A Grade Point Average (GPA) is a universally accepted metric used by educational institutions to summarize a student's academic performance. It is a weighted average of the grades earned in all courses, factoring in the credit hours assigned to each class.
How Weighted GPA is Calculated
- Assign Grade Points: Each letter grade (e.g., A, B+, C) is assigned a corresponding numeric value (e.g., on a 4.0 scale: A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0).
- Calculate Total Quality Points: For each course, multiply the credit hours by the grade points earned. This gives you the Quality Points for that course.
- Sum Totals: Add up all the Quality Points and add up all the Credit Hours.
- Calculate GPA: Divide the Total Quality Points by the Total Credit Hours.
Grading Scales Overview
4.0 Scale: The most common scale in the US. A typical mapping is A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. This calculator uses a detailed standard scale (e.g., A-=3.7, B+=3.3).
5.0 Scale: Often used for weighted GPAs where Honors, AP, or IB courses receive an extra point (e.g., A in an AP class = 5.0 points).
Percentage Scale (100-Point): Converts a numerical grade (like 92/100) into a grade point, often used in schools that rely heavily on cumulative percentage grades.