GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a single number that summarizes your grades, and most US colleges use a 4.0 scale where an A is 4.0, a B is 3.0 and a C is 2.0.
The GPA formula
Multiply the grade points of each course by its credit hours, add all the results together, then divide by the total credit hours.
Worked example
- Math, 3 credits, grade A (4.0): 3 x 4.0 = 12.0
- English, 3 credits, grade B (3.0): 3 x 3.0 = 9.0
- Biology, 4 credits, grade B+ (3.3): 4 x 3.3 = 13.2
Total grade points are 34.2 and total credits are 10, so the GPA is 34.2 / 10 = 3.42.
How to calculate cumulative GPA
Multiply your current GPA by the credits you have already completed, add the grade points from the new semester, and divide by the new total credits. Our GPA calculator can do this for you if you enter your previous GPA and credits.
Tips to raise your GPA
- Give more study time to courses with higher credit hours, since they affect your GPA the most.
- Retake courses if your school replaces the old grade.
- Ask your instructor about extra credit early in the term.
Use our free GPA calculator to check your result in seconds.
Try it now: GPA Calculator