A Grade Point Average (GPA) is a universally accepted metric used by educational institutions to summarize a student's academic performance. It is a weighted average of the grades earned in all courses, factoring in the credit hours assigned to each class.
How Weighted GPA is Calculated
- Assign Grade Points: Each letter grade (e.g., A, B+, C) is assigned a corresponding numeric value (e.g., on a 4.0 scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0).
- Calculate Total Quality Points: For each course, multiply the credit hours by the grade points earned. This gives you the Quality Points for that course.
- Sum Totals: Add up all the Quality Points and add up all the Credit Hours.
- Calculate GPA: Divide the Total Quality Points by the Total Credit Hours.
Grading Scales Overview
4.0 Scale: The most common scale in the US. A typical mapping is A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. This calculator uses a detailed standard scale (e.g., A-=3.7, B+=3.3).
5.0 Scale: Often used for weighted GPAs where Honors, AP, or IB courses receive an extra point (e.g., A in an AP class = 5.0 points).
Percentage Scale (100-Point): Converts a numerical grade (like 92/100) into a grade point, often used in schools that rely heavily on cumulative percentage grades.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a weighted GPA?
A weighted GPA accounts for the difficulty of a course. In a weighted scale (like a 5.0 scale), AP or Honors classes receive extra points compared to standard classes, increasing the potential maximum GPA above 4.0.
What is the difference between GPA and CGPA?
GPA typically refers to your Grade Point Average for a single term (semester or quarter), while CGPA (Cumulative GPA) is your total average across all terms since you started your academic program.
How do I convert my GPA to a percentage?
There is no single, official conversion, as different schools use different grading curves. However, for a rough estimate on a 4.0 scale, a common formula is (GPA * 25), though our tool uses quality points to give a more accurate weighted percentage.
Does this tool save my data?
By default, this tool saves your courses in your browser's local storage so you can continue later. No data is transmitted or stored on our servers. You can turn this off using a setting (currently planned for a future update).
Is the 4.0 scale universal?
No. While widely used in the US, grading points assigned to letters can vary. Always confirm the exact grade point system used by your specific university or college.