How to calculate your GPA
Your grade point average weights each course grade by how many credits it carries. Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, add those up, then divide by the total credits. A heavier course pulls your average toward its grade more than a lighter one does.
The GPA formula
GPA = (sum of grade points × credits) / (total credits). On the common 4.0 scale, A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0.
Two examples
Three credits of A (4.0) and four credits of B (3.0): grade points are 3×4 + 4×3 = 24, spread over 7 credits, giving a GPA of about 3.43.
Add a two-credit C (2.0) to that: 24 + 4 = 28 grade points over 9 credits, which pulls the GPA down to about 3.11. A weak grade in a high-credit course hurts the most.
Tips
- Enter each course's credits accurately. Treating every course as equal gives the wrong number.
- Check whether your school uses plus/minus grades (A- = 3.7), which changes the result.
- To lift your GPA, focus on your highest-credit courses first.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GPA?
It depends on context, but on a 4.0 scale, 3.5 and above is generally considered strong, and many programs look for 3.0 or higher.
Is this weighted or unweighted GPA?
It uses credit-weighted GPA on the 4.0 scale. For a weighted GPA that adds points for honors or AP classes, raise those grade values accordingly.
Is this weighted or unweighted?
Unweighted on a 4.0 scale. Weighted GPAs add extra points for honors or AP courses and vary by school.
How do credit hours affect GPA?
Higher-credit courses carry more weight, so a strong grade in a 4-credit class moves your GPA more than the same grade in a 1-credit class.
Can I add more than six courses?
This tool takes up to six per semester. For a cumulative GPA, average your semester GPAs weighted by credits.