Quick Start
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Enter Your Courses
Calculate Cumulative GPA (Optional)
Enter your previous cumulative GPA and total credits to calculate your new cumulative GPA.
Course Summary
| Course | Credits | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | 3 | A | 12.0 |
| Course 2 | 3 | B+ | 9.9 |
| Course 3 | 4 | A- | 14.8 |
| Course 4 | 3 | B | 9.0 |
| Total | 13 | 3.52 | 45.7 |
GPA Scale Reference
Latin Honors
Highest honors - exceptional achievement
High honors - excellent achievement
Honors - distinguished achievement
Grade Distribution
Quick Answer
To calculate GPA, multiply each course grade by its credit hours to get grade points, sum all grade points, then divide by total credits. Formula: GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credits. On a 4.0 scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. For example, if you have an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course: (4.0x3 + 3.0x4) / 7 = 24/7 = 3.43 GPA.
Key Facts
- GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit Hours
- Standard 4.0 scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0
- Plus/minus grades: A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C-=1.7, D+=1.3, D-=0.7
- Weighted GPA adds 0.5-1.0 points for honors/AP courses (5.0 scale)
- Cumulative GPA includes all semesters; semester GPA is for one term only
- 3.9+ = Summa Cum Laude, 3.7-3.89 = Magna Cum Laude, 3.5-3.69 = Cum Laude
- Higher credit courses have more impact on overall GPA
- Most graduate programs require 3.0+ GPA; competitive programs want 3.5+
Frequently Asked Questions
How is GPA calculated?
GPA is calculated by dividing total grade points by total credit hours. Grade points for each course = credit hours × grade value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.). Sum all grade points, then divide by total credits.
What is a good GPA?
A GPA above 3.0 is generally considered good. 3.5+ is very good, 3.7+ is excellent. For competitive graduate programs, aim for 3.5+. For professional schools (law, medicine), 3.7+ is often expected.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale for all classes. Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors/AP classes (often 5.0 scale), rewarding more challenging coursework. Colleges often consider both.
How do credit hours affect GPA?
Credit hours weight your grades proportionally. A 4-credit course affects your GPA twice as much as a 2-credit course. This is why performing well in higher-credit courses is crucial.
Can I improve my GPA?
Yes! Focus on current courses, retake failed classes if allowed, take easier electives strategically, use tutoring services, and study effectively. The more credits you have, the harder it is to change GPA significantly.