The GPA scale converts your letter or percentage grades into a number on the 4.0 GPA scale. Whether you’re checking your current GPA or trying to understand weighted vs. unweighted GPAs, this guide explains it clearly and simply.
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.