How GPA Calculation Works
A complete guide to understanding the different GPA systems used by high schools and colleges across the US.
How do you calculate GPA?
Multiply each course's grade points by its credits, add them up, then divide by total credits. For weighted GPA, add boost points (+1.0 for AP, +0.5 for Honors) before multiplying.
Unweighted GPA (4.0 Scale)
The unweighted GPA is the most widely used grading system. It treats all courses equally — an A in a regular English class is worth the same as an A in AP Physics. The scale runs from 0.0 to 4.0.
| Grade | Points | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A- | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | C- | 1.7 |
| B | 3.0 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B- | 2.7 | D / D- | 1.0 / 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 | ||
Example: A (4.0) in a 1-credit course + B (3.0) in a 1-credit course = 7.0 / 2 = 3.50 GPA
Weighted GPA (5.0 Scale)
The weighted GPA rewards students for taking challenging courses. It adds extra "boost" points to your grade based on the course difficulty level. This means your GPA can exceed 4.0.
| Course Type | Boost | A is worth |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | +0.0 | 4.0 |
| Honors | +0.5 | 4.5 |
| AP | +1.0 | 5.0 |
| IB Higher Level | +1.0 | 5.0 |
| IB Standard Level | +0.5 | 4.5 |
| Dual Enrollment | +0.5 | 4.5 |
Note: These are the most common boost values, but your school may use different amounts. Use our calculator's "Edit Boosts" feature to match your school's exact system.
UC GPA System
The University of California has its own GPA calculation system with specific rules. Understanding this is crucial if you're applying to any UC school (Berkeley, UCLA, San Diego, etc.).
UC Capped Weighted GPA
This is the primary GPA used for UC admissions eligibility. Key rules:
- Only a-g approved courses count (History, English, Math, Lab Science, Language, Arts, College-Prep Elective)
- No plus/minus distinctions — A+, A, and A- all count as 4.0
- +1.0 boost for UC-approved honors courses (AP, IB, certain honors, dual enrollment)
- Maximum 8 semester courses can receive the honors boost
- Maximum 4 of those 8 can be from 10th grade
- Only courses from 10th and 11th grade count
UC Uncapped Weighted GPA
Same as capped, but with no limit on the number of honors points. Every eligible honors course gets the +1.0 boost. Some UC campuses consider this alongside the capped GPA.
UC Unweighted GPA
A simple 4.0 scale with no boosts and no plus/minus distinctions. Only a-g courses from 10th and 11th grade count.
Course Types Explained
Regular / Standard
Standard-level high school courses with no additional GPA weight.
Honors
Advanced courses with deeper content and higher expectations. Typically available starting in 10th grade. Usually +0.5 boost.
AP (Advanced Placement)
College-level courses designed by the College Board with a standardized end-of-year exam. Usually +1.0 boost.
IB Higher Level (HL)
Part of the International Baccalaureate program. 240+ teaching hours with greater depth. Usually +1.0 boost.
IB Standard Level (SL)
Foundation-level IB courses with 150 teaching hours. Boost varies by school (often +0.5 or none).
Dual Enrollment
College courses taken at a local college while still in high school. Usually +0.5 boost.
How to Calculate Your GPA: Step by Step
- List your courses with the letter grade you earned and the course type (Regular, Honors, AP, etc.)
- Convert each grade to points using the grade scale (e.g., A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3)
- Add the boost for weighted GPA (e.g., AP gets +1.0, so an A becomes 5.0)
- Multiply by credits — each course's final points times its credit value
- Add up all quality points and divide by total credits
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate GPA?
To calculate GPA: (1) Convert each letter grade to grade points (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.), (2) For weighted GPA, add boost points for advanced courses, (3) Multiply each course's points by its credits, (4) Add all quality points and divide by total credits.
What is the difference between semester and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA only includes courses from a single semester. Cumulative GPA includes all courses across all semesters. Colleges primarily look at cumulative GPA, but semester GPA can show grade trends over time.
What GPA scale do most colleges use?
Most US colleges primarily use the unweighted 4.0 GPA scale for admissions decisions. However, they also consider weighted GPA and course rigor. UC schools use their own capped weighted system. Some colleges recalculate your GPA entirely.
Do colleges see my weighted or unweighted GPA?
Colleges see both. Your transcript typically shows your school's reported GPA (often weighted), and many colleges recalculate your GPA using their own system. Selective colleges often focus on unweighted GPA plus course rigor.
How do credits affect GPA calculation?
Credits weight each course's contribution to your GPA. A 1-credit course contributes twice as much as a 0.5-credit course. Most semester-long high school courses are 1 credit, but some (like PE or study hall) may be 0.5 credits.
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Open the CalculatorLast updated: February 2026