How to calculate GPA in 4 steps
- Convert each grade to points using the scale below (A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3 …).
- Multiply by credits to get quality points. A B (3.0) in a 3-credit class = 9 quality points.
- Add up all quality points and all credits.
- Divide total quality points by total credits.
| Class | Grade | Points | Credits | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | A | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Calculus | B+ | 3.3 | 4 | 13.2 |
| Chemistry | B− | 2.7 | 4 | 10.8 |
| Psychology | A− | 3.7 | 3 | 11.1 |
| Total | 14 | 47.1 |
The 4.0 GPA scale
| Letter grade | Percent | GPA points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 93–100 | 4.0 |
| A− | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
| B− | 80–82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76 | 2.0 |
| C− | 70–72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69 | 1.3 |
| D | 65–66 | 1.0 |
| F | Below 65 | 0.0 |
How to calculate weighted GPA
Many high schools add +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP, IB or dual-enrollment classes. An A in AP Biology counts as 5.0 and a B in Honors English as 3.5. Add the bonus before multiplying by credits, then divide as usual. Failing grades usually get no bonus.
| Grade | Regular | Honors | AP / IB |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | 0 | 0 | 0 |
How to calculate cumulative GPA
Multiply each semester’s GPA by its credits, add them, and divide by the total credits. Example: 3.2 over 30 credits (96 points) plus 3.8 over 15 credits (57 points) = 153 ÷ 45 = 3.40. Don’t just average the two GPAs (that would give 3.5) unless both terms had the same credits.
What is a good GPA?
| GPA | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 3.7 – 4.0 | Excellent (A range). Competitive for top colleges and scholarships. |
| 3.3 – 3.69 | Very good (B+ / A−). |
| 3.0 – 3.29 | Good (B average). The common minimum for many scholarships and grad programs. |
| 2.0 – 2.99 | Satisfactory (C range). 2.0 is often the minimum to stay in good standing. |
| Below 2.0 | Academic probation at many colleges. |
Questions
How do I convert a percentage to GPA?
Find the letter grade for your percentage (for example 88% = B+) and use its points (3.3). There’s no single formula because schools use different cut-offs.
Is a 3.5 GPA good?
Yes. A 3.5 is a B+/A− average, above the national average for high school and college students.
Can GPA go above 4.0?
A weighted GPA can, because Honors and AP classes add bonus points. An unweighted GPA tops out at 4.0 (or 4.3 at schools that count A+ higher).
Do failed classes count in GPA?
Yes. An F counts as 0 points but its credits still count, so it pulls the average down. Some schools replace the F if you retake the class.