GPA Calculator
Compute your semester and cumulative GPA. Input courses, credits, and letter grades to find your current standing or target for next term.
Semester GPA Calculator
Term GPA
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Add at least one graded course
How GPA Is Calculated
Your GPA is the weighted average of your grades. Each letter grade converts to points on a numeric scale. You multiply each grade's point value by the course credits, sum all those weighted points, then divide by the total credits taken.
Formula:
GPA = Σ(grade points × credits) / Σ(credits)
Five-Course Example
| Course | Grade | Credits | Points | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology I | A− | 4 | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| Chemistry | B+ | 3 | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| English | A | 3 | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| History | B− | 3 | 2.7 | 8.1 |
| Philosophy | A | 4 | 4.0 | 16.0 |
| Total | 17 | — | 60.8 |
Calculation: 60.8 ÷ 17 = 3.58 GPA
Grade-Point Tables by Scale
Institution Variation
These are common grading scales used by U.S. universities, but every institution sets its own. Check your registrar's official grading policy to confirm which scale and point values apply to your courses.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA
This calculator measures unweighted GPA—each grade's point value is the same regardless of course type (regular, honors, AP, etc.). Some high schools and a few colleges use weighted GPA, which awards bonus points for advanced courses (e.g., A in AP Calculus = 5.0 instead of 4.0).
Most U.S. colleges recalculate your GPA using their own scale and ignore high school weights. When you apply to college or check your transcript, confirm which type your institution publishes.
For weighted GPA calculations, see our weighted GPA calculator.
Five Mistakes That Break a GPA Calculation
1. Counting courses instead of credits
GPA is credit-weighted, not course-weighted. A 4-credit A counts twice as much toward your GPA as a 2-credit A. Dividing total points by the number of courses (not credits) gives a false answer.
2. Including pass/no-pass grades
P and NP grades carry no point value and do not enter the GPA calculation at all. They consume credits but don't affect your average. Your calculator here excludes them automatically.
3. Forgetting repeated-course policies
If you retake a course, your school may count only the new grade, replace the old one entirely, or average both. Check your registrar's repetition policy—a C erased by an A should not pull down your GPA if "grade replacement" applies.
4. Mixing transfer and home credits
Transfer credits from another school often count toward your degree but not toward your GPA (no grade points transfer). Your cumulative GPA is built only on courses taken at your own institution. Do not add transferred courses to this calculator unless your registrar explicitly includes them in your GPA.
5. Confusing different grading scales
If you have taken courses under different grading systems (e.g., some on a 4.0 scale, others on a 4.3), your institution's policy dictates how they combine. This tool lets you pick one scale; if your transcript truly uses mixed scales, verify with your registrar before relying on the total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical summary of your academic performance, calculated by converting letter grades to points, weighting them by credit hours, and averaging the total. Most U.S. colleges use a 4.0 scale where A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0.0. Some institutions use plus/minus modifiers (A−, B+, etc.) or alternative scales like 4.3.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
To calculate cumulative GPA across multiple terms, sum the quality points (grade points × credits) from all courses taken, then divide by the total credits earned. If you enter your prior cumulative GPA and prior credits, this calculator will compute your new cumulative after adding the current term's grades.
Does a P (pass) or NP (no pass) grade affect my GPA?
No. Pass/no-pass grades carry no point value and are excluded from both the numerator and denominator of the GPA calculation. Select "P/NP—exclude from GPA" in the grade dropdown if your course uses this grading mode. The credits still count toward your degree progress but not toward your average.
What if I retake a course I failed?
Policies vary. Some schools practice "grade replacement" (the new grade entirely replaces the old one in GPA calculations). Others average the two grades or count both. Check your registrar's repeated-course policy. If your school uses replacement, enter only the newer grade in this calculator; the old grade no longer affects your GPA.
Can I reach my target GPA in one semester?
Enter your target cumulative GPA and planned credits in the "Target Cumulative" section. The calculator shows the term GPA you need to reach it. If that required GPA exceeds your scale maximum (e.g., 4.5 on a 4.0 scale), it is not achievable in one term; the calculator will say so and show the highest cumulative you can reach instead.