How this calculator works
Each letter grade has a point value on the 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3 …). Multiply it by the class credits to get quality points, add them up and divide by total credits. Weighted GPAs add points for Honors and AP/IB classes. Your cumulative GPA combines the new quality points with those you have already earned.
GPA = Σ(grade points × credits) ÷ Σ credits
Cumulative = (Old GPA × Old credits + New quality points) ÷ (Old credits + New credits)
Assumptions and tips
- Schools differ: some give A+ 4.3, some don’t use minus grades, and weighting rules vary. Check your school’s scale.
Worked example
Using the default values in the calculator above:
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Weighting | Unweighted (4.0 max) |
| Current cumulative GPA (optional) | 0 |
| Credits already completed | 0 |
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Semester GPA | 3.63 |
| Cumulative GPA | 3.63 |
| Credits this term | 17 |
| Quality points | 61.7 |
Grade points:
- B+ × 3 cr = 9.9 points
- A- × 4 cr = 14.8 points
- A × 4 cr = 16 points
- B × 3 cr = 9 points
- A × 3 cr = 12 points
Step by step:
- Convert each letter grade to points (A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3 …)
- No weighting added
- Multiply points by credits and add them up
- Divide by total credits
Letter grades on the 4.0 scale
Standard unweighted values used by most US schools.
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3 |
| B- | 2.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 |
| C | 2 |
| C- | 1.7 |
| D+ | 1.3 |
| D | 1 |
| F | 0 |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Averaging grade points without weighting by credits — a 4-credit class counts more than a 1-credit one.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA is a B+ average?
A B+ is 3.3 on the 4.0 scale.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA caps at 4.0. Weighted GPA adds extra points for harder classes, so it can go above 4.0.