Add Course
Your Courses
Add your courses to calculate your GPA
Academic Planning
Include Previous GPA
GPA Goal Planner
Calculator Instructions
Add courses with their credit hours and grades. The calculator updates your GPA in real-time as you enter information.
Course Entry
Enter course name (optional), credit hours, and letter grade. Most courses are 3-4 credits. Labs and advanced courses may be 4-5 credits.
Scale Selection
Use 4.0 scale (standard) or 5.0 scale (if your school gives A+ = 5.0). Check with your registrar if uncertain.
Weighted Calculation
Enable for Honors (+0.5) and AP/IB (+1.0) courses. Used for class rank, not college admissions.
Academic Planning
Add previous GPA and credits for cumulative calculation. Use goal planner to determine required future grades.
Official GPA Calculation Method
The federal National Center for Education Statistics defines GPA calculation as:
Standard Formula
GPA = Total Grade Points ÷ Total Credit Hours
Grade Points = Grade Value × Credit Hours for each course
Calculation Example
Credit Hour Impact
Higher credit courses affect your GPA more than lower credit courses. A grade in a 4-credit course has twice the impact of the same grade in a 2-credit course.
Grade Point Values
According to Harvard University and federal standards, the 4.0 scale assigns these values:
Special Grade Categories
Pass/Fail Courses
Pass (P) and Fail (F) grades do not factor into GPA calculation but count toward credit hours for graduation.
Withdrawal Grades
Withdrawal (W or WD) grades appear on transcripts but do not affect GPA. Multiple withdrawals may affect financial aid eligibility.
Incomplete Grades
Incomplete (I or INC) grades must be resolved within specified timeframes or convert to failing grades.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Two calculation methods serve different purposes in academic evaluation and college admissions.
Unweighted GPA
4.0 Scale MaximumCalculation Method
All courses treated equally. A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0 regardless of course difficulty.
Primary Uses
- College admission statistics
- NCAA athletic eligibility
- Merit scholarship applications
- Cross-school comparisons
Advantages
- Universal standard across all schools
- Simple calculation method
- Fair comparison regardless of course availability
Weighted GPA
5.0+ Scale PossibleCalculation Method
Advanced courses receive bonus points. Typically: Honors +0.5, AP/IB +1.0 points.
Primary Uses
- High school class rank determination
- Valedictorian/Salutatorian selection
- Course rigor demonstration
- Internal school honors
Limitations
- No standardized weighting system
- Varies significantly between schools
- Not used for official college statistics
Weighting Examples
Academic Standing and Opportunities
GPA determines academic standing, scholarship eligibility, and college admission competitiveness.
College Admission
- Ivy League universities competitive
- Top-tier state schools (UC Berkeley, Michigan)
- Highly selective private colleges
Financial Benefits
- Full-ride merit scholarships
- National Merit Scholarship eligibility
- Presidential scholarships at state schools
College Admission
- Competitive state universities
- Solid private colleges and universities
- Honor program eligibility
Financial Benefits
- Significant merit scholarships ($5,000-$15,000)
- Dean’s List qualification
- Academic excellence awards
College Admission
- Most public universities
- Regional colleges and universities
- Community college transfer pathways
Financial Benefits
- Standard merit scholarships
- Need-based aid eligibility
- Basic academic recognition
College Options
- Community colleges (open admission)
- Some regional universities
- Gap year for improvement recommended
Financial Considerations
- Limited merit scholarship opportunities
- Need-based aid still available
- Athletic scholarships possible
Institutional Academic Standards
Colleges and universities maintain specific GPA requirements for enrollment and continued eligibility.
Federal Financial Aid Requirements
According to the U.S. Department of Education:
Academic Honor Designations
Traditional Latin honors awarded at graduation based on cumulative GPA:
Graduate School Admission
Typical minimum GPA requirements for graduate program admission:
Reference Tables
GPA to Letter Grade Conversion
Standard Credit Hour Values
National GPA Statistics
Common Questions
Do colleges recalculate my GPA?
Yes. Most colleges recalculate GPA using their own methodology. They may exclude non-academic courses like PE or include only core academic subjects.
How much can I raise my GPA?
Early in your academic career, significant changes are possible. After completing many credits, improvements become smaller. Use the goal planner above to calculate specific requirements.
What if my school doesn’t use plus/minus grades?
Some schools only award A, B, C, D, F without plus/minus variations. In this system, A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0.
Do repeated courses affect my GPA?
Policies vary by institution. Some schools replace the original grade, others average both attempts, and some include both grades in GPA calculation.
How do transfer credits affect GPA?
Transfer credits typically count toward graduation requirements but may not factor into institutional GPA. Policies vary significantly between schools.
Official Sources and Further Information
Federal Education Agencies
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) – Federal education data and GPA calculation standards
- U.S. Department of Education – Federal student aid and academic policy
- NAEP High School Transcript Study – National academic performance data
Academic Institutions
- Harvard University Faculty Resources – Official GPA calculation methods
- Federal Student Aid – Academic progress requirements
- IPEDS Database – Institutional graduation and GPA data
Verification Required
GPA calculation methods and requirements vary between institutions. Always verify specific requirements with your school’s registrar or academic advisor. This calculator provides estimates based on standard practices but may not reflect your institution’s exact methodology.