How to calculate your GPA
Your grade point average (GPA) is a weighted average: each class counts in proportion to its credit hours. To calculate GPA by hand:
- Turn each letter grade into grade points using the scale below (A = 4.0, B = 3.0 and so on).
- Multiply each class's grade points by its credit hours. The result is called quality points.
- Add up all the quality points, then add up all the credit hours.
- Divide total quality points by total credits.
GPA = Σ (grade points × credits) ÷ Σ credits
Worked example
Biology (3 credits, A), Calculus (4 credits, B+) and English (3 credits, A−):
| Class | Credits | Grade | Points | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 3 | A | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Calculus | 4 | B+ | 3.3 | 13.2 |
| English | 3 | A− | 3.7 | 11.1 |
| Total | 10 | 36.3 |
36.3 ÷ 10 = 3.63 GPA. Notice that the 4-credit B+ pulls the average down more than a 3-credit class would.
The 4.0 GPA scale
| Letter | Grade points | Typical percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | 93–100 |
| A− | 3.7 | 90–92 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87–89 |
| B | 3.0 | 83–86 |
| B− | 2.7 | 80–82 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77–79 |
| C | 2.0 | 73–76 |
| C− | 1.7 | 70–72 |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67–69 |
| D | 1.0 | 65–66 |
| D− (some schools) | 0.7 | varies |
| F | 0.0 | below 65 |
Some colleges give an A+ 4.3 points; switch the “A+ counts as” option if yours does. Percentage cut-offs vary between schools, so treat that column as a guide. To convert in either direction, use the GPA to percentage converter.
Common mistakes
- Averaging grades without credits. A 1-credit lab and a 4-credit lecture do not count equally.
- Including pass/fail classes. Pass/fail and withdrawn classes usually carry no grade points; leave them out.
- Mixing semesters. To combine this semester with your existing GPA, use the cumulative GPA calculator instead.
Related calculators
- Cumulative GPA Calculator: Combine a new semester with your overall GPA.
- Weighted GPA Calculator: High school GPA with honors and AP classes.
- GPA to Percentage Converter: Convert GPA, percentage and letter grades.
Questions people ask
What is a good GPA?
In the US, a 3.0 (a B average) is generally considered good, a 3.5 or higher is strong, and many selective scholarships and graduate programs look for 3.5+. What counts as “good” depends on your goals; see our guide What is a good GPA?
How many credits is a typical class?
Most college lecture classes are 3 credit hours; science classes with labs are often 4, and labs or seminars on their own are often 1. Check your transcript for the exact numbers.
Does an F count in my GPA?
Yes. An F is worth 0 grade points but its credits still count, which pulls your GPA down. If you retake the class, many colleges replace the old grade; check your school’s policy.
Is GPA rounded?
Most schools report GPA to two decimal places, some to three. This calculator shows two decimals and the exact value in the steps.
Formula checked October 2026 · How we calculate