AP GPA Calculator
See exactly how your Advanced Placement courses affect your GPA. Calculate the boost from AP classes and plan your course load strategically.
How much do AP classes boost your GPA?
AP classes receive a +1.0 boost on the weighted GPA scale. An A in AP is worth 5.0 points (instead of 4.0), and a B is worth 4.0 (instead of 3.0). This is the highest standard course boost.
How AP Classes Affect Your GPA
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level classes offered in high school through the College Board. On a weighted GPA scale, AP classes typically receive a +1.0 boost — the highest boost of any course type.
This means an A in an AP class is worth 5.0 points instead of 4.0, and even a B in AP (4.0 weighted) matches an A in a regular course on the weighted scale.
AP Grade Point Values
| Grade | Unweighted | AP Weighted (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.0 | 3.0 |
AP Courses and UC GPA
If you're applying to University of California schools, AP courses receive a +1.0 boost in the UC system as well. However, UC has additional rules:
- Plus/minus grades are not used (A- counts the same as A)
- Maximum 8 semester courses can receive the honors boost (capped GPA)
- Only a-g approved courses count
- Only 10th and 11th grade courses are included
Is It Worth Taking AP Classes?
From a GPA perspective, AP classes are almost always beneficial for your weighted GPA — even if you earn a slightly lower grade. Here's a comparison:
Scenario A: A in Regular = 4.0 unweighted, 4.0 weighted
Scenario B: B+ in AP = 3.3 unweighted, 4.3 weighted
The AP class gives you a higher weighted GPA even with a lower letter grade. However, your unweighted GPA would be lower.
The best approach is to take AP courses in subjects you're strong in, where you can maintain at least a B or better. Use our GPA calculator to model different scenarios before choosing your courses.
Most Popular AP Courses
- AP English Language
- AP English Literature
- AP US History
- AP World History
- AP Government
- AP Psychology
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP Statistics
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics
- AP Computer Science
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do AP classes boost your GPA?
AP classes typically receive a +1.0 boost on the weighted GPA scale. This means an A in an AP class is worth 5.0 points (instead of 4.0), and a B is worth 4.0 points (instead of 3.0). This is the highest boost of any standard course type.
Is it better to get an A in regular or B in AP for GPA?
For weighted GPA, a B in AP (4.0 weighted) equals an A in regular (4.0 weighted). However, your unweighted GPA would be lower with the B. Colleges generally prefer seeing AP courses because they demonstrate academic rigor.
How many AP classes should I take?
There is no magic number. Competitive colleges like to see 5-10 AP courses over high school, but quality matters more than quantity. Take AP courses in subjects you are strong in and genuinely interested in. A B+ in AP is better than avoiding the challenge.
Do AP exam scores affect my GPA?
No. AP exam scores (1-5) are separate from your course grade and do not affect your high school GPA. Your GPA is calculated from the letter grade you earn in the class. However, AP exam scores of 3+ can earn college credit.
Do all high schools weight AP classes the same?
No. While +1.0 is the most common AP boost, some schools use +0.5, and others use even higher values. Some schools do not weight any courses at all. You can customize the boost values in our calculator to match your school.
Calculate Your GPA with AP Courses
Add your AP courses alongside your regular classes and see exactly how they impact your weighted and unweighted GPA.
Open the CalculatorLast updated: February 2026