How the GPA calculator works
Each letter grade is worth a set number of grade points. Your GPA is the average of those points, weighted by credits: multiply each class's points by its credits, add them up, and divide by your total credits. A two-credit class counts twice as much as a one-credit class.
Unweighted GPA uses the same 4.0 scale for every class. Weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder classes. By default that is 0.5 for Honors and 1.0 for AP or IB, which is the most common setup in U.S. high schools. Schools differ, so you can change both bonuses under Weighting settings.
Cumulative GPA combines this term with what is already on your transcript. Open "Add a prior GPA", enter your current GPA and the credits behind it, and the calculator blends them by credits.
Grade scale used
| Grade | Regular | Honors | AP / IB |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 (4.3 at some schools) | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| C- | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| D- | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Honors and AP/IB columns use the default +0.5 and +1.0 bonuses with A+ set to 4.0.
Worked example
You take three AP classes worth one credit each and get an A, an A and a B+.
Unweighted: (4.0 + 4.0 + 3.3) ÷ 3 = 11.3 ÷ 3 = 3.77
Weighted: each AP grade gets +1.0, so (5.0 + 5.0 + 4.3) ÷ 3 = 14.3 ÷ 3 = 4.77
Embed this GPA calculator
Counselors and teachers can put this calculator on a school or class website for free. Paste the code below where you want it to appear. It loads a compact version with no ads.
Common questions
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA treats every class the same, so the top of the scale is 4.0. Weighted GPA adds extra points for Honors, AP and IB classes, so it can go above 4.0. Straight A's in AP classes is a 4.0 unweighted and a 5.0 weighted on the default settings here.
Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?
Both, and many recalculate it themselves. Colleges see your full transcript and often compute their own GPA from core academic classes. The University of California, for example, uses A-G courses from 10th and 11th grade and adds one extra point for up to eight semesters of approved Honors, AP or IB courses.
Is an A+ worth more than 4.0?
On most high school scales, no. An A+ and an A are both 4.0. Some schools and many colleges give an A+ 4.3. Set "A+ counts as" under Weighting settings to match your school.
How do I calculate cumulative GPA?
Multiply each GPA by the credits behind it, add the results, and divide by total credits. A 3.50 over 12 credits plus a 4.00 term over 6 credits is (3.50 × 12 + 4.00 × 6) ÷ 18 = 66 ÷ 18 = 3.67. Enter your prior GPA and credits above and the calculator does this for you.
What GPA do scholarships require?
It depends on the award. Merit scholarships often set a minimum of 3.0 or 3.5, while many need-based and local awards accept 2.5 or set no minimum. Check whether the requirement is weighted or unweighted. If the application doesn't say, report the GPA printed on your transcript.
Why is my school's GPA different from this one?
Schools use different bonuses, count different classes, and some use a 100-point or 5.0 scale. Some only add the bonus for grades of C or higher. Your transcript GPA is the official number. Use this calculator to check it and to plan future terms.