How to Calculate Your GPA
A step-by-step guide to understanding and calculating your grade point average
Quick answer: Multiply each course grade by its credit hours to get quality points. Add up all quality points and divide by total credit hours. Or use our GPA calculator for instant results.
Understanding the GPA Scale
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. In the US, most schools use a 4.0 scale where each letter grade corresponds to a number:
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 93-100% | 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 | 63-66% | 1.0 |
| D- | 60-62% | 0.7 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
Note: Some schools don't use plus/minus grades. Check your school's specific scale.
The GPA Formula
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours
Quality points are calculated by multiplying the grade points by the credit hours for each course. Then you add up all quality points and divide by total credits.
Step-by-Step Example
Let's calculate the GPA for a student with these courses:
| Course | Grade | Credits | Grade Points | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | A | 3 | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Math | B+ | 4 | 3.3 | 13.2 |
| Chemistry | B | 4 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
| History | A- | 3 | 3.7 | 11.1 |
| Total | 14 | 48.3 |
Calculation:
GPA = 48.3 ÷ 14 = 3.45
Why Credit Hours Matter
Credit hours weight your GPA calculation. A 4-credit course has more impact on your GPA than a 1-credit course. This is why getting an A in a high-credit course helps your GPA more than an A in a low-credit course.
Conversely, a low grade in a high-credit course hurts more. If you're struggling in a 4-credit course, it might impact your GPA more than you expect.
Types of GPA
Semester GPA
Your GPA for just one semester. Useful for tracking progress term by term.
Cumulative GPA
Your overall GPA across all semesters. This is what appears on transcripts and what employers or graduate schools typically look at.
Major GPA
Your GPA in just your major courses. Some graduate programs care more about your performance in your field of study.
Tips for Improving Your GPA
- Focus on high-credit courses. Since they have more weight, improving your grade in a 4-credit course helps more than in a 1-credit course.
- Don't neglect easy courses.An A in an "easy" class counts the same as an A in a hard class on an unweighted scale.
- Consider retaking classes. If your school has a grade replacement policy, retaking a class you got a D or F in can significantly improve your GPA.
- Use calculators to plan ahead. Our GPA calculator can help you see what grades you need to reach your target GPA.