How to Calculate Your GPA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer: To calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA), follow these steps: 1. Convert each letter grade to its grade point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.). 2. Multiply each grade point by the number of credit hours for that course to get the “quality points.” 3. Add up all the quality points. 4. Divide the total quality points by the total number of credit hours.
Your GPA is one of the most important metrics of your academic career. Understanding how it’s calculated gives you the power to track your progress and set achievable goals. This guide will walk you through the formula and a detailed example. For an instant result, use our powerful GPA Calculator.
Step 1: Convert Your Letter Grades to Grade Points
The first step is to translate each of your letter grades into a numerical value on the standard 4.0 scale. Most US schools use a scale similar to this one:
| Letter Grade | Grade Point |
|---|---|
| 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 | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Step 2: Calculate Quality Points for Each Course
Next, you need to factor in the “weight” of each course, which is its credit hour value. Multiply the grade point from Step 1 by the number of credits for each course.
Formula: Grade Points × Credit Hours = Quality Points
Step 3: Sum Your Totals
Now, add up two numbers: the total quality points from all your courses and the total credit hours you’ve taken.
Step 4: Divide to Find Your GPA
The final step is to divide your total quality points by your total credit hours. The result is your GPA for that semester.
GPA Formula: Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours = GPA
Example Calculation
Let’s say you took the following courses in a semester:
| Course | Credits | Grade | Grade Point | Quality Points (Credits x Grade Point) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| History 101 | 3 | A- | 3.7 | 3 x 3.7 = 11.1 |
| Biology 101 | 4 | B | 3.0 | 4 x 3.0 = 12.0 |
| English 101 | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 3 x 3.3 = 9.9 |
| Calculus I | 4 | C | 2.0 | 4 x 2.0 = 8.0 |
| Totals | 14 | 41.0 |
Calculation: 41.0 (Total Quality Points) / 14 (Total Credits) = 2.93 GPA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What about weighted vs. unweighted GPA?
The calculation above is for an unweighted GPA. A weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced courses like AP or Honors (e.g., an A might be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0). For a full explanation, read our guide on weighted vs. unweighted GPA.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA?
To calculate a cumulative GPA, you simply add the quality points and credit hours from the new semester to your previous totals, and then perform the same division. Our GPA calculator can do this for you automatically.
Last Updated: April 2025