How to Calculate Your GPA: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn exactly how GPA is calculated with grade points, credit hours, and the weighted average formula. Includes letter grade to GPA conversions and tips to raise your GPA.
The GPA Formula
GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours
Each course contributes to your GPA proportionally by credit hours. A 4-credit course has twice the impact as a 2-credit course. This is why failing a high-credit core course devastates GPA more than failing a 1-credit elective.
Letter Grade to Grade Points (Standard 4.0 Scale)
- A+ / A: 4.0 grade points (93-100%)
- A−: 3.7 (90-92%)
- B+: 3.3 (87-89%)
- B: 3.0 (83-86%)
- B−: 2.7 (80-82%)
- C+: 2.3 (77-79%)
- C: 2.0 (73-76%)
- C−: 1.7 (70-72%)
- D+: 1.3 (67-69%)
- D: 1.0 (60-66%)
- F: 0.0 (below 60%)
Worked Example
Semester courses: English (A, 3 credits), Calculus (B+, 4 credits), Biology (B, 3 credits), PE (A, 1 credit).
Quality Points: 4.0×3 + 3.3×4 + 3.0×3 + 4.0×1 = 12 + 13.2 + 9 + 4 = 38.2 points
Total Credits: 3 + 4 + 3 + 1 = 11 credits
GPA = 38.2 ÷ 11 = 3.47
How to Raise Your GPA
GPA is slow to change once you have many credits — the denominator (total credits) grows with each semester, diluting each new semester's impact. At 60 credits with a 2.8 GPA, earning a 4.0 for one 15-credit semester only raises cumulative GPA to about 3.05. For maximum GPA improvement: retake failed/D courses (if your school allows grade replacement), take lighter semesters to focus on quality, and front-load easy electives in a semester you need to raise GPA quickly.