How to Calculate Your GPA
Your grade point average (GPA) is a credit-weighted average of your grades. Working it out by hand is straightforward once you know the three steps.
Step 1: Convert each grade to points
On the common 4.0 scale, A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0. Many schools also use pluses and minuses, where an A- is 3.7 and a B+ is 3.3.
Step 2: Weight each grade by its credits
Multiply each course's grade points by the number of credits (or units) it carries. A grade in a heavier course counts for more.
Step 3: Divide by total credits
Add up all the weighted points, then divide by the total number of credits. That is your GPA.
Worked example
Three credits of A (4.0) and four credits of B (3.0): that is 3x4 + 4x3 = 24 grade points across 7 credits, which is 24 / 7 = about 3.43.
Weighted vs unweighted
An unweighted GPA tops out at 4.0. A weighted GPA gives extra points for honours or advanced classes (often up to 5.0), to reward harder courses. Check which one your school uses.
Do it instantly
Skip the arithmetic with the GPA Calculator, and use the Grade Calculator to work out the score you need on a final.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GPA?
On a 4.0 scale, 3.5 and above is generally strong, and many programs look for 3.0 or higher. It depends on the context.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted tops out at 4.0. Weighted gives extra points for honours or advanced classes, often up to 5.0.
How do credits affect my GPA?
Each grade is weighted by its credits, so a grade in a higher-credit course counts more toward your average.