How GPA Is Calculated
Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated by assigning numeric values to letter grades, multiplying by the course credit hours, summing, and dividing by total credit hours.
Standard 4.0 scale: A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0.
For a semester with: English 3 credits (A = 4.0), Math 4 credits (B+ = 3.3), History 3 credits (A− = 3.7). Quality points: 3×4.0 + 4×3.3 + 3×3.7 = 12 + 13.2 + 11.1 = 36.3. Total credits = 10. GPA = 36.3/10 = 3.63.
Cumulative GPA combines all semesters: add all quality points from all semesters, divide by all credit hours attempted.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA treats all classes equally — an A in PE counts the same as an A in AP Calculus. Weighted GPA awards extra points for advanced courses: AP/IB courses: A = 5.0 (not 4.0). Honors courses: A = 4.5 (not 4.0).
Most colleges use their own internal calculation when evaluating applicants, often converting all grades to an unweighted 4.0 scale for comparison across schools with different grading policies. A 3.8 unweighted GPA from a school with rigorous AP offerings may be viewed more favorably than a 4.2 weighted GPA.
For college applications, the distinction matters less than context. Admissions officers look at GPA alongside course rigor — a 3.6 GPA in the most challenging courses available often beats a 4.0 in basic coursework.