How to use the GPA Calculator
- Write each course as a letter grade followed by its credits, for example “A 3”.
- Separate courses with commas: A 3, B+ 4, A- 3, B 3.
- Read the GPA, total credits and quality points.
- Change a grade to see how it would affect your GPA, for example to plan a retake or a future semester.
Formula used
GPA = total quality points ÷ total credits, where quality points = grade points × credits for each course. Scale: 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.
Worked example
Here is the GPA Calculator worked through with the example values shown above, so you can check each step by hand.
| Inputs | |
|---|---|
| Grade and credits, per course | A 3, B+ 4, A- 3, B 3 |
| Result | |
| GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.48 |
| Total credits | 13 |
| Quality points | 45.3 |
How GPA is calculated
Each grade has grade points: 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 and F = 0. Multiply the grade points by the credits to get quality points, add them up and divide by the total credits.
For A 3, B+ 4, A- 3 and B 3: A gives 4.0 × 3 = 12, B+ gives 3.3 × 4 = 13.2, A− gives 3.7 × 3 = 11.1 and B gives 3.0 × 3 = 9, so the quality points are 45.3. With 13 credits, the GPA is 45.3 ÷ 13 = 3.48.
Credits change the weight of a grade
A grade in a four-credit course counts more than a grade in a one-credit course. If you earn A 4 and C 1, the GPA is 3.6, but A 1 and C 4 gives 2.4, although you earned the same two grades. This is why a poor result in a large course is harder to recover from than one in a small course.
When you plan a semester, put effort where the credits are.
Different schools, different scales
The 4.0 scale used here is common in the United States, but it is not universal. Some schools give A+ a value of 4.3, some do not use plus and minus grades, and some weight honours or advanced courses higher. Outside the United States, grading systems differ widely, so a GPA from this calculator may not match your official transcript.
For applications or scholarships, use the scale and the GPA printed by your school. This calculator is best for planning and quick checks.
Planning your GPA
To plan, add your expected grades for coming courses. If you have a 3.48 GPA over 13 credits and earn straight As in 15 more credits, your cumulative GPA rises to 3.76. A single bad term can take a few good terms to repair, because the credits you have already earned weigh on the average.
For a cumulative GPA, enter all your courses together, including earlier semesters. Repeated courses may be treated differently by your school, so follow its policy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate GPA?
Multiply each grade’s points by its credits, add them up and divide by the total credits.
What GPA is considered good?
It depends on the program and the goal. Many scholarships and graduate programs look for around 3.0 or higher, and competitive ones expect more.
Does my school use the same scale?
Many US schools do, but some give A+ extra points or do not use plus and minus grades. Check your school’s scale.
Can I include pass/fail courses?
Leave them out. Pass/fail courses usually do not count towards GPA.
How do I enter plus and minus grades?
Type the letter followed by + or -, for example B+ or A-. The calculator also accepts the typographic minus sign.
What is the difference between GPA and CGPA?
GPA is for one term or a set of courses. CGPA is the cumulative average across terms, usually on a 10-point scale in India.
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Actual figures from a bank, employer, tax authority or doctor may differ. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice.