How grade point average works
A GPA is a credit-weighted average of grade points. Letter grades convert to points (A = 4.0, B = 3.0 and so on, with plus and minus steps of about 0.3), and each course counts in proportion to its credit hours, so a 4-credit lab science moves your GPA more than a 1-credit elective. Scholarships, honor rolls, academic probation and many graduate applications use the cumulative figure.
The formula and scale
GPA = Σ (grade points × credits) / Σ credits Cumulative = (old GPA × old credits + term points) / (old credits + term credits) A/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 D− 0.7 F 0.0 Weighted: honors +0.5, AP/IB +1.0
Worked example
This term: A in 3 credits (12.0 points), B+ in 4 credits (13.2), C in 3 credits (6.0). Total 31.2 points over 10 credits → GPA 3.12.
If the A was an AP class, it counts 5.0 × 3 = 15 points: weighted GPA = 34.2 / 10 = 3.42. With a previous 3.50 over 30 credits, cumulative = (105 + 31.2) / 40 = 3.41.
Notes
- Scales vary by school — check your registrar's grading policy for exact plus/minus values and how repeated courses are handled.
- The weighting bonus is not added to an F. GPAs are shown to 2 decimals (cumulative to 3 in the steps).
Sources: College Board, How to Convert Your GPA to a 4.0 Scale; National Center for Education Statistics, High School Transcript Study (weighted and unweighted GPA).
Frequently asked questions
How is GPA calculated?
Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, add those up, and divide by the total credit hours. A (4.0) in a 3-credit class, B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit class and C (2.0) in a 3-credit class give (12 + 13.2 + 6) / 10 = 3.12.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses the 0–4.0 scale for every class. Weighted GPA, used by many high schools, adds a bonus for harder courses — commonly +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP or IB — so an A in AP Calculus counts as 5.0. Colleges often recalculate GPA their own way, so report the unweighted figure unless asked.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
Enter your current cumulative GPA and the credits it covers under "Previous GPA". The calculator adds this term's quality points to the old total (GPA × credits) and divides by all credits. 3.5 over 30 credits plus a 3.12 term over 10 credits gives (105 + 31.2) / 40 = 3.41.
Does an A+ count as 4.3?
On most U.S. college scales, A+ is capped at 4.0, which is what this calculator uses. Some schools award 4.33 for an A+; if yours does, your GPA will be slightly higher than shown. Pass/fail and withdrawn courses do not count toward GPA — leave them out.