GPA calculator

The math

For each course, multiply credits by the letter-grade points. Sum those across all courses, then divide by the total credits. That weighted average is your GPA.

GPA = Σ(credits × grade points) ÷ Σ(credits)

Worked example

A student takes 5 courses in a semester: Math (3 credits, A = 4.0), English (3 credits, B+ = 3.3), History (4 credits, A− = 3.7), CS (3 credits, B = 3.0), and PE (1 credit, A = 4.0).

Quality points: (3×4.0) + (3×3.3) + (4×3.7) + (3×3.0) + (1×4.0) = 12.0 + 9.9 + 14.8 + 9.0 + 4.0 = 49.7. Total credits = 14. GPA = 49.7 ÷ 14 = 3.55.

Grade point lookup table

On the standard 4.0 scale: 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 = 1.0, F = 0.0. On the 4.3 scale, A+ is worth 4.3 instead of 4.0; all other grades stay the same.

4.0 vs 4.3 scales

Most US universities use the 4.0 scale where A and A+ are both worth 4.0. A handful of US schools and many high schools use a 4.3 scale that rewards an A+ with 4.3 points — toggle if your school does. UK degree classifications (First, 2:1, etc.) and most European systems don't map cleanly onto a 4.0 scale; for those, ask your registrar for the conversion table.

Cumulative vs term GPA

This calculator returns either, depending on what you put in. If you list only this term's courses, you'll get your term GPA. If you list every course you've ever taken (with their credit weights), you'll get your cumulative GPA. Most universities report both on a transcript.

Predicting future GPA

To answer "what GPA do I need this term to hit a 3.5 cumulative", list your prior courses with their credits and grades, then add a placeholder course for the term ahead and adjust its grade until the cumulative number lands on your goal. The math is just a weighted average — small numbers of credits move the needle slowly once you have a long history.

How to bring up a low GPA

Future courses carry the same weight as past ones, so recovery is slow with a long transcript. A student with a 2.5 over 60 credits needs to earn a 3.5 over 60 more credits just to reach a 3.0 cumulative. Progress is real but takes time.

Practical strategies: retake failed courses if your school allows grade replacement — the new grade replaces the old one in the GPA calculation. Take high-credit courses (4–5 credit hours) where you can reliably earn A's, since each one moves the needle more than a 1-credit elective. Use pass/fail options for exploratory courses outside your strength areas to protect your GPA from risky grades.

GPA and graduate school admissions

Most US law and medical schools treat 3.5 as a soft floor; below that, other parts of an application need to compensate. MBA programs vary more widely — 3.0 to 3.3 is often cited as a practical minimum at competitive schools, though work experience can offset a lower GPA. A strong upward trend (lower early grades, higher later grades) is viewed positively by admissions committees as evidence of maturity and improvement.

Applicants with non-US transcripts: international grades are usually converted to a 4.0 equivalent by credential evaluation services such as WES (World Education Services). The conversion process and resulting GPA can differ from what you'd calculate yourself, so factor in evaluation lead times if you're applying from abroad.