How is GPA calculated?

GPA is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing all weighted points, then dividing by total credit hours. Example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 12 points. If total points = 48 and total credits = 15, GPA = 48/15 = 3.2.

A GPA of 3.5–4.0 is considered excellent (Dean's List at most schools). 3.0–3.49 is good, 2.5–2.99 is average, and below 2.0 may risk academic probation. Graduate school admissions typically require 3.0+.

How do I raise my GPA?

GPA is weighted by credit hours, so taking more credits and earning high grades has the greatest impact. Retaking courses where you received low grades (if your school allows grade replacement) is one of the fastest ways to raise a low GPA.

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GPA Calculator

Calculate your current semester GPA, cumulative GPA, and what grades you need to reach your target GPA. Supports all grading scales including 4.0, 5.0, and letter grades. Free, no signup.

Calculate GPA

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Semester GPA

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QUALITY POINTS

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COURSES

Current GPA

Credits Completed

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New Cumulative GPA

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PREV GPA

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NEW GPA

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CHANGE

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Current GPA

Credits Completed

Target GPA

Credits Remaining

To achieve your target GPA:

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Standard 4.0 grade scale:

A+/A

4.0

A−

3.7

B+

3.3

3.0

B−

2.7

C+

2.3

2.0

C−

1.7

1.0

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How GPA Is Calculated

GPA (Grade Point Average) measures academic performance on a standard scale, most commonly 4.0 in the US. It is calculated by converting each letter grade to grade points, multiplying by the credit hours of the course, summing all quality points, and dividing by total credit hours.

Quality Points = Grade Points × Credit Hours
GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours

Example: A (4.0) × 3 credits = 12.0 pts
         B+ (3.3) × 4 credits = 13.2 pts
         C  (2.0) × 2 credits = 4.0 pts
         Total: 29.2 pts / 9 credits = 3.24 GPA

Weighted vs Unweighted GPA

Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty. Weighted GPA gives bonus points (typically +0.5 or +1.0) for honors, AP, or IB courses, resulting in a GPA that can exceed 4.0. Most college admissions offices recalculate GPA on their own scale.

GPA Benchmarks and What They Mean

4.0 (A): Perfect GPA. Dean's List at virtually all schools. Opens doors to top graduate programs and scholarships.
3.5–3.99: Excellent. Dean's List at most schools. Competitive for medical, law, and top MBA programs.
3.0–3.49: Good. Meets minimum GPA for most graduate programs. Competitive for most employers.
2.5–2.99: Average. May limit graduate school options. Some employers screen at 3.0.
2.0–2.49: Below average. May trigger academic probation warnings at some schools.
Below 2.0: Academic probation territory at most institutions. Risk of academic dismissal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GPA include failed courses?

Yes. At most institutions, failed courses (grade F = 0.0) count toward your GPA calculation with their full credit weight, dragging the average down. Withdrawn courses (W) typically do not affect GPA, though excessive withdrawals may raise flags in applications. Some schools allow grade forgiveness or replacement for retaken courses — check your school's specific policy.

How many credits does it take to raise my GPA significantly?

GPA change is harder as you accumulate more credits because each new grade has less weight. With 30 completed credits, one semester of straight A's (15 credits) can move your GPA by 0.3–0.5 points. With 90 completed credits, the same semester moves it by only 0.1–0.15 points. Use the Target GPA tab to calculate exactly what you need.

What is a 3.5 GPA in letter grade terms?

A 3.5 GPA falls between a B+ (3.3) and an A− (3.7). It represents strong academic performance, typically meaning a mix of A's and B+'s across your courses. On a percentage scale, it roughly corresponds to an 88–91% average depending on the grading scale used by your institution.