GPA Calculator Guide: How to Calculate Grade Point Average
Weighted vs unweighted GPA, the 4.0 scale, credit-hour math, and semester vs cumulative GPA—with a free online GPA calculator.
Published May 29, 2026 · 2 min read
Grade Point Average (GPA) summarizes academic performance on a fixed scale—usually 4.0 in the U.S. Admissions offices, scholarships, and dean’s lists all reference it, but the exact scale (plus/minus, honors weighting) varies by school.
This guide covers calculation steps, weighted vs unweighted GPAs, and Toolsle’s free GPA calculator.
Core formula
GPA = Σ (grade points × credit hours) ÷ Σ credit hours
Example:
| Course | Credits | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 4 | A (4.0) | 16.0 |
| History | 3 | B+ (3.3) | 9.9 |
| Math | 4 | A- (3.7) | 14.8 |
GPA = (16.0 + 9.9 + 14.8) ÷ (4 + 3 + 4) = 40.7 ÷ 11 ≈ 3.70
Calculate semester or cumulative GPA
Calculate your semester GPA or cumulative GPA instantly using the standard 4.0 grade point scale.
Open tool →4.0 scale reference
| Letter | Points (typical) |
|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 |
| A- | 3.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Your handbook may differ—always use your institution’s table.
Weighted vs unweighted
- Unweighted — honors and AP capped at 4.0
- Weighted — bonus points (+0.5 or +1.0) for accelerated courses; averages can exceed 4.0
Colleges often recalculate GPAs internally for fair comparison.
Related tools
- Weighted grade calculator — one class with exam/homework weights
- Percentage calculator — turn scores into percents before letter mapping
Try the free GPA calculator
Add courses, credits, and letter grades on the GPA calculator. See semester GPA and cumulative GPA when you enter prior totals.
Try the free GPA Calculator
Calculate your semester GPA or cumulative GPA instantly using the standard 4.0 grade point scale.
Open tool →