Use our free GPA Calculator to quickly calculate your Grade Point Average on the 4.0 scale. Enter grades and credit hours to instantly view your college GPA and learn how to raise it for scholarships, honors, or grad school. Looking for high school GPA instead? Try our High School GPA Calculator.
How to calculate GPA
(Step-by-step with GPA Calculator)
1. Add Your Letter Grade
Enter your current grade and credits to calculate GPA. For unconfirmed grades, select an estimate from A+ to F on the 4.0 scale.
2. Add Your Class Credits
Enter the grade and credits for each class. For example, an A- grade in a 5 credit class, B+ grade in a 4 credit class etc. Click “Add another class” or “Add another semester” as needed.
3. Calculate Your GPA
Your overall GPA for all semesters is calculated automatically. The semester and cumulative (overall) GPA update as you enter grades. Add multiple semesters to track aggregate GPA.
GPA Calculation Formula
The GPA formula is simple: GPA = (Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours. Quality points come from multiplying each grade’s point value by the class credits. For example,
1. A 3-credit class with an A (4.0), a 4-credit class with a B+ (3.3), and a 3-credit class with a C (2.0).
2. (3×4.0 = 12) + (4×3.3 = 13.2) + (3×2.0 = 6) = 31.2 quality points.
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Points | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course 1 | 3 | A | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Course 2 | 4 | B+ | 3.3 | 13.2 |
| Course 3 | 3 | C | 2.0 | 6.0 |
| Total | 10 | 31.2 |
3. Divide 31.2 ÷ 10 total credits = 3.12 GPA.
Edge Cases in GPA Calculation
Not all classes or grades count toward GPA the same way. Here are common edge cases students often ask about:
| Grade Type | How It Affects GPA |
|---|---|
| Pass/Fail courses | Usually excluded from GPA. Passing adds credits toward graduation but does not affect GPA. |
| Withdrawals (W) | A “W” is not factored into GPA. A “WF” (Withdraw Fail) may count as an F, depending on school policy. |
| Incompletes (I) | Not included in GPA until a final grade is recorded. |
| Retaken courses | Some colleges replace the old grade with the new one, while others average both attempts. |
| Transfer credits | Typically count toward degree progress but not toward institutional GPA. |
Always check your school’s academic policy for exact rules, since GPA calculations can vary by institution.
GPA Scale
Most U.S. schools use a letter grading system, though details can vary. Some include grades like A+ or B–, while others don’t, and what counts as an A or B may differ. Certain courses also carry more weight through credit hours, meaning they have a bigger impact on your overall GPA. This calculator adjusts for those differences by factoring in course credits.
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| 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 |
| D– | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Note: Some colleges use a 4.33 GPA scale where A+ = 4.33. For details, see the full GPA Scale Guide.
GPA Calculator – FAQs
1. What is the difference between semester GPA and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA measures performance in one term only. Cumulative GPA averages all courses you’ve taken so far in school or college.
2. What is the difference between weighted GPA and unweighted GPA?
An unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale. A weighted GPA rewards tougher courses like Honors or AP by giving extra points — for example, an A in an AP class can count as 5.0 instead of 4.0.
3. What are credit hours in GPA calculation?
Credit hours show how much a class is worth. A 4-credit course carries more weight in your GPA than a 1-credit elective, so the grade you earn matters more.
4. What are quality points in GPA?
Quality points are calculated as grade points × credit hours. For example, a B (3.0) in a 4-credit class equals 12 quality points. Adding all quality points together lets you find your GPA.
5. What is considered a good GPA in college?
A GPA of 3.0 is usually seen as average, while 3.5 or higher often qualifies for Dean’s List. A 4.0 represents perfect grades and is the benchmark for many honors programs.
6. How can I raise my GPA quickly?
Focus on earning A’s in high-credit classes, retake courses with low grades if possible, and stay organized with consistent study habits. You can also try our Raise GPA Calculator to see how future grades might boost your GPA.
7. What GPA is required for Dean’s List or academic probation?
Most schools set the Dean’s List cutoff at around 3.5 GPA. Academic probation usually begins when your GPA drops below 2.0, though policies differ by college.
8. Can I round up my GPA?
Many schools allow rounding to the nearest tenth (for example, 3.48 → 3.5). However, rounding up to a whole number (2.81 → 3.0) usually isn’t permitted.
9. Does pass/fail affect GPA?
Pass/fail courses typically don’t impact GPA. A passing grade adds credits toward graduation, but it doesn’t raise or lower GPA. A failing grade, though, is usually counted as 0.0.
10. Do withdrawals affect GPA?
A standard withdrawal (W) won’t change your GPA. But a withdrawal-fail (WF) may count as an F, depending on your school’s grading rules.
Related GPA Calculators
Explore more free GPA tools to calculate grades in different ways and improve academic planning:
- High School GPA Calculator – figure out GPA for high school courses on the 4.0 scale.
- Raise GPA Calculator – see how new grades can improve your current GPA.
- Grade Calculator – calculate course grades with weighted categories.
- Final Grade Calculator – find the score needed on your final exam.