GPA Calculator
Enter your courses below to calculate your semester or cumulative GPA on the standard 4.0 scale.
Enter your courses above and click Calculate GPA.
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About GPA Calculation
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a standardized measure of academic achievement used by virtually every college and university in the United States. It condenses your academic performance into a single number on a 4.0 scale, where 4.0 represents an A average and 0.0 represents failing grades.
GPA is calculated using a credit-weighted formula: each course grade is converted to grade points, multiplied by the number of credit hours, and then divided by total credits. This means a grade in a 4-credit course has more impact on your GPA than the same grade in a 1-credit course.
Most colleges use an unweighted GPA system where the highest possible is 4.0. Some high schools use weighted GPA scales (up to 5.0) that give extra points for honors and AP courses. This calculator uses the standard unweighted 4.0 scale used at the college level.
Your GPA matters for scholarship eligibility, Dean's List recognition (typically 3.5+), Latin honors at graduation (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude), graduate school admissions, and some employer hiring decisions. Maintaining a strong GPA throughout college opens doors that are difficult to open later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 4.0 scale?
The 4.0 scale is the most common grading scale used by colleges in the United States. An A equals 4.0 points, a B equals 3.0, a C equals 2.0, a D equals 1.0, and an F equals 0.0. Plus and minus modifiers adjust the value by 0.3 points (e.g., B+ = 3.3, B- = 2.7). Some schools do not use plus/minus grading.
How do I calculate weighted GPA?
Weighted GPA is primarily used in high schools, not colleges. In a weighted system, honors courses add 0.5 points and AP/IB courses add 1.0 point to the standard grade value (so an A in an AP class = 5.0 instead of 4.0). Weighted GPAs can exceed 4.0. College GPAs almost always use the unweighted 4.0 scale shown in this calculator.
How do plus/minus grades affect GPA?
Plus/minus grading can significantly impact your GPA. For example, earning a B+ (3.3) instead of a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course adds 1.2 quality points, which can raise your GPA noticeably. Conversely, a B- (2.7) versus a B loses 1.2 quality points. Over many courses, these differences compound. Not all schools use plus/minus grading, so check your institution's policy.
What GPA do you need for the Dean's List?
Most colleges require a 3.5 GPA or higher for a single semester, though requirements vary. Some schools use 3.7 or top 10% of the class. You must also be a full-time student carrying a minimum credit load (usually 12+ credits).
Does GPA matter after college?
For your first job, yes. Many employers screen for 3.0+ GPA for entry-level positions. After 2-3 years of work experience, GPA becomes largely irrelevant -- employers focus on skills and achievements. Exceptions: graduate school admissions, law school, and medical school heavily weight GPA.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale where an A = 4.0 regardless of course difficulty. Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors (0.5) and AP/IB courses (1.0), allowing GPAs above 4.0. Colleges see both and evaluate in context of your school's curriculum.