The GPA Formula
GPA = Σ (Credit Hours × Grade Points) ÷ Total Credit Hours
Grade points: A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, C-=1.7, D+=1.3, D=1.0, D-=0.7, F=0
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate Semester GPA
Example: English (3 cr, A), Math (4 cr, B+), Chemistry (4 cr, B), History (3 cr, A-)
A=4.0, B+=3.3, B=3.0, A-=3.7. See the full GPA scale chart.
English: 3×4.0=12 | Math: 4×3.3=13.2 | Chemistry: 4×3.0=12 | History: 3×3.7=11.1
Total points: 12+13.2+12+11.1 = 48.3 | Total credits: 14
GPA = 48.3 ÷ 14 = 3.45
How to Calculate Cumulative GPA
Cumulative GPA includes all semesters. Add grade points from all semesters and divide by total credit hours from all semesters.
Cumulative GPA = Total Grade Points (All Semesters) ÷ Total Credit Hours (All Semesters)
With prior credits: (Prior GPA × Prior Credits + New Points) ÷ (Prior Credits + New Credits)
How to Calculate High School GPA
High school GPA uses the same formula. Use credit weight (typically 1.0 per year-long course, 0.5 per semester course). For weighted GPA (AP/IB/Honors), add bonus points: AP/IB = +1.0, Honors = +0.5 above standard grade points.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA Reference
| Letter | Unweighted | Honors (+0.5) | AP/IB (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Calculate Your GPA Instantly
Enter your courses and grades — our GPA calculator does the math for you.
Open GPA CalculatorGPA = Total Grade Points ÷ Total Credit Hours. Grade Points = Credit Hours × Grade Value. Example: 3 credits × 4.0 (A) = 12 grade points.
(Prior GPA × Prior Credits + Current Semester Points) ÷ (Prior Credits + Current Credits). Use the GPA calculator's Prior GPA fields for this.
Use the Target GPA Calculator to find required future GPA. Read our full guide: How to Raise Your GPA.