Weighted vs. unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA puts every class on the same 4.0 scale. An A is 4.0 whether it's in AP Chemistry or a regular elective.
Weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder classes. The most common setup is +1.0 for AP and IB and +0.5 for Honors, so an A in an AP class counts as 5.0. That's why weighted GPAs can go above 4.0.
To convert, the bonus comes back out. With your class list, the calculator scores each class on the plain 4.0 scale. Without it, the quick estimate subtracts the average bonus:
unweighted = weighted − (AP share × AP bonus) − (Honors share × Honors bonus)
The estimate is exact when your school adds a flat bonus to every passing grade and you have no F's in weighted classes. If your school weights some other way, such as extra percentage points on a 100-point scale, use your class list instead.
Worked example
Your weighted GPA is 4.20. Of your credits, 40% are AP (+1.0) and 20% are Honors (+0.5).
Average bonus: 0.40 × 1.0 + 0.20 × 0.5 = 0.40 + 0.10 = 0.50.
Unweighted GPA: 4.20 − 0.50 = 3.70.
Class by class: an A and a B+ in AP, an A- in Honors, and an A and a B in regular classes. Unweighted: (4.0 + 3.3 + 3.7 + 4.0 + 3.0) ÷ 5 = 3.60. Weighted: (5.0 + 4.3 + 4.2 + 4.0 + 3.0) ÷ 5 = 4.10.
Common questions
Can I convert a weighted GPA to unweighted without my grades?
Not exactly. Two students with the same 4.2 weighted GPA can have different unweighted GPAs depending on how many AP and Honors classes they took. The quick estimate works if you know the share of your credits that got a bonus. Otherwise, use your class list or your transcript.
Which GPA should I put on a scholarship application?
Whatever the application asks for. If it says unweighted, use the 4.0 version. If it just says GPA, use the one printed on your transcript and say whether it's weighted if there's room.
Do colleges use weighted or unweighted GPA?
Many recalculate GPA their own way. College Board's BigFuture notes that colleges may drop noncore classes and adjust or remove weighting. They also see your transcript, so the rigor of your classes shows either way.
Why is my unweighted GPA over 4.0 in the estimate?
The numbers don't fit together. A weighted GPA can only be as high as 4.0 plus the bonus you earned. Check that the AP and Honors shares are a share of credits, and that the bonus matches your school.
Does an F in an AP class get the bonus?
Usually not. Most schools only add the bonus to passing grades, and some only for a C or better. The class list method gives an F zero points at every level.