Weighted vs unweighted GPA
An unweighted GPA uses the plain 4.0 scale: an A is 4.0 whether the class was regular or AP. A weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder classes, so an A in an AP class can count as 5.0. That is why weighted GPAs can go above 4.0.
| Class level | Bonus | A is worth | B is worth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | +0 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Honors | +0.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| AP, IB, dual enrollment | +1.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
Weighted GPA = Σ ((grade points + level bonus) × credits) ÷ Σ credits
Worked example
AP Biology (A), Honors English (B+) and Spanish (A−), one credit each:
- AP Biology: 4.0 + 1.0 = 5.0
- Honors English: 3.3 + 0.5 = 3.8
- Spanish: 3.7 + 0 = 3.7
Weighted GPA = (5.0 + 3.8 + 3.7) ÷ 3 = 4.17. Unweighted GPA = (4.0 + 3.3 + 3.7) ÷ 3 = 3.67.
Which one do colleges use?
Many colleges recalculate your GPA their own way, often unweighted, using only core academic classes. They still see that you took AP and honors classes on your transcript, which matters for “course rigor”. Report the GPA your school prints on your transcript, and use this calculator to understand where it comes from.
Watch out for school-specific rules
- Some schools give no bonus for D or F grades in AP classes.
- Some cap the weighted GPA at 5.0 or use a +0.5 bonus for AP.
- Some weight only junior and senior years.
If your school’s handbook gives different bonuses, follow the handbook.
Related calculators
- GPA Calculator: Semester GPA from letter grades and credits.
- Cumulative GPA Calculator: Combine a new semester with your overall GPA.
- GPA to Percentage Converter: Convert GPA, percentage and letter grades.
Questions people ask
Is a 4.0 weighted GPA good?
A 4.0 weighted GPA usually means mostly A’s and B’s with some honors or AP classes. Whether it is “good” depends on how your school weights classes; compare it with your unweighted GPA too.
How do I convert weighted GPA to unweighted?
Remove the level bonus from every class and recalculate: an A is 4.0, a B is 3.0 and so on regardless of level. This calculator shows both numbers at once.
Why is my school’s weighted GPA different from this one?
Schools use different bonuses (+0.5 or +1.0), different credit values and sometimes only count core classes. The method here is the most common one; your transcript is the official number.
Formula checked October 2026 · How we calculate