Course Name (optional)
Grade
Credits
Your GPA
0.00
on a 4.0 scale

How GPA Is Calculated

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. Each letter grade has a corresponding point value. Your GPA is the weighted average of those points, based on how many credit hours each course carries.

The Formula

  GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit Hours

  Grade Points for one course = Grade Points x Credit Hours
  

Example Calculation

Course Grade Points Credits Grade Points
MathA4.0312.0
EnglishB+3.339.9
HistoryB3.026.0
BiologyA-3.7414.8

Total Grade Points: 12.0 + 9.9 + 6.0 + 14.8 = 42.7

Total Credits: 3 + 3 + 2 + 4 = 12

GPA: 42.7 / 12 = 3.56

Grade Point Scale

Letter Grade Grade Points Percentage Range
A+4.097-100%
A4.093-96%
A-3.790-92%
B+3.387-89%
B3.083-86%
B-2.780-82%
C+2.377-79%
C2.073-76%
C-1.770-72%
D+1.367-69%
D1.060-66%
F0.0Below 60%

What Does Your GPA Mean?

GPA RangeLetter EquivalentWhat It Means
3.7 - 4.0A / A+Excellent - strong scholarship candidate
3.3 - 3.69B+ / A-Very good - competitive for most programs
3.0 - 3.29BGood - meets requirements for most colleges
2.7 - 2.99B-Above average - may limit some selective programs
2.0 - 2.69C rangeAverage - check program-specific minimums
Below 2.0D / F rangeMay risk academic probation - seek support
Note GPA standards vary by institution and program. Always check the specific requirements of the school or program you are applying to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good GPA?
A 3.0 GPA (B average) is generally considered the minimum for many college programs. Selective universities and scholarship programs often look for 3.5 or higher. The right target depends on what you are aiming for, so check the specific requirements of the schools or programs you want.
Does an A+ count as more than an A?
At most schools, both A and A+ are worth 4.0 grade points. Some schools award 4.3 for an A+, but this is not universal. The calculator above uses the standard 4.0 scale where A and A+ are equal.
How do I raise a low GPA?
Higher-credit courses have more impact on your GPA because they contribute more grade points. Focus on doing well in your highest-credit courses. Also, retaking a course where you got a low grade (if your school allows grade replacement) can help significantly.
What is the difference between GPA and weighted GPA?
A standard GPA treats all courses equally. A weighted GPA gives extra points for harder courses like AP or honors classes - a B in an AP course might count as a 4.0 rather than a 3.0. High school transcripts often show both. College GPAs are typically unweighted.

Quick Quiz

Check your understanding. Click an answer to see if you got it right.