How to Calculate GPA (Step by Step, with Examples)
By Shah Rukh, software developer · Last updated:
To calculate your GPA, convert each letter grade to grade points, multiply by the course credits, add the results, and divide by your total credits. Here is the method step by step, with worked examples for a semester GPA, a cumulative GPA and a weighted GPA.
The GPA formula
GPA = total quality points ÷ total credits
quality points = grade points × credits (for each course)
Step 1: Convert letter grades to grade points
Most U.S. schools use this 4.0 scale:
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A- | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | C- | 1.7 |
| B | 3.0 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B- | 2.7 | D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Step 2: Multiply by credits
Each course’s grade points are multiplied by its credit hours to get quality points. This makes a 4-credit course count more than a 1-credit course.
Step 3: Add up and divide
Add all the quality points, add all the credits, and divide the first total by the second.
Worked example: semester GPA
| Course | Grade | Points | Credits | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | B+ | 3.3 | 4 | 13.2 |
| Statistics | A- | 3.7 | 3 | 11.1 |
| English | A | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Psychology | B | 3.0 | 3 | 9.0 |
| Music | A | 4.0 | 1 | 4.0 |
| Total | 14 | 49.3 | ||
49.3 ÷ 14 = 3.52 GPA for the semester.
Worked example: cumulative GPA
Say your cumulative GPA was 3.20 after 45 credits, and you just earned the 3.52 semester above (14 credits).
- Old quality points: 3.20 × 45 = 144.0
- New total quality points: 144.0 + 49.3 = 193.3
- New total credits: 45 + 14 = 59
- Cumulative GPA: 193.3 ÷ 59 = 3.28
Notice how a strong semester only moves the cumulative GPA a little. The more credits you have, the slower it changes.
Worked example: weighted GPA
For a weighted high-school GPA, many schools add 0.5 points for honors and 1.0 point for AP or IB courses (never to an F). An A in AP Chemistry becomes 5.0 instead of 4.0, and a B in honors English becomes 3.5 instead of 3.0. The rest of the calculation is the same.
Common mistakes
- Averaging grades without credits. This gives the wrong answer whenever courses have different credit values.
- Including pass/fail courses. They usually have no grade points and should be left out.
- Leaving out failed courses. An F counts as 0 points with full credits.
- Mixing weighted and unweighted grades. Pick one method for the whole calculation.
- Using the wrong scale. Some schools give 4.33 for an A+. Check your school’s policy.
Studying on a 10-point system instead? See the CGPA calculator, which converts SGPA to CGPA and CGPA to percentage.
Want your exact number? Use the free GPA Calculator. It takes about 30 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate GPA without credit hours?
If all your courses have the same weight, add up the grade points and divide by the number of courses. For example, A (4.0), B (3.0) and B+ (3.3) average to 10.3 ÷ 3 = 3.43.
How do I convert a percentage to GPA?
First convert the percentage to a letter grade using your school’s scale (for example, 90–92% is often an A-), then convert the letter to points. There is no single official formula, because schools use different scales.
Do failed classes count in GPA?
Yes. An F is worth 0 points but its credits still count, so it pulls your GPA down. Some colleges replace the F if you retake the course.
Do pass/fail classes count in GPA?
Usually not. A pass earns credits but no grade points, so leave it out of the calculation. A fail may count as an F at some schools, so check your policy.
How is cumulative GPA different from semester GPA?
Semester (term) GPA covers one term. Cumulative GPA covers every graded course you have taken, weighted by credits.
More guides
What Is a Good GPA?
GPA ranges for high school, college, grad school and jobs, and how to raise yours.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
How honors and AP classes change your GPA, with a worked example.