How to Calculate Your GPA
A step-by-step breakdown of the GPA formula, with a worked example, so you can verify your own calculation or understand any GPA report.
The Formula
GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Σ(Credit Hours)
Each course contributes quality points (grade points × credits) to your total. Divide the sum of quality points by the sum of credit hours to get your GPA. Grades of W, P, and I are excluded from the calculation.
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Worked Example
Here's a sample semester with four courses:
| Course | Grade | Credits | Grade Pts | Quality Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | A | 4 | 4.0 | 16.0 |
| English | B+ | 3 | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| History | A− | 3 | 3.7 | 11.1 |
| Lab (Pass) | P | 1 | — | Excluded |
Total quality points: 16.0 + 9.9 + 11.1 = 37.0
Total credit hours counted: 4 + 3 + 3 = 10 (Lab excluded)
GPA = 37.0 ÷ 10 = 3.70
Cumulative GPA
Your cumulative GPA combines all semesters — but you cannot simply average your semester GPAs. You must combine the underlying quality points and credit hours.
Correct: Sum all quality points across every semester, divide by sum of all credit hours.
Wrong: Averaging 3.5 + 3.1 + 2.8 ÷ 3 — this ignores the fact that semesters may have different credit loads.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
This distinction applies mainly to high school. AP and IB courses typically earn a +1.0 bonus; Honors courses earn +0.5. The maximum weighted GPA is 5.0.
College GPA is always unweighted on the standard 4.0 scale. There are no bonus points for harder courses in college.
Skip the math — use the calculator
Enter your courses and grades. The GPA Calculator handles the formula instantly.
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