Accurate GPA Calculator
Calculate your weighted or unweighted GPA with our easy-to-use tool
Your Courses
Weighted
Your GPA Results
Your GPA:
0.00
Total Credits:
0
GPA Breakdown
Why Use Our GPA Calculator?
Accurate Results
Our calculator follows standard academic formulas to ensure your GPA is calculated correctly every time.
Easy to Use
Simply enter your courses, grades, and credit hours for an instant GPA calculation with no complicated steps.
Versatile Options
Switch between weighted and unweighted calculations to see how different course types affect your academic standing.
Educational Resource
Learn about GPA systems while you calculate with our comprehensive guides and FAQs.
Academic Planning
Use our calculator to set goals and plan your academic strategy for future terms.
Quick GPA Calculation Guide
GPA = (Quality Points) ÷ (Total Credit Hours)
For each course:
- Convert your letter grade to a numeric value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.)
- Multiply by the credit hours for the course
- Add weights if calculating weighted GPA
- Sum all courses’ points and divide by total credit hours
Good to Know Information
- Most universities use a 4.0 GPA scale
- Weighted GPAs can exceed 4.0 (up to 5.0)
- Different schools may have slightly different grading scales
- Some institutions may not count certain courses in GPA calculations
- A GPA of 3.0-3.5 is typically considered good
- Many graduate programs require at least a 3.0 GPA
How to Use This GPA Calculator
Follow these simple steps to calculate your GPA accurately
1
Choose Between Weighted or Unweighted
Toggle the switch at the top of the calculator to select your preferred calculation method:
- Unweighted GPA: Standard 4.0 scale where all courses have the same weight
- Weighted GPA: Accounts for course difficulty (Regular, Honors, AP/IB, College) by adding additional points
2
Enter Your Course Information
For each course, provide the following details:
- Course Name: Enter a descriptive name for your course (e.g., “Algebra II”)
- Grade: Select your letter grade from the dropdown menu (A through F)
- Course Type: Choose Regular, Honors, AP/IB, or College (only visible in weighted mode)
- Credits: Enter the number of credit hours for the course (typically 1.0 for full-year courses, 0.5 for semester courses)
3
Add More Courses or Semesters
Expand your calculation as needed:
- Add Course: Click the “Add Course” button to include another course in the current semester
- Add Semester: Click the “Add Semester” button to create a new semester tab for organizing your courses
- Remove Items: Use the X buttons to remove individual courses or entire semesters
4
View Your Results
The calculator automatically updates your GPA as you enter information:
- Current GPA: Your overall GPA appears prominently at the top of the results section
- Total Credits: Shows the sum of all credits entered across all semesters
- GPA Breakdown: Navigate through semester tabs to see detailed calculations for each term
- Course Points: View how each course contributes to your overall GPA
5
Additional Features
Take advantage of these helpful tools:
- Reset Calculator: Clear all your data and start fresh with the “Reset” button
- Semester Tabs: Click between semester tabs to view and edit different term data
- Real-Time Updates: All calculations happen instantly as you enter or modify information
Understanding GPA Systems
Standard GPA Scales
Different institutions may use slightly different GPA scales. Here are the most common:
| Scale | Used By | Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 Scale | Most US Colleges | 0.0 - 4.0 |
| 5.0 Scale | Some High Schools (Weighted) | 0.0 - 5.0 |
| 100-Point Scale | Some International Systems | 0 - 100 |
| UK Honours | British Universities | 40 - 100 |
GPA Importance By Field
The importance of your GPA varies depending on your future plans:
Graduate School Applications
Many programs have GPA minimums (typically 3.0+). Competitive programs often look for 3.5+.
Medical School
Highly competitive; successful applicants typically have 3.7+ GPAs along with strong MCAT scores.
Law School
GPA and LSAT scores are crucial. Top law schools look for 3.8+ GPAs.
Entry-Level Jobs
Some employers set GPA minimums (often 3.0+) for new graduates, but experience and skills typically matter more after your first job.
GPA Calculation Tips
Do:
- Include all required courses in your calculation
- Double-check your institution's specific GPA policies
- Verify if your school uses a different grading scale
- Consider both term and cumulative GPA
- Use your GPA as a tool to track progress over time
Don't:
- Exclude courses just because of low grades
- Forget to convert letter grades correctly
- Assume all institutions calculate GPA the same way
- Overlook the importance of credit hours in the calculation
- Focus solely on GPA at the expense of learning
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my GPA?
To calculate your GPA, assign each letter grade a numeric value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.), multiply by the credit hours for each course, add these values, then divide by the total credit hours. Our GPA calculator automates this process for you, calculating your GPA instantly based on your inputs.
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
An unweighted GPA is based on a scale of 0 to 4.0 and doesn't take course difficulty into account. A weighted GPA adds extra points for honors, AP/IB, or college courses (typically +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP/IB/College). Toggle between both calculations with our GPA checker to see how course types affect your overall GPA.
How can I improve my GPA?
To improve your GPA, focus on courses with higher credit hours, consider retaking courses with low grades if your school allows grade replacement, seek tutoring for challenging subjects, and maintain consistent study habits. Use our GPA tracker to simulate how future grades will impact your overall GPA.
Is a 3.5 GPA good?
A 3.5 GPA is generally considered very good, typically equivalent to an A-/B+ average. This GPA is competitive for many colleges and universities. However, the definition of a 'good' GPA varies depending on your academic goals, school's grading policies, and the competitiveness of programs you're interested in.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
To calculate your cumulative GPA, you need to include all courses taken throughout your academic career at your current institution. Enter each course with its credit hours and grade into our online GPA calculator, and it will automatically compute your cumulative GPA.
Can I calculate my GPA without knowing credit hours?
While you can estimate your GPA by averaging your grades, accurate GPA calculation requires credit hours since courses with more credits have greater weight in your overall GPA. For the most accurate results, use our GPA calc with complete credit hour information.
What GPA do I need for college admissions?
College admission GPA requirements vary widely. Highly selective colleges often look for GPAs of 3.5 or higher, while many state universities accept students with GPAs around 3.0. Community colleges typically have more flexible requirements. In addition to GPA, colleges also consider standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, essays, and other factors in their admissions decisions.
How do pass/fail courses affect my GPA?
Courses graded as pass/fail typically don't affect your GPA calculation. When you pass a pass/fail course, you receive the credit hours but no grade points that would factor into your GPA. When you fail, you don't receive credit hours, so neither outcome impacts your GPA calculation. However, policies vary by institution, so check with your school's registrar for specific information.
What's the difference between term GPA and cumulative GPA?
Term GPA refers to your grade point average for a single academic term (semester or quarter), while cumulative GPA represents your overall average across all terms. Our GPA calculator can be used for both by either entering courses from a single term or all courses across multiple terms. Cumulative GPA is typically what appears on your official transcript and what employers and graduate schools evaluate.
How do repeated courses affect GPA calculations?
Policies for repeated courses vary by institution. Some schools use the most recent grade in GPA calculations, while others average both attempts. Some institutions may use the higher grade or count both grades. Check your school's policy to understand how repeated courses affect your specific GPA calculation. You can use our calculator to model different scenarios by adding or excluding specific course attempts.