How to Compute Grade Point Average

GPA Calculator

Grade point average (GPA) is a number that indicates the typical grades that a student receives in school. GPA is usually computed using a 4-point scale where each credit of an A = 4 points, each credit of B = 3 points, C = 2 points, D = 1 point, and F = 0 points. To compute GPA, you add up all of the grade points and divide by the total number of credits.

Some schools use a modified 4-point scale to assign points to plus and minus grades. In the most common alternative system, you add 0.33 points for plus grades and subtract 0.33 points for minus grades. For example, an A+ = 4 + 0.33 = 4.33, and a B- = 3 - 0.33 = 2.67, etc. Under this system, a grade of D- is 0.67 and anything below that is 0.

The example described below shows you how to compute GPA by hand. You can also use the convenient GPA calculator on the left to find your grade point average. Enter the number of credits for each grade received, for example, if you earned 18 credits of A's and 7 credits of B's, enter 18 in the field for A's and 7 in the field for B's.

(Enter 0 for each grade that you did not receive; in order for the calculator to work you cannot leave any fields blank.)

Example of GPA Calculation

Suppose you take a 4-credit calculus class, a 3-credit history class, a 4-credit biology class, and a 2-credit badminton class. The total number of credits is 4 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 13

Suppose you earn an A- in the calculus class, a B in the history class, a C+ in the biology class, and an A+ in the badminton class. Your grade point total is then

4(3.67) + 3(3.00) + 4(2.33) + 2(4.33) = 41.66

The sum above was obtained by multiplying the number of credits by the grade earned in each class. To find the grade point average, compute the ratio of grade points to credits. That is, divide the total number of grade points by the total number of credits. In this example, we have

41.66/13 = 3.205.

The GPA is about 3.2.

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