GPA (Grade Point Average) is the weighted average of all your course grades, measured on a 4.0 scale in most US institutions. Here is exactly how it is calculated.
The GPA Formula
GPA = sum of (grade points × credit hours) ÷ total credit hours. You multiply each course grade by the number of credits it carries, sum all those products, then divide by total credits.
Example: English 3 credits A (4.0) + Maths 4 credits B+ (3.3) + History 3 credits A– (3.7). Numerator = (3×4.0)+(4×3.3)+(3×3.7) = 12+13.2+11.1 = 36.3. Total credits = 10. GPA = 36.3÷10 = 3.63.
Letter Grade to Point Conversion
Standard 4.0 scale: A/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, F = 0.0. Some schools don't use +/– grades, simplifying to A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA caps at 4.0 and treats all courses equally. Weighted GPA gives extra points for AP (Advanced Placement) or Honors courses — typically adding 0.5 for Honors and 1.0 for AP, allowing GPAs above 4.0. When colleges review applications, they often recalculate on their own scale.
How to Calculate Cumulative GPA
Cumulative GPA spans all semesters. Keep a running total of quality points (grade × credits) and total credit hours. After semester 1: 36.3 points, 10 credits. After semester 2: add 38.1 points, 11 credits. Cumulative = (36.3+38.1)÷(10+11) = 74.4÷21 = 3.54.
What Is a Good GPA?
3.5–4.0 = excellent (dean's list); 3.0–3.5 = good; 2.5–3.0 = average; below 2.0 = academic probation risk at most schools. Graduate and professional school applications typically require 3.0+, competitive programmes prefer 3.5+.
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