GPA Calculator - Weighted vs Unweighted
Choose the right GPA calculator for your needs. All calculators work instantly with no registration required.
Unweighted GPA Calculator - Standard 4.0 Scale
Calculate your GPA on the standard 4.0 scale where A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. This is the most common GPA calculation method used by colleges and universities.
Your Unweighted GPA
Based on 3 total credits
Weighted GPA Calculator - Honors & AP Courses
Calculate GPA with extra points for challenging courses (typically up to 5.0 scale). This weighted GPA calculator accounts for course difficulty in honors, AP, or IB classes.
Your Weighted GPA
Based on 4 total credits
Cumulative GPA Calculator - Track Overall GPA
Calculate your overall GPA across multiple semesters and credit hours. This cumulative GPA calculator helps you understand how current grades impact your overall academic standing.
Current Cumulative GPA
Current Semester Courses
Semester GPA
New Cumulative GPA
What Grade Do I Need Calculator - Reach Your Target GPA
Calculate what grades you need this semester to reach your target cumulative GPA. This what grade do I need calculator helps you set realistic academic goals and plan your semester.
Required Semester GPA
You need a A average this semester
Complete Guide: How to Calculate GPA
Learn everything about GPA calculation, from basic formulas to advanced weighted systems.
What is GPA and Why It Matters
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your academic performance calculated by converting letter grades to grade points. Your GPA is crucial for:
- College admissions and scholarship applications
- Graduate school admissions
- Internship and job opportunities
- Academic standing and honors recognition
How to Calculate GPA: Step-by-Step Formula
The basic GPA formula is straightforward:
Here's how to calculate GPA manually:
- Convert each letter grade to its grade point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.)
- Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours
- Sum all the grade points earned
- Divide by the total number of credits attempted
Example: If you earned an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course:
24 ÷ 7 total credits = 3.43 GPA
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA: Key Differences
Unweighted GPA
- Standard 4.0 scale maximum
- All courses treated equally
- A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, etc.
- Common for internal school reporting
Weighted GPA
- Scale up to 5.0 (sometimes 6.0)
- Extra points for advanced courses
- AP/IB courses: A = 5.0, B = 4.0, etc.
- Shows course difficulty level
Cumulative GPA Calculation
Your cumulative GPA represents your entire academic career. To calculate cumulative GPA:
This includes every course you've taken, whether you passed or failed. Withdrawals typically don't affect GPA but check your institution's policy.
GPA Scale Variations
While the 4.0 scale is most common, some institutions use different scales:
- 4.0 Scale: Standard system used by most US colleges
- 4.3 Scale: A+ = 4.3, used by some Canadian universities
- 100-Point Scale: Common in some high schools
- Percentage System: Used internationally
Tips for Improving Your GPA
- Focus on courses with higher credit values first
- Use our "What Grade Do I Need" calculator to set realistic goals
- Consider retaking courses with low grades if your school allows grade replacement
- Balance challenging courses with ones where you excel
- Track your GPA regularly using our cumulative GPA calculator
More GPA Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About GPA Calculation
How to calculate GPA?
To calculate GPA, convert each letter grade to its grade point value, multiply by the course credits, sum all grade points, then divide by total credits. Our GPA calculator automates this process instantly. See our complete guide above for detailed steps.
What is a weighted GPA calculator?
A weighted GPA calculator accounts for course difficulty by giving extra points for honors, AP, or IB classes. This allows GPAs to exceed the standard 4.0 scale, typically up to 5.0, reflecting the additional challenge of advanced coursework.
How do I calculate cumulative GPA?
Cumulative GPA combines all your academic work. Multiply each course's grade points by its credits, sum all results, then divide by total credits completed across all semesters. Our cumulative GPA calculator automates this complex calculation.
What is a good GPA?
A "good" GPA depends on context. Generally, 3.0+ is solid, 3.5+ is strong, and 3.7+ is excellent. Competitive colleges often expect 3.7+ weighted GPAs. However, requirements vary by institution and program competitiveness.
How do I raise my GPA?
To raise your GPA, focus on earning higher grades in future courses, especially those with more credits. Our what grade do I need calculator shows exactly what grades you need to reach your target GPA. Consider retaking courses with low grades if your institution allows it.
Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?
Most colleges consider both. They often recalculate GPAs using their own formulas, but weighted GPA shows your performance in challenging coursework. Competitive universities particularly value strong performance in weighted courses.