GPA Calculator
Enter your courses, credits, and letter grades to estimate your semester GPA.
Calculate your semester GPA
This calculator uses a common 4.0 scale with plus and minus grades.
How to use this calculator
- 1. Add your courses — Enter each course name (optional), its credit hours, and your letter grade.
- 2. Add more courses — Click "Add course" for each additional class. Most semesters have 4–6 courses.
- 3. Calculate — The result is your credit-weighted semester GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- 4. Plan ahead — Try entering expected grades before the semester ends to see what GPA range is reachable.
To see how this semester will affect your overall record, use the Cumulative GPA Calculator.
Formula
GPA = total grade points / total credits
Grade points are calculated by converting each letter grade to a point value, then multiplying by the course credits. For example, a 3-credit A and a 4-credit B+ produce a credit-weighted GPA.
High school students comparing class difficulty should use the High School GPA Calculator or read about weighted vs unweighted GPA.
Grade point values (4.0 scale)
Most US colleges use this standard conversion. Confirm with your registrar if you are unsure.
Examples
Example 1 — Three-course semester
English (3 credits, A) · Math (4 credits, B+) · History (3 credits, A−)
Grade points: (3 × 4.0) + (4 × 3.3) + (3 × 3.7) = 12.0 + 13.2 + 11.1 = 36.3
GPA: 36.3 ÷ 10 credits = 3.63
Example 2 — Mixed performance
Biology (4 credits, C+) · Writing (3 credits, A) · Economics (3 credits, B−) · Art (2 credits, A−)
Grade points: (4 × 2.3) + (3 × 4.0) + (3 × 2.7) + (2 × 3.7) = 9.2 + 12.0 + 8.1 + 7.4 = 36.7
GPA: 36.7 ÷ 12 credits = 3.06
What your semester GPA means
For more detail on GPA benchmarks for college admissions and employment, see What Is a Good GPA?
FAQ
How is GPA calculated?
Each letter grade is converted to grade points using a 4.0 scale, multiplied by the number of credits for that course, then summed and divided by total credits. For example, an A (4.0) in a 3-credit course contributes 12 grade points.
Does every school use this exact scale?
No. This calculator uses a common 4.0 college scale with plus/minus grades. Some schools use a simplified scale without plus/minus (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.), and others use different point values for A+. Check your school's registrar page to confirm.
Should pass/fail classes be included?
Usually no. Pass/fail classes typically do not factor into GPA calculations unless your school explicitly states otherwise. Exclude them for the most accurate result.
What is a good GPA?
Generally, a 3.0 GPA (B average) is considered acceptable, a 3.5+ is considered strong, and a 3.7+ is considered excellent. For competitive graduate programs or honors designations, many schools require a 3.5 or above.
How can I raise my GPA?
Focus on higher-credit courses — they move your GPA more per grade point gained. Retaking a course where you did poorly (if your school averages or replaces grades) can also help. Use the Cumulative GPA Calculator to model how different grades this semester affect your overall GPA.
Why does this calculator show a different GPA than my school portal?
Your school may use a different scale, exclude certain courses, apply grade replacement policies, or round differently. Treat this calculator as an estimate. Your official GPA is always determined by your registrar.
Related tools
This calculator is for planning only. Your official grade is determined by your instructor, school, or learning management system.