The GPA scale is the standard way schools convert your letter or percentage grades into a number on the 4.0 scale. If you’re trying to understand how your grades translate into GPA – or how weighted and unweighted GPA work – this guide breaks it all down in simple steps.
GPA Scale Converter
GPA Converter
Uses a typical unweighted 4.0 scale. Percent bands vary by school. Weighted values cap at 5.0 and aren’t added to an F.
Quick take: A GPA scale is the system schools use to convert your grades into a numerical score. In the U.S., the most common scale is 0.0–4.0, while some high schools also report a weighted GPA that can go above 4.0 to reflect Honors, AP, or IB courses. Other countries may use different maximums (such as a 10.0 scale). Because grading policies vary, always check how your school assigns GPA points and weights.
| Letter Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 Scale |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100 | |
| A | 93-96 | |
| A- | 90-92 | |
| B+ | 87-89 | |
| B | 83-86 | |
| B- | 80-82 | |
| C+ | 77-79 | |
| C | 73-76 | |
| C- | 70-72 | |
| D+ | 67-69 | |
| D | 65-66 | |
| E/F | Under 65 | 0.0 |
Understanding the GPA Scale
Before we dive in, let’s lock down three basics you’ll see everywhere:
| Term | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Letter Grade | The A, B, C, D, or F you get in a class. Each letter equals a number on the GPA scale (like A = 4.0, B = 3.0). |
| Percent Grade | Your score out of 100 (like 88%). Schools use this number to decide which letter grade you get. |
| GPA (Grade Point Average) | Your overall average. Turn each letter into a number, add them up, and divide by how many classes you took. |
How GPA Scales Work
Unweighted GPA Scale
Most U.S. schools use an unweighted 4.0 GPA scale. It’s straightforward: grades convert to points and difficulty doesn’t change the value. So a B+ in AP Chemistry counts the same as a B+ in a regular class on this scale. An A average = 4.0, B average = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0.0.
| Letter | Typical Percent* | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 65–66% (some use 60–66) | 1.0 |
| F | <65% (or <60) | 0.0 |
*Percent bands can vary by district/college—always follow your school’s official chart.
If you want, I can also add a weighted column (+0.5 Honors, +1.0 AP/IB) or format this as a WordPress-ready table block. I’m 100% sure.
Weighted GPA Scale
A weighted GPA rewards rigor by adding bonus points for advanced classes (typically +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP/IB). In practice, if your school uses a +1.0 boost for advanced courses, a B in AP Biology counts as 4.0 on the weighted scale, and an A becomes a 5.0.
| Letter | Typical Percent* | Unweighted | Honors (+0.5) | AP/IB (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93–96% | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A− | 90–92% | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B− | 80–82% | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| C− | 70–72% | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| D | 65–66% (some use 60–66) | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | <65% (or <60) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
GPA Scale – FAQs
What is the GPA scale?
The GPA scale converts grades into points, most commonly 0.0–4.0 in the U.S. On an unweighted 4.0 scale, A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. Schools use it so performance is comparable across classes and credits.
Is the U.S. GPA always on a 4.0 scale?
Mostly yes for reporting, but some schools also publish weighted scales (4.5–5.0) or 100-point grades; colleges often convert everything back to a 4.0 reference for comparison. Check your school’s handbook/transcript.
What GPA is an A, A-, B+, B, B- on the 4.0 scale?
A common mapping: A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7 (with small variations by school). Use your school’s published chart if it differs.
What percent grade equals a 4.0 GPA?
Many schools map A-range ≈ 90–100% to the 4.0 area (exact cutoffs vary; some use A = 94–100). Convert percent → letter using your school’s table, then letter → points.
How do I convert percent grades to a 4.0 GPA?
Step 1: percent → letter via your school’s cutoffs.
Step 2: letter → points (e.g., A-=3.7).
Step 3: if calculating overall GPA, use the credits-weighted average.
What’s the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted treats every class the same (max 4.0). Weighted adds extra points for advanced courses (e.g., AP/Honors/IB), so the scale can exceed 4.0 and better reflects course rigor.
Do AP or Honors classes raise GPA on the scale?
On weighted systems, yes—advanced classes typically add +0.5 to +1.0 to the base value (e.g., AP A may be 5.0). On unweighted, an A remains 4.0. Colleges also consider rigor separately.
How do I calculate GPA on a 4.0 scale?
Convert each course to points, multiply by credits, sum the quality points, then divide by total credits:
GPA = Σ(points × credits) ÷ Σ(credits).
What is a “good” GPA on the 4.0 scale?
Context matters, but ~3.0+ is commonly above average; 3.5–4.0 is strong for many selective programs (with course rigor considered).
Can a GPA exceed 4.0?
Yes—weighted scales can go above 4.0 (e.g., 4.3–5.0), because advanced courses earn bonus points. Unweighted scales cap at 4.0.
Related GPA Tools
- GPA Calculator – Find your overall GPA from classes, grades, and credits.
- High School GPA Calculator – Calculate weighted and unweighted GPA for 9th–12th grade.
- College GPA Calculator – Track semester and cumulative GPA for college courses.
- Grade Calculator – See your current grade in a class using assignments and category weights.
- Final Grade Calculator – Find the score you need on your final exam to reach your target grade.
- GPA Conversion Chart – Convert letter or percent grades directly to GPA points.