How to Calculate Your GPA (4.0 Scale)

The 4.0 grade point scale

Most US schools convert letter grades to points like this (unweighted scale):

• A+ or A = 4.0, A− = 3.7
• B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7
• C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C− = 1.7
• D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D− = 0.7
• F = 0.0

The formula

For each course, multiply grade points by credits to get quality points. Add all quality points, then divide by the total credits.

GPA = Σ(grade points × credits) ÷ Σ credits.

Worked example

An A in a 3-credit course gives 4.0 × 3 = 12 points. A B+ in a 4-credit course gives 3.3 × 4 = 13.2. An A− in a 3-credit course gives 3.7 × 3 = 11.1.

Total: 36.3 points over 10 credits, so the GPA is 36.3 ÷ 10 = 3.63.

Why credits matter

A low grade in a 4-credit course pulls your GPA down more than the same grade in a 1-credit course. When planning, focus extra effort on the courses with the most credits.

Courses taken pass/fail usually don't count toward GPA at all, so leave them out.

Check your school's rules

Some schools give A+ a 4.3, weight honors or AP classes on a 5.0 scale, or replace a retaken course's grade. Others outside the US use completely different scales.

The calculator uses the standard unweighted 4.0 scale above. For official records, your school's transcript is the final word.