How much does an AP course boost my GPA?

An AP or IB course adds 1.0 bonus point to the grade-point value. An A in an AP class counts as 5.0 (instead of 4.0) in a weighted calculation. A B in AP equals 4.0, which is the same as an A in a regular class.

Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?

Most colleges recalculate GPA using their own formula. They review both, but unweighted GPA is often used for direct comparison. Your course rigor — taking AP/IB classes — is evaluated independently and is highly valued at selective institutions.

WhatGPA

Weighted GPA Calculator

Include AP, IB, and Honors course bonuses for an accurate weighted GPA.

Quick Answer

A weighted GPA adds 0.5 points for Honors courses and 1.0 point for AP or IB courses before capping at 5.0. A student with all A's in AP classes can have a 5.0 weighted GPA even though the standard 4.0 scale caps at 4.0. Many colleges recalculate GPAs on an unweighted scale when comparing applicants.

Course Name	Grade	Credits	Course Type	Remove

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GPA

12 credits

Perfect 4.0 GPA

What Is a Weighted GPA?

A weighted GPA gives additional grade points to students who take more challenging courses. The standard 4.0 scale treats every class equally — but a weighted system rewards you for enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or Honors courses.

The most common weighting system:

Regular courses: no bonus — standard 4.0 maximum
Honors courses: +0.5 bonus — 4.5 maximum
AP or IB courses: +1.0 bonus — 5.0 maximum

Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA: Side-by-Side

Here's how the same set of grades looks on both scales:

Course	Grade	Type	Unweighted	Weighted
English	A	Regular	4.0	4.0
AP Calculus	B+	AP	3.3	4.3
Honors Biology	A−	Honors	3.7	4.2
AP US History	B	AP	3.0	4.0
Spanish	A	Regular	4.0	4.0
GPA			3.60	4.10

Do Colleges Use Weighted GPA?

Most selective colleges recalculate your GPA using their own methodology, often stripping weights and re-evaluating your transcript directly. However, course rigor — the fact that you took AP and Honors courses — is always evaluated alongside your GPA. Taking challenging courses and earning B's is often viewed more favorably than taking easier courses and earning A's.

Community colleges and many regional universities typically use your transcript GPA as-is, so weighted GPAs can directly benefit you in those applications.

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