The Science of Academic Grading
A **Grade Point Average (GPA)** is a single number that summarizes your entire academic performance. It is used globally by universities and employers to gauge a student's consistency and intellectual rigor.
Standard 4.0 Scale
Most North American institutions use the 4.0 scale. An 'A' is 4.0, a 'B' is 3.0, and so on. Pluses and minuses (A-, B+) add or subtract 0.3 points respectively in most systems.
Credit Weighting
Not all courses are equal. A 4-credit Lab course influences your GPA significantly more than a 1-credit Seminar. Our calculator automatically handles this math for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
GPA is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours attempted. Each letter grade is assigned a numerical value (e.g., A=4.0, B=3.0).
Unweighted GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty. Weighted GPA gives extra points for Honors, AP, or IB courses, often using a 5.0 scale.
Usually, Withdraw (W) or Incomplete (I) grades do not affect the GPA calculation, although 'F' or 'No Credit' grades typically do.