GPA Calculator - Course Based Grade Point Average
Calculate your term GPA and cumulative GPA from individual course letter grades (A, B+, C, etc.). Perfect for planning your current semester and tracking academic progress with letter grade systems.
GPA Calculator
Enter your course letter grades (A, B+, C, etc.) and credit hours to calculate your term GPA. Add previous GPA to calculate cumulative GPA.
Enter Courses:
Calculate Cumulative GPA (Optional):
What is GPA (Grade Point Average)?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average, a standardized way to measure academic achievement in colleges and universities, primarily in the United States and Canada. GPA converts letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) into numerical values to create a weighted average based on credit hours.
Most institutions use a 4.0 scale where an A equals 4.0, but some use 4.3 or 5.0 scales. Your GPA is calculated by multiplying each course grade by its credit hours, summing these values, and dividing by total credit hours. To calculate what you need on individual assignments within a course, use our average grade calculator.
- Used for academic standing and dean's list recognition
- Required for scholarship and financial aid eligibility
- Important for graduate school admissions
- Considered by employers for entry-level positions
- Determines academic probation or honors status
How to Calculate GPA - Step by Step Guide
GPA Calculation Formula:
Step-by-Step GPA Calculation:
Convert Letter Grades to Points
Use your school's grading scale. On a 4.0 scale: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, etc.
Multiply by Credit Hours
For each course: Grade Points × Credit Hours = Quality Points
Sum Quality Points
Add up all quality points from all courses to get total quality points.
Sum Credit Hours
Add up all credit hours from all courses to get total credit hours.
Divide to Get GPA
Divide total quality points by total credit hours: GPA = Quality Points ÷ Credit Hours
Example GPA Calculation:
| Course | Grade | Grade Points | Credits | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | A | 4.0 | 4 | 16.0 |
| English | B+ | 3.3 | 3 | 9.9 |
| Math | A- | 3.7 | 4 | 14.8 |
| History | B | 3.0 | 3 | 9.0 |
| Total | - | - | 14 | 49.7 |
GPA = 49.7 ÷ 14 = 3.55 (on a 4.0 scale)
Understanding GPA Scales
Different institutions use different GPA scales. Here are the most common scales:
4.0 Scale (Most Common)
4.3 Scale
5.0 Scale (Weighted)
Note:
Always verify your institution's specific grading scale, as some schools may use variations or have different grade point assignments.
Term GPA vs Cumulative GPA
Understanding the difference between term GPA and cumulative GPA is essential for tracking academic progress:
Term GPA (Semester GPA)
- Calculated for a single semester or quarter
- Only includes courses from that specific term
- Useful for tracking current semester performance
- Resets each semester
Cumulative GPA (Overall GPA)
- Average of all semesters combined
- Includes all courses from entire academic career
- Used for graduation requirements and honors
- Appears on official transcripts
Pro Tip: Our calculator can compute both! Enter your current courses for term GPA, or add your previous GPA and credits to calculate your new cumulative GPA.
Why Your GPA Matters
Academic Standing
Determines dean's list eligibility, academic probation, and honors designation at graduation.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Many scholarships require maintaining a minimum GPA for renewal and eligibility.
Graduate School Admissions
GPA is a key factor in admissions to master's, PhD, law, and medical programs.
Job Opportunities
Employers often set GPA minimums for campus recruitment and internship programs.
Honor Societies
Membership in organizations like Phi Beta Kappa requires high GPA maintenance.
Athletic Eligibility
NCAA and college sports require minimum GPA standards for participation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a good GPA?
On a 4.0 scale: 3.5-4.0 is excellent, 3.0-3.4 is good, 2.5-2.9 is average, below 2.0 may result in academic probation. However, "good" varies by institution and program requirements.
How do I calculate cumulative GPA with this calculator?
Enter your current course grades and credits to get term GPA. Then, add your previous cumulative GPA and total credits earned to calculate your new cumulative GPA after the current term. For semester-wise cumulative calculations across multiple terms, try our CGPA calculator.
Do all colleges use the same GPA scale?
No. While most US colleges use a 4.0 scale, some use 4.3 or 5.0 scales. Some high schools use weighted GPAs for honors/AP classes. Always check your institution's specific grading policy.
Can I raise my GPA significantly in one semester?
It depends on how many credits you've completed. Early in your academic career (freshman year), one strong semester can significantly impact GPA. Later, the effect is smaller due to more accumulated credits.
What GPA do I need for graduate school?
Most graduate programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Competitive programs (top MBA, law, medical schools) typically look for 3.5 or higher. Check specific program requirements as they vary widely.
How are pass/fail courses calculated in GPA?
Pass/fail courses typically don't affect GPA calculation. They count toward credit hours for graduation but aren't included in GPA calculations. Policies vary by institution.
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale for all courses. Weighted GPA gives extra points for honors, AP, or IB courses (often up to 5.0 or 6.0 scale), rewarding course difficulty.
Tips to Improve Your GPA
Prioritize High-Credit Courses
Focus extra effort on courses worth more credits—they have a bigger impact on your GPA.
Use Office Hours
Regularly visit professors during office hours for clarification and to show engagement.
Form Study Groups
Collaborate with classmates to review material and prepare for exams together.
Stay Organized
Use planners and calendars to track assignments, exams, and deadlines effectively.
Utilize Tutoring Services
Take advantage of free campus tutoring for challenging subjects before falling behind.
Manage Your Course Load
Don't overload yourself. Balance challenging courses with easier ones each semester.
Start Strong
Perform well on early assignments and exams—they set the tone and build momentum.
Consider Grade Replacement
If allowed, retake courses where you received low grades to improve your GPA.
Related Calculators
Explore more tools to help with your academic calculations
CGPA Calculator
Calculate Cumulative Grade Point Average across multiple semesters for international systems.
Average Grade Calculator
Calculate weighted averages for assignments within a course.
Final Grade Calculator
Find out what you need on your final exam to achieve your target grade.
Percentage to CGPA
Convert percentage scores to CGPA for different grading systems.