How to Calculate GPA on a 4.0 Scale (With Examples)

Your grade point average (GPA) is the average of the grade points you earned, weighted by how many credits each course is worth. Here is how to calculate GPA by hand, and how to check it with our GPA calculator.

Step 1: Turn letter grades into points

On the common US 4.0 scale, A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0 and F = 0. Many schools also use plus and minus grades, such as A- = 3.7 and B+ = 3.3.

Step 2: Multiply points by credits

A 3-credit course with an A gives 4.0 × 3 = 12 quality points. A 4-credit course with a B gives 3.0 × 4 = 12.

Step 3: Divide by total credits

Add all quality points, then divide by the total credits attempted.

Worked example

Say you earn an A in a 3-credit class, a B in a 4-credit class and a C in a 3-credit class. Quality points: 12 + 12 + 6 = 30. Total credits: 10. GPA: 30 ÷ 10 = 3.0.

Weighted vs unweighted GPA

An unweighted GPA treats every course the same. A weighted GPA gives extra points for harder courses, often +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP or IB, so the maximum can pass 4.0. Policies differ by school, so check yours before relying on any estimate.

Next steps

If you are aiming for a target GPA, work out what you need in each class. To plan a single course, use the grade calculator and read how to find the grade you need on a final exam.