Bhuvan PoudelHow GPA is calculated
Semester GPA = sum of (grade points × course credits) ÷ total credits. Cumulative GPA = (prior GPA × prior credits + semester grade points) ÷ combined credits.
- Choose your institution’s scale or enter custom points.
- Multiply each grade’s points by its course credits.
- Add the weighted grade points and divide by total credits.
- For cumulative GPA, add prior grade points and credits before dividing.
Worked example: A at 3 credits, B at 4 credits and A- at 3 credits give (4.0 × 3 + 3.0 × 4 + 3.7 × 3) ÷ 10 = 3.51 GPA. With a prior GPA of 3.2 over 30 credits, (96 + 35.1) ÷ 40 = 3.2775, displayed as 3.28.
GPA examples
| Courses | Semester GPA | Total credits | Total grade points | Cumulative GPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A, B, A- at 3, 4, 3 credits | 3.51 | 10 | 35.1 | Not entered |
| Four B+ courses, 3 credits each | 3.30 | 12 | 39.6 | Not entered |
| Prior 3.2 over 30 credits plus 3.51 over 10 | 3.51 | 10 | 35.1 | 3.28 |
| A+ at 3 credits on the 4.3 scale | 4.30 | 3 | 12.9 | Not entered |
Swipe the table sideways to see the rest.
Credit-weighted examples. Cumulative calculations retain unrounded semester points.
Things to consider
- Check the grade scale your institution uses.
- Exclude pass/fail or withdrawn courses only when your institution excludes them.
- Use credits, units or hours consistently.
- Use unrounded grade points for cumulative calculations.
- Do not convert GPA to a percentage with a universal formula.
Frequently asked questions
How is GPA calculated?
Multiply each course’s grade points by its credits, add the products and divide by total credits. A 4-credit course has more weight than a 3-credit course.
What is weighted versus unweighted GPA?
Credit weighting accounts for course size. In some institutions, weighted GPA also adds points for advanced courses, while unweighted GPA does not. This calculator weights by credits and adds no automatic difficulty bonus. Use custom points for an institution-approved adjusted scale.
What is the difference between semester and cumulative GPA?
Semester GPA covers the courses entered for one term. Cumulative GPA combines their unrounded grade points with your prior GPA multiplied by completed credits. Both parts must use compatible scales.
What is a good GPA?
It depends on the school, program, grade scale and purpose. Check the published requirements for admission, progression or awards rather than relying on one universal target.
Can I convert GPA to a percentage?
There is no fixed conversion formula. Institutions use different grade boundaries and policies. Consult the institution’s official conversion table or transcript guidance.