How this works

GPA is calculated as a credit-weighted average. Each course contributes proportionally to your overall GPA based on both its letter grade and its credit hours. The formula: multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours, sum all those products, then divide by the total credit hours across all courses.

Example: An A (4.0) in a 3-credit course contributes 12.0 quality points. A B (3.0) in a 4-credit course contributes 12.0 quality points. Total: 24.0 quality points ÷ 7 total credits = 3.43 GPA. The 4-credit B brings the GPA down from a pure 4.0 A average because it carries more weight.

The standard 4.0 grade point scale

A+ / A = 4.0

Most institutions treat A+ identically to A on the 4.0 scale, though some schools award 4.3 for A+.

A− = 3.7

B+ = 3.3

B = 3.0

B− = 2.7

C+ = 2.3

C = 2.0

Often the minimum passing grade for major requirements and graduate school eligibility at many institutions.

C− = 1.7

D+ = 1.3

D = 1.0

Technically passing at many schools but may not satisfy major, minor, or prerequisite requirements.

D− = 0.7

F = 0.0

Failing. Counts as 0 quality points but full credit hours in the denominator, which makes it disproportionately damaging to GPA.

GPA benchmarks to know

4.0 — Perfect

All A grades. Rare over a full degree program; requires no grade below A in any course.

3.5+ — Dean's List range

Most institutions use 3.5 as the threshold for Dean's List or academic honours recognition each semester.

3.0 — B average

Common minimum GPA for graduate school applications, scholarships, and some academic honours societies.

2.0 — C average, minimum satisfactory standing

The floor for remaining in good academic standing at most US colleges. Below this triggers academic probation.

Why failing courses hit GPA so hard

An F (0.0) contributes zero quality points but full credit hours to the denominator. That asymmetry is severe: getting an F in a 3-credit course and then retaking it for an A doesn't neutralise the damage — both grades often remain on the transcript and both count in the GPA calculation (at schools that don't use grade forgiveness). Even where grade forgiveness applies and only the new grade counts, the failed attempt may still appear on the record.

Frequently asked

Does this match my school's official GPA?

It closely matches schools using the standard 4.0 plus/minus scale. Some institutions use a non-standard scale (e.g. treating A+ as 4.3, or not using plus/minus grades at all). Always confirm against your school's registrar for any official purpose — scholarship applications, graduate school submissions, or academic standing reviews.

What if I have a pass/fail or non-graded course?

Most schools exclude pass/fail courses from GPA calculation entirely — leave them out of the calculator. Credit hours from P/F courses typically still count toward degree requirements and total units, just not GPA.

How do I calculate what grade I need to hit a target GPA?

Use the calculator in reverse: enter all your completed courses, then add a hypothetical future course and change the grade until the displayed GPA reaches your target. The grade that gets you there is what you need to aim for in remaining coursework.

Does withdrawing from a course affect GPA?

A standard withdrawal (W) typically does not affect GPA — it appears on the transcript but contributes no grade points and is excluded from the GPA denominator. A withdrawal failing (WF) at some institutions is treated as an F and does affect GPA. Check your school's specific policy.