How this GPA calculator works
Enter each course’s credit hours and letter grade (or custom grade points per credit for non-standard scales). The tool multiplies grade points by credits, sums, and divides by total credits. Optional Settings let you cap A+ at 4.0 (matching schools that do not use 4.3) and merge a prior cumulative GPA with its credit total so this term’s courses update an overall GPA. The GPA planning block estimates the minimum average GPA you need on a block of future credits to hit a target cumulative — a simplified model; retakes and policy details vary by institution.
Letter grade to grade points (default scale)
| Grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.3 |
| 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 / E | 0.0 |
P, NP, I, W are excluded (no grade points and no credits in the GPA denominator here). Some schools map E like F.
GPA formula
GPA = Σ (grade points × credits) ÷ Σ (credits), counting only courses that carry GPA quality points under your policy.
Example: 4 credits at A+ (4.3) → 17.2 points; 2 credits at B (3.0) → 6.0; 3 credits at A (4.0) → 12.0. Total points 35.2, credits 9 → GPA ≈ 3.91.
Weighted high school GPAs
Honors/AP/IB courses sometimes use points above 4.0. This tool’s letter table tops out at 4.3 (or 4.0 with A+ cap); for weighted courses, use Custom (points) per course to match your school’s scale.
What different GPA ranges often mean (informal)
- Near 4.0: very strong record on an unweighted scale.
- ~3.5–3.9: strong performance for many programs and scholarships.
- ~3.0–3.4: solid “B” range for many minimum requirements.
- Below 2.0: often near academic probation territory at many colleges — check your handbook.
GPA planning math
If your current GPA is g over c credits and you take a more credits at average x, cumulative becomes (g·c + x·a) / (c + a). Set that equal to target G and solve: x = (G(c+a) - g·c) / a. Large c makes x harder to move — a reason early grades matter.
Habits that support better grades
No strategy works for everyone, but steady attendance, organized notes, spaced review instead of only cramming, realistic course loads, and using office hours and tutoring centers tend to help both learning and grades.
Also see: Percentage calculator, Scientific calculator.