How to use the GPA calculator
For each course, optionally type its name, pick the letter grade you received or expect and enter the number of credit hours. Leave unused rows blank. Your term GPA updates instantly. To see your overall standing, enter your current cumulative GPA and the total credits it is based on – the calculator merges them with the new term to give an updated cumulative GPA.
How GPA is calculated
Each letter grade is converted into grade points on the 4.0 scale, multiplied by the course's credit hours, and the total is divided by the total number of credits:
For example, an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit course give (12 + 12) ÷ 7 = 3.43.
The 4.0 scale used here
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A− | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | C− | 1.7 |
| B | 3.0 | D+ / D / D− | 1.3 / 1.0 / 0.7 |
| B− | 2.7 | F | 0.0 |
This is the most common unweighted scale in U.S. colleges. Some schools award 4.3 for an A+, and many high schools use weighted scales that give extra points for honors or AP classes – check your institution's rules.
How to raise your GPA
- High-credit courses carry more weight, so focus effort where the credits are.
- Ask whether your school allows grade replacement when you retake a course.
- The more credits you have completed, the harder it is to move your cumulative GPA – early terms matter most.
- Use the cumulative fields to set a realistic target for next semester.
Pass/fail courses and withdrawals usually don't count toward GPA, so leave them out.
Worked example
Say you took English (3 credits, A), Calculus (4 credits, B+) and Biology (3 credits, A−). Your grade points are 3 × 4.0 + 4 × 3.3 + 3 × 3.7 = 12 + 13.2 + 11.1 = 36.3 across 10 credits, so your term GPA is 3.63. If you already had a 3.40 GPA over 45 credits, your new cumulative GPA would be (3.40 × 45 + 36.3) ÷ 55 ≈ 3.44.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate my GPA?
Multiply each course’s grade points by its credit hours, add the results and divide by the total credits.
What is the difference between term and cumulative GPA?
Term GPA covers one semester. Cumulative GPA covers all completed courses, weighted by credits.
Is an A+ worth more than 4.0?
On the standard scale an A+ counts as 4.0. Some institutions use 4.3, so check your school’s policy.
Do pass/fail courses affect GPA?
Usually not. They earn credits toward graduation but are not included in the GPA calculation.
Last reviewed 2026-10-27. This gpa calculator is provided for general information; verify important decisions with a qualified professional.