GPA Calculator

GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing these products, then dividing by total credit hours. Formula: GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours. For example, an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course gives: (4×3 + 3×4) ÷ 7 = 3.43 GPA.

For competitive universities, aim for 3.5+ (on a 4.0 scale). Top-tier schools often expect 3.7-4.0. A 3.0 is typically considered 'good' and meets most program requirements. However, admissions also consider course rigor, extracurriculars, and essays. Some schools use weighted GPAs where honors/AP classes can exceed 4.0.

Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty. Weighted GPA adds extra points for honors, AP, or IB courses (typically 0.5-1.0 extra), allowing GPAs above 4.0. A student with straight A's in all AP classes might have a 4.5+ weighted GPA but a 4.0 unweighted GPA.

Standard conversion: A/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. Some schools don't use plus/minus grades, making A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc. Always check your institution's specific scale.

It depends on your current credits. With fewer completed credits, each new grade has more impact. Formula for new GPA: (Current GPA × Current Credits + New GPA × New Credits) ÷ Total Credits. Example: With 60 credits at 2.5 GPA, earning a 4.0 in 15 credits raises you to only 2.8. Early intervention matters most.