GPA Scale Explained: 4.0, 5.0 & Letter Grades
Confused by GPA scales? You are not alone. Schools use the 4.0, 5.0, and letter grade systems in different ways, and knowing how they convert helps you track your progress, compare grades, and set goals. In this guide to the GPA scale explained, we break down each system with conversion tables so you always know where you stand.
Quick answer: A GPA scale turns letter grades into points. On the standard 4.0 scale an A is 4.0, a B is 3.0 and a C is 2.0. Some schools use a 5.0 scale that adds 1.0 to AP grades.
The 4.0 GPA Scale (Unweighted)
The 4.0 scale is the most common GPA scale in the United States. It is called “unweighted” because every class counts the same, whether it is regular, honors, or AP. Each letter grade converts to a fixed grade point value, with an A earning a 4.0 and an F earning a 0.0.
| Letter Grade | GPA Value (4.0 Scale) |
|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 |
| 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 | 0.0 |
The 5.0 GPA Scale (Weighted)
The 5.0 scale is a weighted GPA scale that rewards students for taking harder classes. Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and honors courses earn a grade point boost: typically +1.0 for AP/IB classes and +0.5 for honors classes. That means an A in an AP course can be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0, which is why weighted GPAs can rise above 4.0.
| Letter Grade | Regular (4.0) | Honors (+0.5) | AP / IB (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Keep in mind that colleges often recalculate weighted GPAs using their own formulas, so check each school’s policy when comparing your GPA to admission averages.
Letter Grade to Percentage to GPA Conversion Table
Use this letter grade to percentage to GPA conversion table to translate any score into its GPA value on the standard 4.0 scale:
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | 4.0 GPA Value |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100% | 4.0 |
| A | 93–96% | 4.0 |
| A− | 90–92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 |
| B− | 80–82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 |
| C− | 70–72% | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 |
| D | 65–66% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 65% | 0.0 |
To calculate your own GPA, convert each course grade to its grade point value, add them up, and divide by the number of courses. For weighted GPAs, apply the honors or AP boost first, then average.