How GPA is calculated
Your grade point average is a weighted average of your grades. Each letter grade is converted into points, multiplied by the course credits, and the total is divided by the total credits. Courses with more credits count more.
The 4.0 scale used here
- A+ and A = 4.0, A− = 3.7
- B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7
- C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C− = 1.7
- D+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, F = 0
Example
An A in a 3-credit course gives 4 × 3 = 12 points, a B+ in a 3-credit course gives 9.9, an A− in a 4-credit course gives 14.8 and a B in a 3-credit course gives 9.0. Together that is 45.7 points over 13 credits, a GPA of 3.52.
Schools may use different scales, such as 4.3 or weighted honours courses, so check your institution's rules for official figures.
Frequently asked questions
Do all courses count equally?
No. Courses with more credits have more weight.
Is this my official GPA?
No. Your school's policy decides the official calculation.
How do I raise my GPA?
Focus on high-credit courses, since they have the biggest effect on the average.