How to calculate your GPA, step by step
GPA (grade point average) turns your letter grades into a single number, usually on a 4.0 scale. It's weighted by credits, so a heavy course counts more than a light one.
Step 1: convert each grade to points
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A− | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | C− | 1.7 |
| B | 3.0 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B− | 2.7 | D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
This is the standard unweighted US scale. Some schools give an A+ 4.3, or add extra points for honors and AP classes, so check your school's handbook.
Step 2: multiply by credits
Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours. These are your quality points.
| Course | Credits | Grade | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 3 | A (4.0) | 12.0 |
| Calculus | 4 | B+ (3.3) | 13.2 |
| History | 3 | A− (3.7) | 11.1 |
| Art | 2 | B (3.0) | 6.0 |
| Total | 12 | 42.3 |
Step 3: divide by total credits
42.3 quality points ÷ 12 credits = 3.52 GPA for the semester.
Notice that the 4-credit Calculus grade pulls the average more than the 2-credit Art grade. That's why doing well in your heaviest courses matters most.
Cumulative GPA
To combine semesters, add up all quality points and divide by all credits, rather than averaging the semester GPAs. Say you already had a 3.2 GPA over 45 credits. That's 3.2 × 45 = 144 quality points. Add this semester's 42.3 and 12 credits: 186.3 ÷ 57 = 3.27 cumulative GPA.
The more credits you've completed, the less one semester can move your cumulative GPA, which is why early semesters are worth taking seriously.
Try it: the GPA calculator does this instantly, free and in your browser.