GPA (Grade Point Average) measures academic performance on a standardized scale. This guide covers both unweighted and weighted GPA calculations.
The Standard 4.0 Scale
Most US schools use a 4.0 scale:
| Letter Grade | GPA Points |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
Unweighted GPA Formula
GPA = Sum of Grade Points / Number of Courses
Example: 5 courses with grades A, B+, A-, C+, B
4.0 + 3.3 + 3.7 + 2.3 + 3.0 = 16.3
16.3 / 5 = 3.26 GPA
Weighted GPA (Credit Hours)
When courses carry different credit values, weight each grade by its credits:
Weighted GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) / Total Credits
Example:
| Course | Grade | Credits | Points × Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | A (4.0) | 4 | 16.0 |
| English | B+ (3.3) | 3 | 9.9 |
| History | A- (3.7) | 3 | 11.1 |
| PE | B (3.0) | 1 | 3.0 |
| Total | 11 | 40.0 |
GPA = 40.0 / 11 = 3.64
Cumulative GPA
Cumulative GPA combines all semesters. Track your running total:
Cumulative GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted
Keep a spreadsheet with each semester's grade points and credits to track this accurately.
What GPA Do You Need?
| Purpose | Typical Minimum |
|---|---|
| Academic standing | 2.0 |
| Honor roll | 3.5 |
| Magna Cum Laude | 3.7 |
| Summa Cum Laude | 3.9 |
| Medical school | 3.5+ |
| Top law schools | 3.7+ |
International GPA Conversions
GPA scales vary globally. Approximate equivalents:
| System | A equivalent | B equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| US 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| UK First | 70%+ | 60–69% |
| German | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| Australian HD | 85%+ | 75–84% |
Use our GPA Calculator to calculate your GPA automatically from your grades and credit hours.