How GPA is calculated
Your grade point average converts letter grades to points on a 4.0 scale, weights them by credit hours and averages them:
GPA = Σ (grade points × credits) ÷ Σ credits
For example, an A (4.0) in a 4-credit course and a B (3.0) in a 3-credit course give (16 + 9) ÷ 7 = 3.57.
Standard 4.0 grade scale
| Letter | Points | Typical % |
|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | 93–100 |
| 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 | 63–66 |
| F | 0.0 | Below 60–65 |
Weighted vs. unweighted GPA
Many U.S. high schools give extra points for harder classes: commonly +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP, IB or dual-enrollment courses, so an A in an AP class counts as 5.0. Colleges see both numbers, and many recalculate GPA using their own method. Select the course type in the calculator to see your weighted GPA.
What is a good GPA?
A 3.0 (B average) is often the minimum for scholarships and many programs; 3.5+ is competitive for selective colleges, and the most selective universities typically see averages near 3.9 or higher (unweighted). Colleges also weigh course rigor, test scores and activities — see our ACT score calculator and SAT to ACT converter.
GPA in Canada
Canadian universities use different scales — 4.0 (many provinces), 4.3 (e.g., UBC, McGill-style) or 9- and 12-point scales (e.g., York, University of Ottawa) — and high schools usually report percentages. When applying to U.S. schools, convert using the scale your school publishes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my GPA?
Is a 3.5 GPA good?
What is a weighted GPA?
How do I calculate cumulative GPA?
Sources & methodology
This calculator was last reviewed on November 1, 2026. Figures are based on the following official and primary sources:
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