This GPA calculator converts letter grades into a grade point average. Enter comma separated grades and, for weighted mode, matching credits. Weighted GPA = sum(points × credits) ÷ sum(credits).
Students use it mid semester to see how a hard class moves the average, or before applications to sanity check unofficial estimates. For percent style grade needs on a single exam weight, use the grade calculator.
GPA = total quality points ÷ total credit hours, where quality points = grade points × credits for each course. On the common 4.0 scale A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3 and B = 3.0, so A, B+, A- and B in 3-, 3-, 4- and 3-credit courses give 45.7 ÷ 13 = 3.52. A “weighted GPA” in high school usually also adds bonus points for honors or AP classes; check your school’s scale.
How the formula works
Each letter maps to points on a four point style scale. In weighted mode those points multiply by credit hours, then divide by total credits. In unweighted mode the tool averages the point values with equal weight per course.
Worked example
Grades A, B+, A-, B with credits 3, 3, 4, 3. Points: 4.0, 3.3, 3.7, 3.0. Quality points = 12 + 9.9 + 14.8 + 9 = 45.7. Credits = 13. GPA ≈ 3.52.
| Input | Value |
|---|---|
| Grades | A, B+, A-, B |
| Credits | 3, 3, 4, 3 |
| Mode | Weighted |
| GPA | ~3.52 |
Letter grade to GPA points (4.0 scale)
| Letter | Points | Letter | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A- | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | C- | 1.7 |
| B | 3.0 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B- | 2.7 | D | 1.0 |
| — | — | D- / F | 0.7 / 0.0 |
Sources: plus/minus values match the calculator’s map and published university scales, for example, Indiana University (https://registrar.indiana.edu/grades/grade-values/grading-system.html). College Board BigFuture’s plain-letter chart: A 90–100 = 4.0, B 80–89 = 3.0, C 70–79 = 2.0, D 66–69 = 1.0, below 65 = 0.0 (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/plan-for-college/get-started/how-to-calculate-gpa-4.0-scale). Note: Some schools count A+ as 4.33; use your school’s map.
GPA examples
| Scenario | Math | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Five equal classes: A, A, A, B, C (BigFuture) | (4+4+4+3+2) ÷ 5 | 3.40 |
| A, B+, A-, B with 3/3/4/3 credits | 45.7 ÷ 13 | 3.52 (3.50 unweighted) |
| Cumulative: 3.20 over 60 credits + 15 credits of 4.0 | (192 + 60) ÷ 75 | 3.36 |
| Cumulative: 3.20 over 60 credits + 15 credits of 3.0 | (192 + 45) ÷ 75 | 3.16 |
| Honors weighting (+0.5): one honors A plus a B and an A, equal credits | (4.5+3+4) ÷ 3 | 3.83 weighted / 3.67 unweighted |
Planning line: moving from 3.20 over 60 credits to 3.50 takes 36 more credits of straight A’s.
How to use the fields
- Letter grades are comma separated in course order.
- Credits match that order when mode is weighted.
- Mode switches between weighted and unweighted averages.
Weighted versus unweighted
In this tool, “weighted” mode means credit-weighted: a four credit A moves the average more than a one credit A. A high school “weighted GPA” usually means honors or AP bonus points, which this tool does not add (see the honors example row above). Unweighted mode treats every listed course the same, which can help when credits are missing or equal by policy.
Planning course loads
Before dropping or adding a class, re run the list with the new grades and credits. Small credit changes can move a borderline scholarship cutoff. Keep a copy of both scenarios so you compare apples to apples.
Common mistakes
- Mismatched grade and credit list lengths
- Forgetting plus or minus letters that your school uses
- Mixing term GPA with cumulative GPA goals
- Assuming every school uses identical point maps
Major GPA versus cumulative GPA
Some programs track a major only average. Build a second grade list that includes only major courses and matching credits. Do not assume the campus portal number matches a hand list until you reconcile transferred and repeated courses.
Honors or AP weighting on high school transcripts is a separate policy layer. This calculator uses a standard college style letter map without extra bump points.
Retakes and transfer credits
Some schools replace an earlier grade after a retake, while others average both attempts, so rebuild the list the way your catalog describes. Transfer credits and repeated courses follow campus rules that this form cannot encode. A one letter change in a high credit course moves GPA more than the same letter in a one credit lab, so reconcile against the registrar policy when you need an official number.
Limitations
Results use a fixed letter map and do not apply honors weighting, pass or fail exclusions, or forgiveness policies. Treat the output as a planning estimate, then verify on your transcript portal.
For related unit and percent checks while you plan materials, try the unit converter or the percentage calculator.