GPA Calculator

How to Use the GPA Calculator

Enter the letter grade and number of credit hours for each of your courses. Rows with the grade set to "--" or with zero credits are automatically excluded from the calculation. The calculator supports up to six courses at a time, which covers a typical semester course load. Results update in real time as you select grades and enter credit hours.

The calculator uses the standard 4.0 GPA scale used by most US colleges and universities. Each letter grade is assigned a point value: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, and so on down to F = 0.0. The GPA is computed by totaling the quality points (grade points multiplied by credit hours for each course) and dividing by the total credit hours.

Understanding the GPA Formula

The GPA formula is: GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours. Quality points for each course equal the grade point value multiplied by the credit hours. For example, a B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course contributes 3.3 x 4 = 13.2 quality points. If you also earn an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course, that adds 4.0 x 3 = 12.0 quality points. Your GPA would be (13.2 + 12.0) / (4 + 3) = 25.2 / 7 = 3.60.

Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA

An unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale for all courses regardless of difficulty. A weighted GPA adds extra points for honors, AP, or IB courses, typically on a 5.0 scale. High schools commonly use weighted GPAs, while most colleges and universities use unweighted GPAs on a 4.0 scale. This calculator uses the unweighted 4.0 scale.

Strategies for Improving Your GPA

Focus on courses with more credit hours, since they have a greater impact on your GPA. A higher grade in a 4-credit course moves your GPA more than the same grade improvement in a 1-credit course. Take advantage of professor office hours, tutoring services, and study groups. If your school allows grade replacement for retaken courses, retaking a course where you received a low grade can significantly boost your GPA. Planning a balanced course load each semester, mixing challenging courses with ones you are confident in, helps maintain a steady GPA over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GPA calculated?

GPA is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours to get quality points, summing all quality points, and dividing by the total credit hours. For example, an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course gives 12 quality points. If you also earn a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course (12 points), your GPA is (12 + 12) / (3 + 4) = 3.43.

What is the GPA scale?

The standard US GPA scale is: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B- = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C- = 1.7, D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. Some institutions use variations, such as including an A+ at 4.0 or 4.3. Check your school's specific scale.

What is a good GPA?

A GPA of 3.0 (B average) or above is generally considered good. A 3.5 or higher is considered very good and is often required for dean's list recognition. A 3.7 or above is considered excellent. For graduate school admission, most programs prefer a 3.0 minimum, with competitive programs expecting 3.5 or higher.

What are quality points?

Quality points are the product of a course's grade points and its credit hours. They represent the weighted value of your grade in that course. For example, a B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course yields 3.3 x 4 = 13.2 quality points. Your GPA is the total quality points divided by total credit hours.

Does retaking a course affect my GPA?

Policies vary by institution. Many schools use grade replacement, where only the higher grade counts toward your GPA. Others average both attempts. Some include both grades but only count the credit hours once. Check your school's academic policies to understand how retakes affect your GPA calculation.