Cumulative GPA Calculator: Weighted & Unweighted
Calculate your GPA with our comprehensive tool supporting both weighted and unweighted calculations, multiple semesters, and cumulative GPA tracking for high school and college students.
Get accurate GPA calculations, understand the difference between weighted and unweighted GPAs, and learn how to improve your academic standing with our complete guide and interactive calculator.
Weighted & unweighted • Multiple semesters • Cumulative tracking • Grade conversion
Interactive GPA Calculator
GPA Type
Choose whether to calculate weighted or unweighted GPA for all courses
Current GPA (Optional)
If you have existing credits and GPA, enter them here to calculate your new cumulative GPA
Semester 1
Understanding GPA: The Complete Guide
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your academic performance, calculated by averaging the grade points earned across all your courses.
What is GPA?
- Definition: GPA stands for Grade Point Average, a standardized way to measure academic achievement
- Purpose: Used by colleges, employers, and scholarship committees to evaluate academic performance
- Scale: Typically calculated on a 4.0 scale for unweighted GPA or 5.0 scale for weighted GPA
- Importance: Critical for college admissions, scholarships, honors programs, and graduate school applications
Standard GPA Scale
Grade scales may vary by school. Some schools use different percentage ranges or don't award A+ grades.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA: What's the Difference?
Understanding the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA is crucial for college applications and academic planning.
| Aspect | Unweighted GPA | Weighted GPA | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scale | 4.0 scale maximum | 5.0 scale maximum (sometimes higher) | Weighted GPA allows for grades above 4.0 in advanced courses |
| Course Difficulty | All courses treated equally | Advanced courses receive bonus points | AP, IB, and Honors courses get extra credit in weighted calculations |
| College Admissions | Shows raw academic performance | Shows course rigor and challenge level | Colleges consider both but often recalculate using their own methods |
| Class Rank | May disadvantage students taking harder courses | Rewards students for academic challenge | Most schools use weighted GPA for determining class rank |
| Scholarships | Some scholarships use unweighted GPA | Others prefer weighted to see course rigor | Check specific requirements for each scholarship or program |
How Weighted GPA Bonus Points Work
AP (Advanced Placement)
Bonus: +1.0 point
A = 5.0 instead of 4.0
IB (International Baccalaureate)
Bonus: +1.0 point
A = 5.0 instead of 4.0
Honors
Bonus: +0.5 to +1.0 point
A = 4.5-5.0 instead of 4.0
Dual Enrollment/College
Bonus: +0.5 to +1.0 point
A = 4.5-5.0 instead of 4.0
Note: Bonus point systems vary by school district. Some schools cap weighted GPA, others allow unlimited scaling.
How to Calculate GPA Step-by-Step
Learning to calculate GPA manually helps you understand how your grades impact your overall academic standing.
Convert Letter Grades to Points
Use the standard 4.0 scale to convert each letter grade to grade points
Example: A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3, C = 2.0, etc.
Multiply by Credit Hours
Multiply each course's grade points by the number of credit hours for that course
Example: Biology (A = 4.0) × 4 credits = 16 grade points
Add All Grade Points
Sum up the total grade points earned across all courses
Example: 16 + 12 + 9 + 8 = 45 total grade points
Add Total Credit Hours
Sum up the total number of credit hours attempted
Example: 4 + 3 + 3 + 2 = 12 total credit hours
Divide Grade Points by Credit Hours
Divide total grade points by total credit hours to get your GPA
Example: 45 grade points ÷ 12 credit hours = 3.75 GPA
Practice Example
| Course | Grade | Credits | Points | Calculation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | A | 4 | 4 | 4.0 × 4 = 16 |
| Math | B+ | 4 | 3.3 | 3.3 × 4 = 13.2 |
| Science | A- | 3 | 3.7 | 3.7 × 3 = 11.1 |
| History | B | 3 | 3 | 3.0 × 3 = 9.0 |
How to Improve Your GPA
Raising your GPA requires strategic planning and consistent effort. Here are proven strategies to boost your academic performance.
Course Selection Strategy
- Take AP, IB, or Honors courses if available for weighted GPA boost
- Balance challenging courses with manageable course loads
- Consider retaking courses where your school allows grade replacement
- Take summer courses to add high-grade credits to your transcript
Study Habits & Time Management
- Create a consistent study schedule and stick to it
- Use active learning techniques like practice tests and study groups
- Start assignments early to avoid last-minute stress
- Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks
Academic Support Resources
- Attend teacher office hours when you need help
- Form study groups with classmates in challenging courses
- Use tutoring services provided by your school or library
- Take advantage of online resources and educational platforms
Grade Recovery Tactics
- Focus extra effort on courses where you're borderline between grades
- Complete all extra credit opportunities offered by teachers
- Improve attendance to avoid penalties and stay current with material
- Communicate with teachers about your goals and ask for advice
Understanding GPA Impact
Raising C+ (2.3) to B (3.0) in 3-credit course
Impact: +0.18 GPA points (with 60 total credits)
Meaningful improvement, especially for borderline students
Adding 4-credit A course to transcript
Impact: Varies by current GPA and total credits
Most beneficial for students with lower current GPAs
Taking weighted AP course (A = 5.0 vs 4.0)
Impact: +0.07 weighted GPA boost (with 60 total credits)
Compounds over multiple AP courses for significant impact
College GPA Requirements & Expectations
Different colleges and programs have varying GPA expectations. Understanding these benchmarks helps you set realistic goals.
Highly Selective Colleges (Top 20)
GPA Range
3.8 - 4.0 unweighted
4.3 - 4.6+ weighted
Examples
Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Princeton
Additional Notes
Nearly all admits have GPA above 3.8; average is often 3.95+
Selective Colleges (Top 50)
GPA Range
3.5 - 3.9 unweighted
4.0 - 4.4 weighted
Examples
UC Berkeley, Michigan, UVA, Emory
Additional Notes
Middle 50% typically falls in this range
Moderately Selective Colleges
GPA Range
3.0 - 3.7 unweighted
3.5 - 4.2 weighted
Examples
State universities, regional colleges
Additional Notes
Many good options available in this range
Less Selective Colleges
GPA Range
2.5 - 3.5 unweighted
3.0 - 4.0 weighted
Examples
Community colleges, open-admission schools
Additional Notes
Focus on improvement and demonstrating potential
Specialized Program Requirements
Pre-Med Programs
Requirement: 3.7+ GPA
Science GPA equally important
Engineering Schools
Requirement: 3.5+ GPA
Strong math/science grades crucial
Business Schools
Requirement: 3.4+ GPA
Leadership experience also valued
Honors Programs
Requirement: 3.5-3.8+ GPA
Often require separate application
Merit Scholarships
Requirement: 3.5-4.0 GPA
Full rides often require 3.8+
Master Your Academic Success
GPA calculation is just one part of academic planning. Use our comprehensive guides to excel in every area of your education.