What this calculator does
You enter each course, your grade, the credits it is worth, and the course level. The tool gives you two numbers. The unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale. The weighted GPA adds 0.5 points for honors classes and 1.0 point for AP or IB classes. That means an A in an AP class counts as 5.0 grade points instead of 4.0.
Most US schools use the letter scale below. Your own school may use different cutoffs, so check your report card or student handbook.
| Letter | Percent | Grade points (4.0) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93-96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90-92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87-89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83-86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80-82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77-79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73-76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70-72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67-69 | 1.3 |
| D | 63-66 | 1.0 |
| D- | 60-62 | 0.7 |
| F | Below 60 | 0 |
Some schools use a 4.3 scale where an A+ is worth 4.3. Others cap weighted GPA at 4.5 or use a 6.0 scale. Districts set their own rules, so the weighted number here may not match your school's exactly.
How the two GPAs are calculated
Both GPAs use the same formula. Multiply each course's grade points by its credits. Add those results. Divide by the total credits.
GPA = sum(grade_points x credits) / sum(credits)
The only difference is the grade points. For the unweighted GPA, an A is always 4.0. For the weighted GPA, an A in an honors class is 4.5, and an A in an AP or IB class is 5.0.
Here is a worked example. Suppose you take three classes:
- A in a 3-credit class: 4.0 x 3 = 12.0
- B+ in a 4-credit class: 3.3 x 4 = 13.2
- C in a 3-credit class: 2.0 x 3 = 6.0
Total grade points: 12.0 + 13.2 + 6.0 = 31.2. Total credits: 3 + 4 + 3 = 10. GPA: 31.2 / 10 = 3.12.
If the B+ class were honors, its grade points would be 3.8 instead of 3.3. The weighted total would be 12.0 + 15.2 + 6.0 = 33.2, and the weighted GPA would be 3.32. The unweighted GPA would stay 3.12.
Why an unweighted 3.8 and a weighted 4.3 can be the same transcript
Weighted GPA rewards you for taking harder classes. Two students can have the same grades but different weighted GPAs if one took more honors or AP courses.
Imagine two students. Both have an unweighted 3.8. Student A took all regular classes. Student B took four AP classes and earned A's in them. Student B's weighted GPA could be 4.3 or higher because those AP courses add 1.0 point each. Student A's weighted GPA would stay near 3.8.
Colleges see both numbers on your transcript. Many colleges recalculate your GPA using their own method. They may strip out non-academic courses, use only core classes, or apply their own weights. So the numbers here are a guide, not a final answer.
Semester grades and credits
Most high schools award credits by semester. A year-long course may give 1.0 credit total, split into 0.5 credit each semester. A semester-long course usually gives 0.5 credit.
Your GPA at the end of each semester includes only that semester's grades and credits. Your cumulative GPA combines all semesters so far.
To find your cumulative GPA, use this formula:
Cumulative GPA = (prior_GPA x prior_credits + this_term_points) / (prior_credits + this_term_credits)
For example, say your prior GPA is 3.0 over 45 credits. This term you earn a 4.0 over 15 credits. Prior points: 3.0 x 45 = 135. This term points: 4.0 x 15 = 60. Total points: 195. Total credits: 60. Cumulative GPA: 195 / 60 = 3.25.
If your school uses a different credit system, enter the credits as they appear on your transcript. The calculator will still work as long as you use the same credit units for every course.
For more on how we handle the math, see how we calculate. You can also check the GPA scale page for letter grade conversions.