How to Calculate GPA

GPA is a credit-weighted average of your grade points. The formula is:

GPA = (sum of credits × grade points) ÷ total credits

Worked example

Say you took three courses in a semester:

• Writing, 3 credits, grade A (4.0)
• Statistics, 4 credits, grade B+ (3.3)
• History, 3 credits, grade A- (3.7)

Multiply each grade point by its credits: (3 × 4.0) + (4 × 3.3) + (3 × 3.7) = 12 + 13.2 + 11.1 = 36.3. Divide by total credits (3 + 4 + 3 = 10): 36.3 ÷ 10 = 3.63 GPA.

Cumulative GPA

To combine a new term with your existing GPA, treat your prior GPA as its own weighted entry: multiply it by your total prior credits, add the new term's weighted points, then divide by your combined total credits.

Grade point scales differ

A 4.0 scale is common in the US, but plus/minus scales, 5.0 scales, and weighted scales for honors or AP courses all exist. Use the grade point values your school assigns, not a generic table, if you need an official number.

To run this calculation on your own courses, use the GPA calculator.