How to Calculate GPA (With Examples)
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is the average of your grade points, weighted by credit hours. In other words, courses with more credit hours have a bigger impact on your final GPA.
Quick answer: GPA = total grade points ÷ total credit hours. Multiply each course's grade points (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0) by its credits, add the results, and divide by your total credits.
The GPA Formula
To calculate your GPA, use this formula:
Sum of (Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours
- Convert each letter grade to grade points.
- Multiply each course’s grade points by its credit hours to get quality points.
- Add up all the quality points.
- Add up all the credit hours.
- Divide total quality points by total credit hours.
Standard Grade Point Values
Most schools use the standard 4.0 scale:
| Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|
| A | 4.0 |
| B | 3.0 |
| C | 2.0 |
| D | 1.0 |
| F | 0.0 |
Worked Example: How to Calculate GPA
Say you took three courses this semester:
| Course | Grade | Credit Hours | Grade Points × Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | A | 3 | 4.0 × 3 = 12 |
| College Algebra | B | 3 | 3.0 × 3 = 9 |
| Biology 101 | C | 4 | 2.0 × 4 = 8 |
Now plug the totals into the formula:
- Total quality points: 12 + 9 + 8 = 29
- Total credit hours: 3 + 3 + 4 = 10
- GPA = 29 ÷ 10 = 2.90
Your GPA is 2.90. Notice how the 4-credit Biology course pulled the GPA down more than either 3-credit course — that is credit-hour weighting in action.
Skip the Math: Use a GPA Calculator
Calculating GPA by hand is great for understanding how it works, but it is easy to slip up on the arithmetic. Try the free GPA Calculator — enter your grades and credit hours to get your GPA instantly.