What is a GPA calculator?

A GPA calculator computes your Grade Point Average — a numerical summary of your academic performance — by combining the grade points earned in each course, weighted by the number of credit hours. The Texterfly GPA Calculator uses the standard 4.0 scale and supports any number of courses, custom credit hours, and any letter grade system.

What is the 4.0 GPA scale?

The 4.0 scale is the most common GPA system in the US. It maps letter grades to grade points: A+ = 4.0, 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+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, F = 0.0. GPA is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing all results, and dividing by total credit hours.

How do I calculate GPA manually?

Step 1: Convert each letter grade to grade points (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0, with +/- adjustments). Step 2: Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours (quality points). Step 3: Add all quality points together. Step 4: Divide the total quality points by total credit hours. Example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course + B (3.0) in a 4-credit course = (12 + 12) ÷ 7 = 3.43 GPA.

What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

An unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale for all courses regardless of difficulty. A weighted GPA gives bonus grade points for harder courses — Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes add 0.5 to 1.0 extra grade points, resulting in a scale that can reach 5.0 or higher. Colleges generally recalculate your GPA on their own unweighted scale when reviewing applications.

What GPA do I need to get into college?

Requirements vary widely: highly selective universities (Harvard, MIT, Stanford) typically see admitted students with 3.9–4.0+ weighted GPAs. Selective universities typically look for 3.5–3.9. Mid-range universities often accept 3.0–3.5. Community colleges and open-enrollment institutions generally accept all students regardless of GPA. Always check the specific requirements of institutions you are applying to.

What GPA do I need to maintain for a scholarship?

Scholarship GPA requirements vary by award: most merit scholarships require 3.0–3.5 minimum. Prestigious scholarships (National Merit, Rhodes Scholar) typically require 3.7–4.0. Athletic scholarships (NCAA Division I) require a minimum 2.3. Federal financial aid (FAFSA) requires Satisfactory Academic Progress, usually 2.0. Always check the specific renewal terms of your scholarship.

What is a cumulative GPA?

Your cumulative GPA is the average of all grades across all semesters of your academic career, weighted by credit hours. It differs from your semester GPA, which only covers one term. Colleges and employers typically refer to your cumulative GPA. To calculate it, include all courses from all semesters in the GPA Calculator.

How do I raise my GPA?

Your GPA is weighted by credit hours, so courses worth more credits have more impact. To raise your GPA: focus on high-credit core courses first, consider retaking courses where you earned low grades if your institution allows grade replacement, take manageable course loads to maintain quality, and use the GPA Calculator to model how different grade outcomes would affect your average before enrolling.

Is the GPA Calculator free?

Yes. The GPA Calculator is 100% free with no registration, subscription, or payment required.

Is my academic data private?

Yes. All GPA calculations run entirely in your browser. Your course names, grades, and credit hours are never sent to any server or stored anywhere.

How is GPA calculated?

GPA = sum of (grade points × credit hours) divided by total credit hours. For example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit course = 12 points. B (3.0) in a 4-credit course = 12 points. Total: 24 ÷ 7 credits = 3.43 GPA.

What is a weighted GPA?

A weighted GPA assigns higher point values to more challenging courses. Honours courses typically use a 4.5 scale and AP/IB courses a 5.0 scale, while standard courses use 4.0. This rewards students for taking harder classes.

What GPA is needed for Cum Laude?

Common thresholds are: Cum Laude = 3.5+, Magna Cum Laude = 3.7+, Summa Cum Laude = 3.9+. These vary by institution — check your school's specific requirements.

A 4.0 GPA means you received an A in every course on a standard scale. It is the highest possible unweighted GPA in the American grading system.

What is a cumulative GPA?

Cumulative GPA is your overall average across all completed semesters — the number shown on your official transcript. This calculator combines your previous GPA and credits with current semester courses to give your new cumulative GPA.

What GPA do I need in future semesters to reach my goal?

Use the Future Planner tab. Enter your current cumulative GPA, total credits, desired GPA, and planned future credits. The tool calculates the exact average GPA you need in those future courses.

Can I save my GPA history?

Yes. Use the History & Trends tab to save each semester's GPA with a name (e.g. "Fall 2024"). Your history is stored in your browser's local storage and visualised as a trend chart.

Back to Education Tools

GPA Calculator

Calculate semester and cumulative GPA with weighted courses (Honours, AP/IB), a Future GPA Planner, and semester history tracking. Free, no signup.

Semester GPACumulative GPAWeighted CoursesCustom ScalesFuture PlannerGPA Trend ChartAuto-Save100% Free

Current Semester Courses

Current Cumulative GPA

Total Credits Earned

Optional — fill these in to calculate your new cumulative GPA.

Course (optional)

Grade

Credits

Type

Semester GPA

—

Cumulative GPA

—

Support Our Free Tools

If you find this calculator helpful, please consider supporting our work. Your contribution helps us build and maintain these free tools for everyone.

Buy me a coffee

How to Calculate GPA

Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is the sum of (grade points × credit hours) for each course, divided by total credit hours. This calculator handles standard 4.0, weighted Honours (4.5), and AP/IB (5.0) scales — and can combine your current semester with previous credits for a true cumulative GPA.

# GPA formula

GPA = Σ(grade points × credits) ÷ total credits

# Example

English A (4.0) × 3 credits = 12.0

Math B (3.0) × 4 credits = 12.0

History A- (3.7) × 3 credits = 11.1

GPA = (12.0 + 12.0 + 11.1) ÷ 10 = 3.51

⚖️

Weighted Courses

Automatically handles Standard (4.0), Honours (4.5), and AP/IB (5.0) scales. Customize to match your school's exact values.

🎯

Future GPA Planner

Enter your target GPA and planned courses. The tool calculates the exact average you need in future semesters to reach your goal.

📈

Progress Tracking

Save each semester to see your GPA trend over time. Identify which semesters raised or lowered your cumulative average.

GPA Scale Reference — Standard vs Weighted

Letter Grade	%	Standard (4.0)	Honours (4.5)	AP/IB (5.0)
A+	97–100	4.0	4.5	5.0
A	93–96	4.0	4.5	5.0
A-	90–92	3.7	4.2	4.7
B+	87–89	3.3	3.8	4.3
B	83–86	3.0	3.5	4.0
B-	80–82	2.7	3.2	3.7
C+	77–79	2.3	2.8	3.3
C	73–76	2.0	2.5	3.0
C-	70–72	1.7	2.2	2.7
D	60–69	1.0	1.5	2.0
F	0–59	0.0	0.0	0.0

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GPA calculated?: GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by multiplying the grade points for each course by its credit hours, summing all results, then dividing by the total credit hours. For example: an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course contributes 12 grade points. A B (3.0) in a 4-credit course contributes 12 grade points. Total: 24 points ÷ 7 credits = 3.43 GPA.
What is a cumulative GPA?: A cumulative GPA is your overall average across all semesters you have completed. This tool calculates it by combining your previous GPA and credit hours with your current semester courses. It's the GPA shown on your official transcript.
What is a weighted GPA?: A weighted GPA gives more points for harder courses. Honours courses often use a 4.5 scale and AP/IB courses a 5.0 scale, while standard courses use 4.0. This rewards students for taking challenging coursework. Many high schools report both weighted and unweighted GPA.
What GPA is needed for Cum Laude honours?: Latin honours thresholds vary by institution, but commonly: Cum Laude requires a 3.5+ GPA, Magna Cum Laude requires 3.7+, and Summa Cum Laude requires 3.9+. This tool labels your GPA accordingly — check your school's specific requirements.
What is a 4.0 GPA equivalent to?: A 4.0 GPA means you received an A in every course on a standard scale. It is the highest possible unweighted GPA in the American grading system. Maintaining a 4.0 requires As in all subjects.
Can I raise my GPA in one semester?: Yes, but the impact depends on how many credits you have already earned. The more credits you've accumulated, the smaller the change any single semester can make. Use the Future Planner to calculate exactly what GPA you need next semester to reach your target.
How does GPA affect college admissions?: GPA is one of the most important factors in college admissions. Most selective universities expect a 3.7+ unweighted GPA. However, grade trends (improving over time) and course rigour (honours, AP) matter as much as the raw number.
What GPA do you need for scholarships?: Many merit scholarships require a minimum 3.0 GPA, with more competitive awards requiring 3.5–4.0. Academic honours scholarships often require 3.7+. Use the Future Planner to track whether you're on target for scholarship requirements.

Explore All Tools

82 free tools — no signup required

All 82 tools are free · No signup · No ads