The 4.0 grade point scale used here
This is a common 4.0 scale used by many US colleges. Scales differ between schools: some give an A+ 4.3 points, some use D- grades, and each school decides which percentage earns which letter. Check your college catalog or student handbook for your own school's scale.
| Letter grade | Grade points |
|---|---|
| A+ / 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 |
| F | 0.0 |
How GPA is calculated
Worked example
A university student takes 4 classes in a semester: Economics (3 credits, grade A = 12 points), Calculus I (4 credits, grade B+ = 13.2 points), Computer Science (4 credits, grade A- = 14.8 points), and Academic Writing (3 credits, grade A = 12 points). Total credits = 14. Total quality points = 52.0. Dividing 52.0 by 14 gives a semester GPA of 3.71, which is about an A- average.
Frequently asked questions
What is a weighted vs unweighted GPA?
An unweighted GPA measures all classes on a 4.0 scale regardless of difficulty. A weighted GPA gives extra points (up to 5.0) for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses.
Do Pass/Fail courses affect GPA?
Usually no. Pass/Fail or credit-only courses count toward your degree credit requirements, but are excluded from GPA quality point calculations.
Why do some courses change my GPA more than others?
Each grade is weighted by the course's credits. A 4-credit course counts for more than a 1-credit course, so its grade moves your GPA further.
What GPA do I need for honors or the Dean's List?
Every college sets its own cut-offs for Latin honors (cum laude, magna cum laude, summa cum laude) and the Dean's List. Your college catalog or registrar's website lists them.