How GPA Is Calculated (Weighted vs Unweighted Explained)

Step 1: List all your courses and final grades

Start with one semester, one year, or whatever period you want to calculate.

Write down each subject and the final grade for that subject.

Example:

English = A

Math = B

Biology = A

History = C

If your school gives percentages instead of letters, first convert them into letter grades using your school’s grading scale.

Step 2: Convert each letter grade into grade points

For a common unweighted 4.0 scale, the usual values are:

A = 4

B = 3

C = 2

D = 1

F = 0

Some schools use plus and minus grades. For example: A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B- = 2.7. Always use your school’s exact scale if it is available.

Step 3: Add the grade points

Once each class has a point value, add them together.

Using the simple example above:

English = A = 4

Math = B = 3

Biology = A = 4

History = C = 2

Total points = 4 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 13

Step 4: Divide by the number of classes

Now divide the total grade points by the total number of classes.

In this example: 13 ÷ 4 = 3.25

So the unweighted GPA is 3.25.

This is the core GPA formula: GPA = total grade points ÷ total number of classes

Step 5: Adjust for credits if classes have different weights

Not all classes are always equal. Some classes may be worth more credits than others. If that happens, you should multiply each class grade point by its credit value before averaging.

Example: Math = A = 4 points, 4 credits; Art = B = 3 points, 2 credits. Math contributes 4 × 4 = 16 points; Art contributes 3 × 2 = 6 points. Total grade points = 22. Total credits = 6. GPA = 22 ÷ 6 = 3.67

Step 6: Understand unweighted GPA

Unweighted GPA treats all classes the same difficulty-wise. An A in a regular class and an A in an advanced class both count the same on the basic 4.0 scale.

Step 7: Understand weighted GPA

Weighted GPA gives extra points to harder courses such as Honors, AP, IB, or advanced classes.

A common example: Regular A = 4.0, Honors A = 4.5, AP or IB A = 5.0. This means students taking more difficult courses may get a GPA above 4.0.

Step 8: Calculate weighted GPA the same way, but use weighted points

The method stays the same. Only the point values change.

Example: English Honors = A = 4.5, Math AP = B = 4.0, Biology Regular = A = 4.0, History Regular = C = 2.0. Total weighted points = 4.5 + 4.0 + 4.0 + 2.0 = 14.5. 14.5 ÷ 4 = 3.625 (3.63 rounded).