How to Calculate GPA From Letter Grades
GPA is a credit-weighted average of your letter grades. Here is how to convert grades to numbers and calculate the result yourself.
Step 1: Convert letter grades to grade points
The standard 4.0 scale used by most US colleges assigns these values:
| Letter grade | Grade points |
|---|---|
| A / 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 |
| D− | 0.7 |
| F | 0.0 |
Step 2: Calculate grade points per course
Multiply each course’s credit hours by its grade point value:
Course grade points = credit hours × grade point value
Step 3: Divide by total credits
GPA = total grade points / total credit hours
Example
Three courses this semester:
- English — 3 credits — A (4.0) → 3 × 4.0 = 12.0 grade points
- Math — 4 credits — B+ (3.3) → 4 × 3.3 = 13.2 grade points
- History — 3 credits — A− (3.7) → 3 × 3.7 = 11.1 grade points
- Total grade points: 12.0 + 13.2 + 11.1 = 36.3
- Total credits: 10
- GPA: 36.3 / 10 = 3.63
Related: semester GPA vs cumulative GPA to understand how this semester affects your overall record.
FAQ
Does every college use the same grade scale?
No. The 4.0 scale is the most common in the United States, but some schools do not award plus or minus grades, and some use a scale where A+ equals 4.3 instead of 4.0. Check your institution's academic policies for the exact scale used.
Do pass/fail courses count toward GPA?
Usually not. Pass/fail grades are typically excluded from GPA calculations unless your school specifies otherwise. Credits may still count toward graduation requirements.
How do transfer credits affect GPA?
Transfer credit policies vary widely. Some schools include transferred grades in GPA; others count only the credits without the grades. Your institution's registrar can explain how transfer coursework is handled.
What is grade points?
Grade points are the product of a course's credit hours and the point value of the letter grade. A 3-credit A earns 12 grade points (3 × 4.0). GPA is the sum of grade points divided by total credit hours.
Results are estimates based on the standard 4.0 scale. Your official GPA is calculated by your institution and may use a different scale or rules for specific course types.