Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA: What’s the Difference?
Quick Answer: An unweighted GPA is measured on a 4.0 scale, where an A is always a 4.0, regardless of class difficulty. A weighted GPA awards extra points for challenging courses like AP or Honors (e.g., an A can be a 5.0), allowing a student’s GPA to exceed 4.0. It reflects academic rigor.
When you look at a high school transcript, you might see two different GPAs listed: weighted and unweighted. Understanding the difference between these two numbers is crucial for interpreting academic performance and preparing for college applications. This guide will clearly explain both systems.
Unweighted GPA: The Standard Measure
The unweighted GPA is the simplest and most common measure of academic performance. It operates on a standard 4.0 scale and does not account for the difficulty of your courses. An ‘A’ in a standard-level art class is worth the same as an ‘A’ in AP Physics.
- Scale: 0.0 to 4.0
- Purpose: To provide a straightforward average of a student’s grades.
- Limitation: It doesn’t show whether a student challenged themselves with difficult coursework. A student with a 4.0 from easy classes looks the same as a student with a 4.0 from the hardest classes available.
Weighted GPA: Rewarding Academic Rigor
The weighted GPA was created to solve the limitation of the unweighted scale. It provides a numerical reward for students who take on more challenging classes. This is why you often see top students graduating with GPAs like 4.5 or higher.
- Scale: Typically 0.0 to 5.0 (though some schools use different weighting).
- How it Works: An ‘A’ in an AP or IB class might be awarded a 5.0, an ‘A’ in an Honors class a 4.5, and an ‘A’ in a standard class a 4.0.
- Purpose: To give college admissions officers a quick snapshot of a student’s academic rigor.
Example Comparison
Consider a student who got an ‘A’ in two classes, each worth 3 credits:
| Course | Unweighted Grade Point | Weighted Grade Point |
|---|---|---|
| AP U.S. History | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Standard Art | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Average Grade Point | 4.0 (Unweighted GPA) | 4.5 (Weighted GPA) |
How Do Colleges View Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA?
This is the most important question. The answer is: they look at both, but they care most about the story your transcript tells.
Because high schools across the country use different weighting systems, it’s impossible for a college to compare the weighted GPAs of two students from different schools. For this reason, most colleges will recalculate every applicant’s GPA on a standard, unweighted 4.0 scale. However, they don’t ignore the weighted GPA. They use it, along with your list of courses, to assess the rigor of your academic schedule. They want to see that you challenged yourself with the most difficult courses available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which GPA should I put on my resume or application?
If you have the option, it’s often best to list your weighted GPA if it’s higher, as it reflects your hard work. However, many applications will ask for both or specify which one they prefer. If in doubt, list your GPA on a 4.0 scale (e.g., “3.8/4.0”).
How can I calculate my GPA?
Our GPA Calculator can handle both weighted and unweighted GPAs. Simply select the course type (Regular, Honors, AP/IB) to apply the correct weight.
Last Updated: April 2025