GPA Calculator
Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA) instantly using our 2026 updated calculator. Supports both weighted and unweighted calculations on the 4.0 scale, with full support for Honors, AP, and IB courses. Track your academic progress accurately.
Understanding GPA Scales
Different schools and institutions use various GPA scales. Here's a breakdown of the most common systems in the United States:
### Standard 4.0 Unweighted Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Percentage Range |
|--------------|--------------|------------------|
| A+ | 4.0 | 97-100% |
| A | 4.0 | 93-96% |
| A- | 3.7 | 90-92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87-89% |
| B | 3.0 | 83-86% |
| B- | 2.7 | 80-82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77-79% |
| C | 2.0 | 73-76% |
| C- | 1.7 | 70-72% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67-69% |
| D | 1.0 | 65-66% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 65% |
### Weighted GPA Scale (Honors, AP, IB)
| Course Type | A Grade | B Grade | C Grade |
|----------------|---------|---------|---------|
| Regular | 4.0 | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| Honors | 4.5 | 3.5 | 2.5 |
| AP/IB | 5.0 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
**Note:** Weighted GPAs can exceed 4.0 and may reach 5.0 or higher depending on course selection.
GPA Calculation Example
Let's walk through a real example to understand how GPA is calculated.
### Sample Semester Schedule
| Course | Grade | Credits | Course Type | Grade Points | Quality Points |
|---------------------|-------|---------|-------------|--------------|----------------|
| AP Calculus | A | 1 | AP | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| English Literature | B+ | 1 | Regular | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Honors Chemistry | A- | 1 | Honors | 4.2 | 4.2 |
| World History | A | 1 | Regular | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Spanish III | B | 1 | Regular | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Physical Education | A | 0.5 | Regular | 4.0 | 2.0 |
| **TOTALS** | | **5.5** | | | **21.5** |
### Calculation
**Weighted GPA** = 21.5 Quality Points ÷ 5.5 Credit Hours = **3.91**
**For Unweighted GPA:** The same courses would use standard grade points (AP Calculus A = 4.0 instead of 5.0), resulting in a lower GPA that doesn't account for course difficulty.
How to Improve Your GPA
Raising your GPA requires strategic planning and consistent effort. Here are proven strategies:
### Short-Term Strategies
1. **Prioritize High-Credit Courses:** Courses worth more credits have a bigger impact on your GPA
2. **Seek Extra Credit:** Ask teachers about extra credit opportunities to boost borderline grades
3. **Improve Study Habits:** Use active recall, spaced repetition, and practice tests
4. **Get Help Early:** Don't wait until you're failing—seek tutoring or office hours at the first sign of struggle
### Long-Term Strategies
1. **Take Weighted Courses:** Honors, AP, and IB classes boost weighted GPA and show course rigor
2. **Balance Your Schedule:** Mix challenging courses with subjects you excel in
3. **Retake Failed Courses:** Many schools allow grade replacement for failed classes
4. **Focus on Trends:** Colleges value upward trends—consistent improvement shows resilience
### The Math of GPA Recovery
Raising a low GPA becomes harder over time due to the averaging effect:
| Current GPA | Semesters Completed | Target GPA | Semesters Needed (4.0 average) |
|-------------|---------------------|------------|-------------------------------|
| 2.5 | 2 | 3.0 | 2 semesters |
| 2.5 | 4 | 3.0 | 4 semesters |
| 2.5 | 6 | 3.0 | 6 semesters |
**Key Insight:** Start early! It's much easier to maintain a high GPA than to recover from a low one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:What is a good GPA?
A "good" GPA depends on your goals. For college admissions: 3.0+ is solid, 3.5+ is competitive, 3.8+ is highly competitive for top universities. However, colleges also consider course rigor, test scores, and extracurriculars.
Q:What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA treats all courses equally on a 4.0 scale. Weighted GPA adds extra points for advanced courses (Honors, AP, IB), recognizing their increased difficulty. Weighted GPAs can exceed 4.0, while unweighted GPAs max out at 4.0.
Q:Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?
Most colleges recalculate your GPA using their own system, often looking at both. They want to see strong grades AND challenging course selection. Top universities prefer students who take rigorous courses (AP, IB) and perform well.
Q:How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
To calculate cumulative GPA, add up ALL quality points from ALL semesters, then divide by the total credit hours across all semesters. This calculator can help you track semester-by-semester or calculate cumulative GPA.
Q:What if my school uses a 5.0 scale?
Some schools use a 5.0 or 6.0 scale. This calculator uses the standard 4.0 scale (most common in the U.S.). To convert, use this ratio: (Your GPA / Your Scale) × 4.0. For example, a 4.5 on a 5.0 scale = (4.5/5.0) × 4.0 = 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.
Q:How are credit hours determined?
Credit hours (or units) represent the weight of a course, usually based on contact time per week. A typical high school course is 1 credit, while college courses range from 1-4 credits. Check your transcript or course syllabus for exact credit values.