How to Calculate Grade Point Average
GPA is a weighted average that reflects academic performance across all courses. It uses a 4.0 scale where A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, and F=0.
The Formula
GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit HoursWhere:
GPGrade Points — Letter grade value times credit hoursCHCredit Hours — Number of credits per courseGPAGPA — Weighted average on 4.0 scaleStep-by-Step Example
Here's how to calculate grade point average step by step:
- 1Convert letter grades: Assign numeric values: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0.
- 2Multiply by credits: Multiply each grade value by the course credit hours.
- 3Sum and divide: Add all grade points and divide by total credit hours.
Following these 3 steps gives you the final grade point average value.
Skip the Math
If you earn an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course, your GPA is (12+12)/7 = 3.43.
Use the Free CalculatorWhy You Need This Calculation
- GPA determines academic standing, scholarship eligibility, and graduate school admissions.
Common Mistakes
Treating all courses as equal weight.
A 4-credit A matters more than a 1-credit A; weight by credits.
Forgetting plus/minus grade adjustments.
A+ may be 4.0, A- is typically 3.7 on many scales.
Mixing semester and cumulative GPA.
Cumulative GPA uses all semesters, not just the current one.