GPA Calculator
Enter your courses, letter grades, and credit hours to calculate your weighted GPA.
Grade Point Values (4.0 Scale)
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | 93–100% |
| A− | 3.7 | 90–92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87–89% |
| B | 3.0 | 83–86% |
| B− | 2.7 | 80–82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77–79% |
| C | 2.0 | 73–76% |
| C− | 1.7 | 70–72% |
| D | 1.0 | 60–69% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 60% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How is GPA calculated?
GPA is calculated as a weighted average of grade points earned per course. Each letter grade converts to a grade point value (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0, with +/− adjustments). Multiply each grade point value by the course credit hours to get grade points earned. Sum all grade points and divide by total credit hours. Example: A in a 3-credit course = 4.0 × 3 = 12 grade points. B in a 4-credit course = 3.0 × 4 = 12 grade points. Total: 24 grade points ÷ 7 credits = 3.43 GPA.
What is the 4.0 GPA scale?
The standard US 4.0 scale assigns: A+/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, D− = 0.7, F = 0.0. Some schools use a weighted 5.0 scale for AP/honors courses. Colleges typically use the 4.0 scale for admissions comparison. A GPA of 3.5+ is generally considered excellent; 3.0+ is considered good; below 2.0 typically triggers academic probation.
What is the difference between GPA and cumulative GPA?
A semester GPA covers only one semester's coursework. Cumulative GPA is the overall average across all semesters at that institution. To calculate cumulative GPA, add all grade points from all semesters and divide by total credit hours attempted. Transfer credits may or may not be included depending on the institution. Graduate school admissions, scholarships, and honors designations (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) typically reference cumulative GPA.
What GPA do I need for graduate school, medical school, or law school?
Competitive graduate programs vary widely: Medical school (MD): average accepted GPA ~3.7+ (MSAR 2024); Law school top-14: ~3.7+ median; MBA programs: top schools average 3.5–3.7; PhD programs: typically 3.5+ minimum, often 3.7+ for competitive programs. Many programs also consider GRE/GMAT/LSAT scores, research experience, and personal statements alongside GPA. A lower GPA in early years can be offset by an upward grade trend and strong upper-division performance.
Can I raise my GPA significantly senior year?
Yes, but it gets harder to move as you accumulate more credits. Early in college (30 credits total), each semester has large impact. By senior year (90+ credits), each semester moves the needle less. Example: 3.0 GPA after 90 credits — to raise to 3.5, you would need a perfect 4.0 over the next 90 credits. Practically, aim for the highest possible grades in remaining courses, consider grade forgiveness/retake policies, and focus on courses in your major that impact graduate school applications most.