GPA Calculator
Calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA) by entering your courses, credits, and grades.
Your Courses
Previous Semesters (Optional)
Your GPA from all previous semesters combined
Total credits earned from all previous semesters
GPA Scale
What is GPA?
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a number that represents your average academic performance across all your courses. Think of it like a batting average in baseball — it's a single number that summarizes how well you're doing overall.
In the United States, most colleges use a 4.0 scale, where:
- 4.0 = Perfect (all A's)
- 3.0 = Good (all B's)
- 2.0 = Satisfactory (all C's)
- 0.0 = Failing
Your GPA matters because it affects scholarships, graduate school admissions, job applications, and academic honors. A difference of just 0.1 can sometimes mean thousands of dollars in scholarships!
How GPA is Calculated
Don't worry, it's simpler than it looks! Here's what each part means:
- Credits: How many hours per week you spend in that class (usually 1-5)
- Grade Points: The number value of your letter grade (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.)
Example Calculation:
| Course | Credits | Grade | Points (Credits × Grade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus | 4 | A (4.0) | 16.0 |
| English | 3 | B+ (3.3) | 9.9 |
| History | 3 | A- (3.7) | 11.1 |
| Total | 10 | — | 37.0 |
GPA = 37.0 ÷ 10 = 3.70
Understanding GPA Scales
Not all schools use the same GPA scale. Here are the most common ones:
4.0 Scale (Standard)
- Most common in US colleges
- A+ and A both equal 4.0
- Maximum GPA: 4.0
4.3 Scale
- Some colleges give A+ = 4.3
- Allows students to exceed 4.0
- Maximum GPA: 4.3
5.0 Scale (Weighted)
- Used in many high schools
- Honors/AP classes get extra points
- An A in an AP class = 5.0
- Helps colleges see course difficulty
Which scale should you use? Check your school's academic policy. When applying to other schools, they'll usually recalculate your GPA using their own scale anyway.
Semester GPA vs. Cumulative GPA
Semester GPA = Your average for just this semester's courses
Cumulative GPA = Your average across ALL semesters combined
Think of it like this:
- Semester GPA is your score for this game
- Cumulative GPA is your season average
Why both matter:
- A bad semester can be recovered from
- But cumulative GPA follows you to graduation
- Most scholarships look at cumulative GPA
How to Improve Your GPA
1. Strategic Course Selection
- Take easier electives when you have hard required courses
- Don't overload on difficult classes in one semester
2. Credits Matter More Than You Think
- A 4-credit course affects your GPA more than a 2-credit course
- Focus extra effort on high-credit classes
3. The Power of Early Action
- It's easier to maintain a high GPA than to raise a low one
- A 2.0 freshman year takes years to recover from
4. Know Your Drop Deadlines
- If you're failing, dropping might be better than an F
- Check if your school offers "W" (withdraw) grades
5. Use Grade Replacement
- Many schools let you retake a class
- Only the new grade counts toward GPA
The Math of Recovery: If you have a 2.0 GPA after 60 credits, you'd need to earn a 4.0 for the next 60 credits just to reach a 3.0. Start strong!
What's Considered a Good GPA?
| GPA Range | What It Means | Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| 3.7 - 4.0 | Excellent | Top graduate schools, competitive scholarships |
| 3.5 - 3.69 | Very Good | Most graduate schools, many scholarships |
| 3.0 - 3.49 | Good | Dean's List (some schools), average grad schools |
| 2.5 - 2.99 | Satisfactory | Graduation, some entry-level jobs |
| 2.0 - 2.49 | Below Average | Minimum for graduation at most schools |
| Below 2.0 | Academic Probation | Risk of dismissal |
Context matters! A 3.5 in Engineering is viewed differently than a 3.5 in an easier major. Graduate schools and employers know this.
Common GPA Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring credit hours Not all classes are equal. A C in a 4-credit class hurts more than an A in a 1-credit class helps.
❌ Not knowing your school's scale Some schools use +/- grades, others don't. An A- might be 3.7 or 4.0 depending on your school.
❌ Forgetting about cumulative impact That "easy A" elective counts the same as your major courses in your cumulative GPA.
❌ Not considering grade replacement If you failed a class, retaking it might replace the F entirely — check your school's policy!
❌ Comparing across schools A 3.5 at a grade-inflated school isn't the same as a 3.5 at a school with tough grading.