter each course with its credit hours
- Select the appropriate grade for each course
- Choose course type (regular, honors, AP/IB)
- Select your GPA scale (4.0 or 5.0)
- View instant results with detailed breakdown
- Save results for future reference
Summary
This GPA calculator provides accurate calculations for both weighted and unweighted GPAs. It helps you understand how each course affects your overall academic standing and provides insights for improvement.
Whether you’re tracking current performance, planning for college applications, or setting academic goals, this tool gives you the information you need to succeed.
Ready to Calculate Your GPA?
Enter your courses and grades to see your instant GPA calculation with detailed breakdown.