How to Calculate GPA: Semester and Cumulative (4.0 Scale)

To calculate GPA, convert each letter grade to grade points (A = 4.0, B = 3.0 and so on), multiply by the course's credits, add everything up and divide by the total credits. That gives your semester GPA. For cumulative GPA, combine those points with your previous total. The GPA Calculator does it as you type and supports weighted Honors and AP courses.

What are grade points on the 4.0 scale?

The standard US scale, used by the calculator:

Letter	Points	Letter	Points
A+	4.0 (or 4.3)	C+	2.3
A	4.0	C	2.0
A-	3.7	C-	1.7
B+	3.3	D+	1.3
B	3.0	D	1.0
B-	2.7	D-	0.7
		F	0.0

Some schools give A+ a 4.3; switch the scale in the calculator if yours does. Always check your school's own table, because a few use different values.

How do I calculate my semester GPA?

Worked example with four courses:

Course	Credits	Grade	Points	Credits × points
Calculus	3	A	4.0	12.0
Biology	4	B+	3.3	13.2
History	3	B	3.0	9.0
Spanish	2	A-	3.7	7.4
Total	12			41.6

GPA = 41.6 ÷ 12 = 3.47.

Notice how credits matter: the 4-credit B+ counts twice as much as the 2-credit A-.

In the GPA Calculator, add a row for each course with its name (optional), credits and grade. The semester GPA updates instantly. A grade points table is built in if you need to check values.

How do I calculate cumulative GPA?

You need your previous cumulative GPA and how many credits it covers.

Example: your previous GPA is 3.20 over 30 credits, and this semester you earned 41.6 quality points over 12 credits.

1. Previous quality points: 3.20 × 30 = 96.0
2. Add this term: 96.0 + 41.6 = 137.6
3. Total credits: 30 + 12 = 42
4. New cumulative GPA: 137.6 ÷ 42 = 3.28

Enter your previous GPA and credits in the "Previous terms" section of the calculator to see this automatically.

What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

• Unweighted GPA uses the 4.0 scale for every course.
• Weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder classes. A common system adds +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP or IB, so an A in AP Biology counts as 5.0. Failed courses get no bonus.

Turn on "Weighted" in the calculator and choose Regular, Honors or AP / IB for each course. Weighting rules vary between high schools, so check yours.

How can I raise my GPA?

• Focus on high-credit courses. Improving a 4-credit course moves your GPA more than a 1-credit one.
• Retake policies: some schools replace a failed grade; others average both attempts.
• Earlier semesters weigh more over time. The more credits you complete, the harder it is to move a cumulative GPA, so act early.
• Know what you need on the final. The Final Grade Calculator shows the exam score needed for your target grade. See what you need on your final exam.

Common mistakes

• Averaging letter grades without credits.
• Mixing percentage grades and letter grades without converting first.
• Forgetting pass/fail courses usually don't count in GPA.
• Using a weighted GPA where a college asks for unweighted.

Calculate your GPA

Open the free GPA Calculator, add your courses, and see your semester and cumulative GPA instantly. It works in your browser with no sign-up. For study planning, try the Pomodoro Focus Timer and our guide to studying better with the Pomodoro Technique.