How to Calculate Your GPA
Your Grade Point Average (GPA) is a standard way of measuring academic achievement. It's calculated by taking the total number of grade points earned and dividing it by the total number of credit hours attempted.
The Calculation Steps
- Assign Grade Points: For each course, convert your letter grade into its corresponding grade point value on your school's scale (e.g., A=4.0, B=3.0).
- Calculate Quality Points: For each course, multiply the grade point value by the number of credit hours for that course. This gives you the "quality points".
- Sum Totals: Add up all the quality points you earned. Then, add up all the credit hours you attempted.
- Divide: Divide the total quality points by the total credit hours. The result is your GPA.
GPA = (Total Quality Points) / (Total Credit Hours)
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA: An unweighted GPA is typically on a 4.0 scale. A weighted GPA, often on a 5.0 scale, gives extra "weight" (higher grade points) to more challenging courses like Honors, AP, or IB classes.