GPA Calculator Free & Accurate!

Calculate your GPA instantly with our free calculator supporting high school and college students. Whether you need to track your semester GPA, calculate cumulative GPA for college applications, or determine your target GPA, our tool provides accurate results in seconds. New to GPA calculation? Start with our beginner-friendly guide: How to Calculate GPA.

How to Calculate Your GPA in 3 Steps

1. Add Your Courses

Enter your course name (optional), select your grade format (letter grades or percentage grades), and input credit hours for each class. Our calculator supports both high school and college grading systems, including regular classes, Honors courses, Advanced Placement (AP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

New to GPA calculation? Check our complete guide on how to calculate GPA for detailed step-by-step instructions.

For High School Students: Include all courses from your current semester or entire high school career. Don’t forget to specify the course type (Regular, Honors, AP, or IB) to get an accurate weighted GPA calculation.

For College Students: Enter your course credits and class grades for the semester. Most college courses range from 1-5 credit hours, with typical courses being 3 credits.

2. Choose Your Scale

Select your grading scale based on your school district requirements:

• 4.0 scale (US standard) – Most common point scale in American schools
• 4.3 scale (A+ = 4.3) – Used by some selective universities
• 5.0 scale (weighted) – High school weighted scale for AP/Honors courses with extra points
• 10.0 scale (international) – Common in European and Asian educational systems

Need help determining which scale to use? Check with your school’s registrar or guidance counselor about your school’s grading system. Learn more about different grading scales and how they work.

3. View Results

See your GPA, total credits earned, total grade points, and grade breakdown instantly. Our calculator displays both your weighted and unweighted GPA, along with your overall GPA and semester GPA.

GPA Formula: Total Quality Points (Grade Points × Credits) ÷ Total Credit Hours = Your GPA

Example: If you earned 45 quality points across 15 credits: 45 ÷ 15 = 3.00 GPA

Why Use This GPA Calculator?

High School GPA Calculator Features

Perfect for students tracking academic performance throughout their high school career. Calculate weighted GPA for AP classes, Honors courses, and IB programs automatically. Get accurate GPA calculations for college applications and scholarship requirements.

College GPA Calculator Tools

Track your semester GPA and cumulative GPA across multiple terms. Monitor your academic standing, calculate what you need for Dean’s List, and plan course selection to maintain Financial Aid eligibility.

Multiple GPA Scales

Switch between different grading scales instantly. Our calculator adapts to your school district’s system, whether you’re using a 4.0 unweighted scale or a 5.0 weighted scale for advanced coursework.

Weighted GPA Support

Automatically calculates weighted GPA for challenging courseload. AP course and IB classes receive appropriate bonus points:

• Regular classes: Standard 4.0 point scale
• Honors courses: +0.5 extra points (A = 4.5)
• AP/IB courses: +1.0 extra points (A = 5.0)

Understanding the difference is crucial for college applications. Read our detailed guide on weighted vs unweighted GPA to learn which matters more.

Cumulative GPA Calculator

Combine your previous grades from all semesters to see your overall GPA. Essential for tracking academic achievement and planning your path to your target GPA.

Target GPA Planner

Calculate what semester GPA you need this term to reach your goal cumulative GPA. Perfect for students working toward specific GPA requirements for college admissions, graduate school, or maintaining scholarships.

Professional Export

Download PDF reports or CSV files for college applications, scholarship submissions, or academic advising meetings. Keep track of your total number of credits and course grades throughout your academic journey.

What is GPA and Why Does It Matter?

GPA (Grade Point Average) converts your letter grades or percentage grades into numerical values, typically on a 4.0 scale. It’s the most important metric of your academic performance and appears on your official transcript.

Why GPA Matters for High School Students

College Admissions Top universities require 3.7-4.0 unweighted GPA. Elite schools like Ivy League institutions look at both your unweighted scale performance and weighted GPA to assess course difficulty and academic achievement.

College Applications & Financial Aid A good GPA opens doors to merit scholarships and Financial Aid opportunities. Many scholarship programs have minimum GPA requirements:

• Full-ride scholarships: typically need 3.9+ GPA
• Merit scholarships: often require 3.5+ GPA
• Most colleges evaluate your entire high school career GPA

Class Rank & Academic Standing Your current GPA affects your class rank, eligibility for Honors societies, and consideration for special programs. Higher GPAs demonstrate consistent academic performance.

Why GPA Matters for College Students

Academic Standing Maintain above 2.0 GPA to stay in good academic standing. Achieve 3.5+ for Dean’s List honors. Your semester GPA affects academic probation status and Financial Aid eligibility.

Graduate School Master’s programs typically require 3.0+ overall GPA. PhD programs prefer 3.5+ GPA. Professional schools (medical, law, business) have specific GPA requirements for admission.

Career Opportunities Many employers screen candidates with minimum GPA requirements, usually 3.0+ for entry-level positions. A higher GPA can differentiate you in competitive job markets.

Understanding GPA Scales & Grading Systems

4.0 Scale (US Standard Unweighted Scale)

Most common grading scale in American schools. Letter grades convert to grade points on a standard point scale:

This unweighted scale treats all classes equally, regardless of course difficulty. Want to understand how different grading systems work? Check our Grading Scale Explained guide.

4.3 Scale (A+ Recognition)

Some colleges award 4.3 for A+ letter grades. Used by Stanford, Columbia, and other selective schools. Check your school district policy to see if A+ grades receive extra points.

5.0 Scale (Weighted Scale for Advanced Courses)

High school weighted scale that rewards challenging courseload. Maximum GPA varies by course type:

• Regular classes: 4.0 max (standard point scale)
• Honors courses: 4.5 max (+0.5 bonus)
• AP/IB courses: 5.0 max (+1.0 bonus)

Example: An A in an AP course = 5.0 grade points on the weighted scale, but 4.0 on the unweighted scale.

Why Weighted GPA Matters: College admissions officers use weighted GPA calculator results to evaluate course rigor. Taking AP classes and earning good grades demonstrates readiness for college-level work.

10.0 Scale (International)

Common in European and Asian schools. Uses different numerical values:

• 9-10 = Excellent (equivalent to A)
• 7-8 = Good (equivalent to B)
• 5-6 = Passing (equivalent to C)

High School GPA vs. College GPA

High School GPA Calculation

Your high school GPA includes all courses from grades 9-12. Most school districts calculate both weighted and unweighted GPAs:

Unweighted GPA: All classes on 4.0 scale, regardless of course difficulty Weighted GPA: Extra points for Honors courses, AP course, and International Baccalaureate programs

Course Credits: High school courses typically worth 0.5-1.0 credits per semester

What Colleges Look For:

• Cumulative GPA across four-year high school career
• Upward grade trend (improvement over time)
• Balance between higher GPA and challenging courseload
• Weighted GPA showing academic rigor

College GPA Calculation

College GPA uses a credit-based system where course credits vary (typically 1-5 credits per class):

Semester GPA: Your average GPA for one term only Cumulative GPA: Your overall GPA across all college terms combined

Total Credits Matter: A 3-credit A has more impact than a 1-credit A on your total GPA

Quality Points System: Grade Points × Course Credits = Quality Points Sum of Quality Points ÷ Total Number of Credits = Your GPA

Semester vs. Cumulative vs. Weighted GPA

Semester GPA

Your average GPA for one academic term. Resets each semester. Used for:

• Dean’s List qualification (typically 3.5+)
• Academic probation removal (need 2.0+)
• Semester-specific scholarships
• Progress monitoring

When it matters: Some students have a lower cumulative GPA but achieve high semester GPA, showing academic improvement and stronger recent performance.

Cumulative GPA (Overall GPA)

Your total GPA across ALL semesters. This is the GPA that appears on your official transcript for college applications and job applications.

Calculation: Combine quality points from ALL terms ÷ total credits from ALL terms.

Important: Don’t average semester GPAs together! This gives incorrect results. Always use total grade points ÷ total number of credits.

Example:

• Previous semesters: 3.2 GPA × 45 credits = 144 quality points
• Current semester: 3.5 GPA × 15 credits = 52.5 quality points
• New cumulative: (144 + 52.5) ÷ (45 + 15) = 3.28 overall GPA

Weighted GPA (For High School Students)

High school GPA with bonus points for advanced coursework. Shows colleges you challenged yourself with rigorous courses.

Colleges evaluate both:

• Unweighted GPA: Your raw grades (academic ability)
• Weighted GPA: Course difficulty (academic ambition)

Good Strategy: Balance between higher GPA and challenging classes. A 3.8 unweighted GPA with multiple AP classes often beats a 4.0 GPA with only regular classes for competitive college admissions. Wondering if your GPA is competitive? Learn more about whether a 3.5 GPA is good and what it means for your college prospects.

What is a Good GPA?

GPA requirements vary by goal. Here’s what you need for different academic and career objectives:

GPA Requirements for High School Students

College Admissions by Institution Type:

• Ivy League & Top 10: 3.9-4.0 unweighted, 4.3+ weighted
• Top 50 universities: 3.7+ unweighted, 4.0+ weighted
• State flagship universities: 3.5+ unweighted
• Regional colleges: 3.0+ unweighted
• Community colleges: Open admission (no minimum)

Scholarship GPA Requirements:

• Full-ride scholarships: 3.9+ required, plus leadership/activities
• Half-tuition merit aid: 3.7+ required
• Partial scholarships: 3.0-3.5 range, varies by institution

Target GPA by Grade Level:

• Freshman year: Establish strong foundation (3.5+)
• Sophomore year: Increase rigor with Honors courses (3.7+)
• Junior year: Most important for college applications (3.8+)
• Senior year: Maintain or improve (colleges check mid-year grades)

GPA Requirements for College Students

Academic Standing Requirements:

• Dean’s List: 3.5+ semester GPA required
• Good standing: 2.0+ cumulative GPA required
• Academic probation: Below 2.0 (varies by institution)
• Academic dismissal: Usually below 2.0 for multiple semesters

Graduate School by Program Type:

• Medical school: 3.7+ required (3.9+ competitive)
• Law school: 3.5+ required (3.8+ for top programs)
• MBA programs: 3.0+ required (3.5+ for top schools)
• Master’s programs: 3.0+ minimum (3.3+ competitive)
• PhD programs: 3.5+ preferred (3.7+ for STEM fields)

Financial Aid & Scholarships:

• Federal Financial Aid: Usually 2.0 minimum
• Merit scholarships: Maintain 3.0-3.5 (check specific requirements)
• Athletic scholarships: 2.3+ to maintain NCAA eligibility
• Departmental scholarships: Often require 3.3+ in major courses

GPA Calculation Example: Step-by-Step

Let’s calculate GPA for a typical college semester showing how grade points and course credits combine:

Semester GPA Calculation: Total Grade Points: 40.9 Total Credits: 12 GPA = 40.9 ÷ 12 = 3.41 (B+ average)

Quality Points Breakdown:

1. Convert each letter grade to grade points using the grading scale (A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3, etc.)
2. Multiply grade points by credit hours for each class to get quality points
3. Sum all quality points (this is your total grade points earned)
4. Divide total grade points by total credit hours to get your current GPA

High School Weighted GPA Example

Here’s how AP classes and Honors courses affect your weighted GPA:

Unweighted GPA: (4.0 + 3.7 + 3.3 + 3.0) ÷ 4 = 3.50 Weighted GPA: (5.0 + 4.2 + 3.3 + 4.0) ÷ 4 = 4.13

This example shows how taking AP course and Honors courses can boost your weighted GPA above 4.0, even with some B grades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my GPA?

Convert your letter grades to grade points using your school’s grading scale (typically A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0). Multiply each grade by the course credits to get quality points. Add all quality points together, then divide by your total number of credits. Our GPA calculator does this GPA calculation automatically for both semester GPA and cumulative GPA. For a detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide on how to calculate GPA.

What’s the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

An unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 point scale (max 4.0) for all classes, regardless of course difficulty. A weighted GPA calculator adds extra points for challenging courses: Honors courses get +0.5 bonus (max 4.5) and Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses get +1.0 bonus (max 5.0). College admissions officers look at both to evaluate your academic performance and courseload rigor. Read our in-depth comparison: Weighted vs Unweighted GPA: What’s the Difference and Which Matters for College.

How do I calculate cumulative GPA across multiple semesters?

Add up all quality points (grade points × credits) from ALL semesters, then divide by the total number of credits from all terms. Important: Don’t average your semester GPAs together—this gives incorrect results. Your cumulative GPA or overall GPA must always use total grade points ÷ total credits for accurate calculation.

What GPA is required for college admissions?

It depends on the school. Ivy League requires 3.9-4.0 unweighted GPA plus strong weighted GPA showing course rigor. Top 50 universities typically need 3.7+ unweighted. State flagship schools usually require 3.5+ unweighted. Regional colleges accept 3.0+ unweighted. Community colleges have open admission. Your high school career GPA, class grades, and course difficulty all factor into college applications.

Can I round my GPA?

Most school districts and colleges allow rounding to the nearest hundredth (3.487 → 3.49) but not to the next tenth (3.49 → 3.5). Never round to whole numbers (3.49 → 3). Always check your school’s grading system policy. When submitting college applications, report your GPA exactly as it appears on your official transcript. Learn more about different grading scales and rounding policies.

How do plus/minus grades affect my GPA?

Plus/minus grading systems use decimal grade points: 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+=1.3, D=1.0, F=0.0. These numerical values allow finer distinctions in academic performance. Note: Some school districts don’t award A+ (4.3 or 4.0 max), so check your school’s grade scale.

What GPA do I need for scholarships?

Full-ride scholarships typically require 3.9+ GPA plus strong extracurriculars and leadership. Half-tuition merit scholarships need 3.7+ GPA. Partial scholarships require 3.0-3.5 GPA range. Requirements vary by institution and scholarship program. Many scholarships also have GPA requirements to maintain Financial Aid—usually 3.0-3.5 minimum each semester.

How do I raise my GPA?

Focus on high-credit courses (an A in a 4-credit class impacts your total GPA 4× more than a 1-credit class). Retake failed courses if your school district allows grade replacement. Attend office hours regularly—students who do average 0.5-1.0 GPA points higher. Form study groups for challenging classes. Use academic resources early, not when you’re already struggling. Start raising your current GPA freshman year when you have fewer total credits—it gets harder to move your cumulative GPA later.

Should I take easier classes to get a higher GPA or harder classes for college admissions?

Balance is key. College admissions officers prefer seeing a 3.7-3.9 unweighted GPA with multiple AP classes over a perfect 4.0 with only regular classes. Your weighted GPA shows you challenged yourself. However, don’t sacrifice your academic standing by taking too many advanced courses at once. A strategic courseload mixing AP course, Honors courses, and some regular classes often yields the best results for college applications.

How does my GPA affect Financial Aid?

Most federal Financial Aid requires maintaining at least 2.0 cumulative GPA. Merit-based scholarships typically need 3.0-3.5 minimum GPA each semester. Fall below the requirement and you risk losing funding. Some schools offer academic probation grace periods, but prolonged low GPA can make you ineligible. Use our target GPA calculator to determine what semester GPA you need to maintain your scholarships.

What’s the difference between high school and college GPA calculation?

High schools often use 0.5-1.0 credit value per semester course and may calculate both weighted and unweighted GPAs. Colleges use variable course credits (1-5 typically) and usually only report unweighted cumulative GPA. College GPA directly affects academic standing, Financial Aid, and graduate school applications. Your high school career GPA is used only for college admissions—colleges don’t carry over your previous grades when you start as a freshman.

5 Tips to Improve Your GPA

1. Prioritize High-Credit Courses

An A in a 4-credit course impacts your overall GPA four times more than an A in a 1-credit course. Focus your study time and effort on classes with the most credits. Before choosing courseload each semester, consider both course difficulty and credit value. Use our GPA calculator to forecast how different class grades will affect your total GPA. Planning for finals? Our Final Grade Calculator helps you determine exactly what score you need.

2. Retake Failed Courses Strategically

Many school districts and colleges allow grade replacement—when you retake a class, the new grade replaces the previous grade in your GPA calculation (though both may appear on your transcript). Prioritize retaking D’s and F’s in high-credit required courses for maximum GPA boost. For example, replacing an F (0.0) with a B (3.0) in a 3-credit course adds 9.0 quality points to your total grade points.

3. Attend Office Hours Regularly

Students who attend office hours average 0.5-1.0 GPA points higher than those who don’t. Professors and teachers provide exam hints, clarify difficult concepts, and may offer grade flexibility for engaged students. Building relationships with instructors improves your academic performance and can help with recommendation letters for college applications or graduate school.

4. Use Grade Forgiveness or Academic Fresh Start Programs

If your school district or college offers grade forgiveness, academic amnesty, or fresh start programs, understand the policies. Some institutions allow you to exclude a certain number of poor grades from GPA calculation if you meet specific criteria. This can significantly help recover from a difficult semester without permanently damaging your cumulative GPA or Financial Aid eligibility.

5. Track Your GPA After Each Semester

Calculate your current GPA and cumulative GPA regularly using our calculator to make informed decisions about course selection, study time allocation, and target GPA planning. If you’re aiming for specific college admissions requirements or need to maintain scholarships, knowing your GPA helps you stay on track. Use the GPA calculator before registration to forecast how different course grades will impact your academic standing.

Understanding Course Types & Their Impact

Regular Classes (Standard Courses)

Regular classes use the standard 4.0 unweighted scale with no extra points. These courses form the foundation of your courseload and are typically graduation requirements. While they don’t boost your weighted GPA, maintaining strong class grades in regular classes is essential for a good GPA overall.

Honors Courses (Advanced High School Classes)

Honors courses offer more rigorous content than regular classes but less than AP course or International Baccalaureate programs. Most school districts award +0.5 extra points on the weighted scale (A = 4.5 instead of 4.0). These courses demonstrate academic ambition to college admissions officers while being more manageable than AP classes for many students.

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP classes follow College Board curriculum and culminate in standardized AP exams. These college-level courses award +1.0 bonus on the weighted GPA calculator (A = 5.0 instead of 4.0). Strong performance in AP course shows readiness for college-level work. Many colleges offer credit for high AP exam scores (typically 4-5), potentially saving money and time in college.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programs

International Baccalaureate offers comprehensive two-year programs for juniors and seniors. IB courses typically receive the same +1.0 weighted GPA bonus as AP classes. The full IB diploma program is highly regarded by college admissions officers worldwide and demonstrates exceptional academic commitment and course difficulty.

GPA and College Applications: What You Need to Know

When Colleges Evaluate Your High School Career GPA

What Colleges See:

• Cumulative GPA from grades 9-12 (some only count 10-12)
• Both weighted and unweighted GPAs
• Grade trends (improvement over time valued highly)
• Course rigor (AP classes, Honors courses taken)
• Class rank in relation to class size

Application Timeline:

• Junior year GPA: Most critical for college applications (used for early application)
• Senior year first semester: Submitted as mid-year grades
• Final grades: Can affect admission rescindment if GPA drops significantly

Using GPA Calculators for College Planning

Strategic Course Selection: Use our GPA calculator to forecast how different courseload combinations affect your weighted and unweighted GPAs. This helps you balance course difficulty with maintaining a higher GPA—both matter for competitive college admissions.

Target GPA Planning: If you’re aiming for specific college admissions (e.g., 3.8 unweighted for certain universities), calculate what semester GPA you need in remaining semesters to reach your target GPA. This helps with realistic goal-setting and study planning. Not sure if your GPA is competitive? Read Is a 3.5 GPA Good? Your Complete Answer for 2026.

Scholarship Applications: Many scholarships have minimum GPA requirements. Track your current GPA to ensure you meet eligibility criteria. Some scholarships also consider GPA trends—showing consistent improvement can be advantageous even if your cumulative GPA isn’t perfect.

Additional Academic Resources

Need Help With Other Grade Calculations?

Grade Calculator Calculate test scores and percentages instantly. Convert wrong answers to letter grades. Perfect for determining what grade you earned on an exam or assignment based on points earned versus total points.

Final Grade Calculator Determine what score you need on your final exam to reach your target grade in a course. Essential for students who need a specific course grade to maintain their GPA or meet prerequisite requirements.

Weighted Grade Calculator Calculate final course grades when assignments have different percentage weights (e.g., homework 20%, tests 50%, final exam 30%). Useful for understanding how each assignment affects your overall course grade.

Get Expert Academic Guidance

If you need help improving your academic performance, developing a strategic courseload, or navigating college applications, consider working with academic advisors or college counselors. They can help you:

• Choose appropriate course difficulty for your abilities
• Balance higher GPA goals with challenging coursework
• Develop study strategies for improved class grades
• Plan your high school career for optimal college admissions
• Understand your school’s grading system and policies
• Calculate and track your GPA effectively

Related Resources:

• How to Calculate GPA: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
• Weighted vs Unweighted GPA Explained
• Grading Scale Explained: Understanding Different Systems
• Is a 3.5 GPA Good? Complete 2026 Analysis

Start Calculating Your GPA Today Use our free GPA calculator to track your academic progress, plan your target GPA, and make informed decisions about your education. Whether you’re a high school student preparing college applications or a college student maintaining Financial Aid eligibility, accurate GPA calculation is essential for academic success.

Questions or Need Additional Support? Check with your school’s registrar, guidance counselor, or academic advisor for institution-specific grading policies and GPA calculation methods. Every school district and college may have slightly different systems for calculating weighted and unweighted GPAs.