How to Calculate Your GPA — Step by Step
Learn the exact formula and work through a real example — then use our calculator to do it instantly.
GPA formula: multiply each grade's point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0) by the course credits. Sum all products. Divide by total credits. Example: two 3-credit A's and one 3-credit B = (4.0×3 + 4.0×3 + 3.0×3) ÷ 9 = 33 ÷ 9 = 3.67 GPA.
The GPA Formula
Where grade points are the numeric value assigned to each letter grade:
| Letter Grade | GPA Points | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ or A | 4.0 | 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 | 63–66% |
| D− | 0.7 | 60–62% |
| F | 0.0 | 0–59% |
Step-by-Step Example
Let's say you completed these 5 courses this semester:
| Course | Grade | Credits | Grade Points | Quality Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | A | 3 | 4.0 | 4.0 × 3 = 12.0 |
| Calculus I | B+ | 4 | 3.3 | 3.3 × 4 = 13.2 |
| Intro to Psychology | A− | 3 | 3.7 | 3.7 × 3 = 11.1 |
| Chemistry Lab | B | 2 | 3.0 | 3.0 × 2 = 6.0 |
| History of Art | C+ | 3 | 2.3 | 2.3 × 3 = 6.9 |
| Totals | 49.2 quality points / 15 credits | |||
Step-by-Step Breakdown
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Common GPA Calculation Questions
What if my school doesn't use plus/minus grades?
Some schools only use A, B, C, D, F — no +/− modifiers. In that case: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. This typically results in a slightly higher GPA compared to plus/minus systems, because there's no A− (3.7) to drag down your A's.
Do transfer credits affect my GPA?
At most institutions, transfer credits count toward your degree but are not included in your institutional GPA. Your school calculates GPA only based on courses taken there. Check your school's transfer credit policy for specifics.
Do incomplete grades count toward GPA?
Incomplete grades (I) are typically not counted in your GPA until a final grade is assigned. Once the course is completed, the earned grade replaces the incomplete and is included in your GPA calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GPA formula?
GPA = Total Quality Points ÷ Total Credit Hours. Quality points for each course = grade point value × credit hours. Add all quality points, then divide by total credit hours attempted.
How do I convert letter grades to GPA points?
A/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, D− = 0.7, F = 0.0. See the full table above or use our GPA to letter grade converter.
Do all courses count toward my GPA?
It depends on your school's policy. Pass/fail courses, withdrawals (W), audited courses, and transfer credits are typically excluded. Incomplete grades (I) are not counted until a final grade is assigned.
What is the difference between grade points and credit hours?
Credit hours measure course workload — typically 1 credit equals about 1 hour of class per week. Grade points are the numeric values for letter grades. GPA multiplies them together so that higher-credit courses have proportionally more influence on your GPA.