Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is one of the most important numbers in your academic career. Whether you’re applying to college, graduate school, or a job, knowing how to calculate it correctly matters.
What Is GPA?
GPA is a standardised way of measuring academic performance. Most US schools use a 4.0 scale, where A = 4.0 and F = 0.0. Your GPA is the weighted average of all your course grades, adjusted for credit hours.
Letter Grade to GPA Conversion
| Letter Grade | Percentage | 4.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100% | 4.0 |
| A | 93–96% | 4.0 |
| A− | 90–92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 |
| B− | 80–82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 |
| D | 60–69% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
The GPA Formula
Multiply each course’s grade points by its credit hours. Sum all results. Divide by total credit hours.
Step-by-Step Example
Here are 4 courses with their grades and credits:
| Course | Grade | Credits | Grade Points | Points × Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | A (4.0) | 4 | 4.0 | 16.0 |
| English | B+ (3.3) | 3 | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| History | A− (3.7) | 3 | 3.7 | 11.1 |
| Chemistry | B (3.0) | 4 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
| TOTAL | — | 14 | — | 49.0 |
GPA = 49.0 ÷ 14 = 3.50 ✅
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Most high schools use two systems:
- Unweighted GPA — Standard 4.0 scale. An A in AP Chemistry = same as an A in regular PE.
- Weighted GPA — Harder courses get bonus points. AP/IB courses: A = 5.0. Honors courses: A = 4.5. Goes up to 5.0 scale.
Colleges usually recalculate GPA on their own scale, so weighted GPA matters more for high school recognition than college admissions.
What Is a Good GPA?
- 3.5–4.0 — Excellent. Dean’s list territory at most schools.
- 3.0–3.49 — Good. Competitive for most graduate programs.
- 2.5–2.99 — Average. May limit some graduate school options.
- Below 2.0 — Academic probation risk at many schools.