How to Calculate GPA
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a weighted average of your grades across all courses, where each grade is first converted to grade points on a 4.0 scale and then weighted by the number of credit hours the course carries. A 4-credit course counts for more than a 1-credit seminar, which is why simple averaging of letter grades gives the wrong answer.
Last updated: March 31, 2026
The Formula
Quality Points = Grade Points × Credit Hours GPA = Σ(Quality Points) ÷ Σ(Credit Hours)
Variable Definitions
| Symbol | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grade Points | Grade Points | Numeric value for each letter grade on the 4.0 scale: 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 |
| Credit Hours | Credit Hours | The number of credits a course is worth, typically 1–4 per semester |
| Quality Points | Quality Points | Grade Points multiplied by Credit Hours — the weighted contribution of each course |
Step-by-Step Example
A student completed four courses in a semester. Calculate their semester GPA.
Given
Solution
- 1Calculate quality points for Calculus:
3.3 × 4 = 13.2 - 2Calculate quality points for History:
4.0 × 3 = 12.0 - 3Calculate quality points for English:
3.0 × 3 = 9.0 - 4Calculate quality points for PE:
4.0 × 1 = 4.0 - 5Sum all quality points:
13.2 + 12.0 + 9.0 + 4.0 = 38.2 - 6Sum all credit hours:
4 + 3 + 3 + 1 = 11 - 7Divide total quality points by total credits:
38.2 ÷ 11 = 3.47
Semester GPA is 3.47 (between B+ and A−).
Ready to calculate?
Use the free GPA Calculator — instant results, no sign-up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Averaging letter grades directly without weighting by credit hours — a 4-credit class should count more than a 1-credit class.
Including pass/fail courses or courses marked P/F in the GPA calculation — these typically do not affect GPA.
Using the wrong grade scale — some schools use a modified 4.0 scale or a 4.33 scale where A+ = 4.33. Check your institution's policy.
Confusing semester GPA with cumulative GPA — cumulative GPA includes all courses across all semesters.