GPA Calculator
Calculate your semester or cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) with support for multiple grading scales. Track academic performance and plan for target GPAs.
Your GPA will be calculated and displayed here.
How to Use the GPA Calculator
- Choose Calculator Type:
- Semester GPA: Calculate GPA for current semester courses
- Cumulative GPA: Update overall GPA with new semester courses
- Target GPA: See what GPA you need to reach your goal
- Select Grading Scale: Choose 4.0, 5.0 (weighted), or percentage-based
- Add Courses: Enter course name, grade, and credit hours for each class
- Calculate: Get your GPA with detailed breakdown and academic standing
Understanding GPA Scales
4.0 Scale (Standard)
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | 90-100% |
| A- | 3.7 | 87-89% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 83-86% |
| B | 3.0 | 80-82% |
| B- | 2.7 | 77-79% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 73-76% |
| C | 2.0 | 70-72% |
| C- | 1.7 | 67-69% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 63-66% |
| D | 1.0 | 60-62% |
| F | 0.0 | 0-59% |
5.0 Scale (Weighted for Honors/AP)
The 5.0 scale adds one point for honors, AP, or IB courses. An A in an AP course = 5.0, while an A in a regular course = 4.0. This rewards students taking challenging coursework.
What is a Good GPA?
- 3.5-4.0: Excellent - Dean's List, honors, competitive scholarships
- 3.0-3.49: Good - Solid academic standing, most scholarships
- 2.5-2.99: Average - Meeting minimum requirements
- 2.0-2.49: Below Average - Academic probation risk
- Below 2.0: Poor - Academic probation or dismissal risk
GPA Calculation Formula
GPA = (Sum of Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours
Example: If you take three 3-credit courses and earn A (4.0), B (3.0), and A- (3.7):
GPA = [(4.0×3) + (3.0×3) + (3.7×3)] ÷ 9 = 31.1 ÷ 9 = 3.46
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between semester and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA is calculated only from courses in a single term. Cumulative GPA is your overall average across all completed semesters. Cumulative GPA is what appears on transcripts and matters for graduation and graduate school applications.
How do I calculate cumulative GPA with this tool?
Switch to the "Cumulative GPA" tab, enter your current GPA and total credits earned so far, then add your new semester courses. The calculator will compute your updated cumulative GPA.
What GPA do I need to raise my cumulative GPA to 3.5?
Use the "Target GPA" calculator. Enter your current GPA, credits earned, target GPA (3.5), and remaining credits until graduation. The tool will show what semester GPA you need to achieve your goal.
Does retaking a class replace the old grade?
This depends on your school's policy. Some schools replace the grade (only new grade counts), others average both attempts, and some keep both on the transcript but only count the higher grade in GPA. Check your institution's grade replacement policy.
Are all credits weighted equally?
Credits are weighted by their value. A 4-credit course has more impact on your GPA than a 1-credit course. This is why the formula multiplies grade points by credit hours before averaging.
What's the minimum GPA to avoid academic probation?
Most colleges require a minimum 2.0 GPA. Below this triggers academic probation. Some competitive programs require 2.5 or 3.0 to remain in good standing. Check your specific program requirements.
Should I use weighted or unweighted GPA?
Use the scale your school uses. High schools often use weighted (5.0 scale) for AP/honors courses. Most colleges use unweighted (4.0 scale). College applications may recalculate your GPA using their own method.
📚 Tips to Improve Your GPA
- Prioritize High-Credit Courses: Focus extra effort on 3-4 credit courses as they impact GPA more
- Strategic Course Load: Balance difficult courses with easier ones each semester
- Office Hours: Professors can provide guidance that significantly improves grades
- Drop Wisely: If struggling, drop before the deadline (W is better than F)
- Grade Replacement: Retake failed courses if your school allows grade replacement
- Summer Courses: Take challenging courses in summer when you can focus fully
Planning for Graduate School
Competitive Programs: Top graduate programs typically expect 3.5+ GPA, especially in major courses. Law and medical schools heavily weight GPA alongside test scores (LSAT, MCAT).
Major GPA vs Overall: Graduate programs often look more closely at your major GPA than overall GPA. A strong upward trend (improving grades over time) can offset a lower early GPA.
When to Calculate: Check your GPA after each semester to stay on track for your goals. Use the target calculator to plan remaining semesters strategically.
This calculator provides GPA estimates based on standard grading scales. Your institution may use different grade point values or calculation methods. Always verify with your official transcript and consult your registrar for graduation GPA requirements.