Do not average GPAs without credits
A 3.8 from 6 credits and a 3.0 from 18 credits do not average to 3.4. Credits decide the weight.
GPA is a weighted average of grade points. Each class contributes grade points multiplied by credits, then the total is divided by all credits counted in the GPA.
Use GPA calculatorGPA = sum(grade points x credits) / total credits
On a common 4.0 scale, A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0. Schools can use plus/minus or weighted scales, so use your school's scale when it differs.
| Class | Grade points | Credits | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Algebra | 3.0 | 4 | 12.0 |
| History | 3.7 | 3 | 11.1 |
Add quality points: 12.0 + 12.0 + 11.1 = 35.1. Add credits: 3 + 4 + 3 = 10. GPA = 35.1 / 10 = 3.51.
Cumulative GPA combines old and new quality points:
A 3.8 from 6 credits and a 3.0 from 18 credits do not average to 3.4. Credits decide the weight.
Some schools use A- = 3.7 and B+ = 3.3. Others use whole points only.
Semester GPA uses this term's classes. Cumulative GPA includes previous credits too.
Weighted high-school GPA can add extra points for advanced classes, but policies vary by school.
Pair this guide with the matching calculators, formula reference, and next lesson.
A class with more credits has more influence on GPA. A 4-credit class affects GPA more than a 1-credit class.
Not exactly. GPA averages grade points weighted by credits, not the letter names themselves.
Cumulative GPA changes slowly when you already have many credits. Future classes help, but the more completed credits you have, the more new credits it takes to move the average.