GPA Calculator
Calculate your cumulative GPA from course grades and credit hours.
Results
Visualization
How It Works
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing those quality points, and dividing by total credit hours. This weighted average gives more influence to courses worth more credits.
The Formula
Variables
- Grade Points — Numeric value of letter grade on 4.0 scale (A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0)
- Credit Hours — The number of credits a course is worth, typically 1-5
- Quality Points — Grade Points multiplied by Credit Hours for a single course
Worked Example
You take 4 courses: Biology (A, 4 credits), English (B+, 3 credits), Math (A-, 3 credits), History (B, 3 credits). Quality points: (4.0x4) + (3.3x3) + (3.7x3) + (3.0x3) = 16 + 9.9 + 11.1 + 9.0 = 46.0. Total credits: 13. GPA = 46.0 / 13 = 3.54.
Practical Tips
- A 4-credit course affects your GPA more than a 1-credit course, so prioritize studying for higher-credit classes.
- Many graduate programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission.
- Some schools use a 4.3 scale where A+ = 4.3 — check your institution's scale.
- Pass/Fail courses typically do not count toward your GPA calculation.
- Repeating a course usually replaces the old grade in your GPA at most schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA do I need for Dean's List?
Most colleges require a 3.5 GPA or higher for Dean's List, though requirements vary by institution. Some also require a minimum number of credit hours (typically 12) and no incomplete or failing grades.
Is a 3.0 GPA good?
A 3.0 GPA (B average) is considered solid. It meets the minimum for most graduate programs and many scholarships. However, competitive programs and employers often look for 3.5 or higher.
How do plus and minus grades affect GPA?
Plus and minus modifiers adjust grade points by 0.3. A B+ is 3.3 instead of 3.0, while a B- is 2.7. Not all schools use plus/minus grading — some only use whole letter grades.
Can I raise my GPA after a bad semester?
Yes, but it gets harder as you accumulate more credits. A student with 30 credits needs fewer high grades to shift their GPA than a student with 90 credits. Focus on earning A's in higher-credit courses for maximum impact.
What is the difference between cumulative and semester GPA?
Semester GPA only includes courses from one term, while cumulative GPA includes all courses across your entire academic career. Graduate schools and employers typically look at cumulative GPA.