What is GPA and how is it calculated?
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standardised way of measuring academic achievement in the United States and many other countries. Each letter grade corresponds to a numerical value on a 4.0 scale— for example A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, and F = 0.0. Weighted GPA is calculated by multiplying each grade's point value by the number of credit hours for that course, summing those "quality points," and dividing by the total credits: GPA = Σ(grade × credits) / Σcredits.
How to use this calculator
Enter each course's name (optional), credit hours, and letter grade in the row fields. The grade dropdown shows the corresponding point value beside each letter. Click + Add Course to add more rows, or press the × button to remove one. Your GPA updates automatically as you type. The result card displays the GPA, a colour-coded honour label (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, etc.), total credits, quality points, a visual GPA-scale bar, and a per-course breakdown.
Understanding the GPA scale
On a standard 4.0 scale, a GPA of 3.5 or higher is generally considered excellent. Many honour societies and scholarship programmes require a minimum of 3.0. A GPA below 2.0 may trigger academic probation. Plus and minus grades (A−, B+, etc.) provide finer resolution—an A− earns 3.7 instead of a full 4.0, while a B+ earns 3.3 instead of 3.0.
Practical uses
Students track semester and cumulative GPAs to monitor progress toward graduation requirements and honours. Admissions offices review GPA for graduate-school applications. Employers in certain fields use GPA as a screening criterion. Scholarship committees set minimum GPA thresholds. This calculator lets you experiment with "what-if" scenarios—change a grade and instantly see how it affects your overall average.
Tips
Include every graded course to get an accurate cumulative GPA. Pass/fail courses without a letter grade should be omitted. Credit hours vary by institution—check your transcript. This free calculator runs entirely in your browser with no sign-up, no download, and instant results on any device. Bookmark it to track your GPA throughout the semester.