Your GPA (Grade Point Average) summarizes your academic performance in a single number. Understanding how it's calculated helps you set realistic goals and know exactly what you need this semester.
How GPA Works
GPA is a weighted average of your grades, where each course is weighted by its credit hours. The standard US scale runs from 0.0 to 4.0:
- A = 4.0, A− = 3.7
- B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7
- C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C− = 1.7
- D = 1.0, F = 0.0
The Formula
Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours to get quality points. Add up all quality points, then divide by the total credit hours.
GPA = (sum of grade points × credits) ÷ (total credits)Example: an A (4.0) in a 3-credit class and a B (3.0) in a 4-credit class gives (4.0×3 + 3.0×4) ÷ 7 = (12 + 12) ÷ 7 = 3.43.
Higher-credit courses move your GPA more. Prioritize your effort where the credit hours - and the impact - are greatest.
Semester vs. Cumulative GPA
- Semester GPA covers only the current term's courses.
- Cumulative GPA covers every course you've taken - it changes more slowly as you accumulate credits.
Skip the arithmetic and use the GPA Calculator - add each course with its grade and credits, and it computes both your semester and cumulative GPA instantly. Your entries stay in your browser.