How to Calculate GPA: Step-by-Step with Examples

What Is GPA?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standardized way to measure academic performance. In the US, it's most commonly calculated on a 4.0 scale, where an A = 4.0. Colleges and employers use GPA to evaluate academic achievement.

Letter Grade to GPA Point Scale

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
C−	70–72%	1.7
D+	67–69%	1.3
D	63–66%	1.0
F	Below 60%	0.0

How to Calculate Unweighted GPA

An unweighted GPA treats all classes equally regardless of difficulty. Here's the formula:

GPA = Sum of grade points ÷ Total number of courses

Worked Example

Class	Grade	Grade Points
English	A	4.0
Math	B+	3.3
History	A−	3.7
Science	B	3.0
Spanish	A	4.0

Sum = 4.0 + 3.3 + 3.7 + 3.0 + 4.0 = 18.0
GPA = 18.0 ÷ 5 = 3.6 GPA

How to Calculate Weighted GPA

Weighted GPA gives extra points for harder classes (Honors, AP, IB). AP/IB courses typically add 1.0 point; Honors courses add 0.5 points.

Using the same example, if Math and Science were AP courses:

• AP Math B+ = 3.3 + 1.0 = 4.3
• AP Science B = 3.0 + 1.0 = 4.0

New sum = 4.0 + 4.3 + 3.7 + 4.0 + 4.0 = 20.0
Weighted GPA = 20.0 ÷ 5 = 4.0 GPA

Semester Credits and Credit Hours

When courses have different credit weights (a 4-credit class counts more than a 1-credit seminar), use a weighted average:

GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours

What Is a Good GPA?

• 3.5–4.0: Excellent — Dean's List territory
• 3.0–3.49: Good — competitive for most programs
• 2.5–2.99: Satisfactory — meets most graduation requirements
• 2.0–2.49: Passing — but may limit graduate school options
• Below 2.0: Academic probation at many schools