ClassGradeCreditsLevelRemove
Unweighted GPA–
Weighted GPA–
Total credits–

Weighting used: +0.5 for honors, +1.0 for AP, IB or dual enrollment. Schools set their own rules, so check your handbook.

How high school GPA is calculated

Your grade point average turns letter grades into numbers and averages them. On the standard 4.0 scale, each letter grade has a point value:

GradePointsGradePoints
A+ / A4.0C+2.3
A-3.7C2.0
B+3.3C-1.7
B3.0D+ / D / D-1.3 / 1.0 / 0.7
B-2.7F0.0

Each class's points are multiplied by its credits, the results are added up, and the total is divided by the number of credits. Full-year classes usually count more than one-semester classes because they carry more credits.

Weighted GPA explained

Many high schools reward students for taking harder classes by adding bonus points. A common system adds 0.5 for honors classes and 1.0 for AP, IB and dual-enrollment classes. An A in AP Biology is then worth 5.0 instead of 4.0. This is why weighted GPAs can be higher than 4.0.

Worked example

  • AP U.S. History: A, 1 credit → 4.0 unweighted, 5.0 weighted
  • Honors English: B+, 1 credit → 3.3 unweighted, 3.8 weighted
  • Algebra II: B, 1 credit → 3.0 both ways
  • Health (one semester): A-, 0.5 credit → 3.7 × 0.5 = 1.85 both ways

Total points are 12.15 unweighted and 13.65 weighted over 3.5 credits, giving an unweighted GPA of 3.47 and a weighted GPA of 3.90.

Tips to raise your GPA

  • Focus on classes with the most credits, since they move your GPA the most.
  • Ask about grade replacement or retakes for a low grade, where your school allows it.
  • Take honors or AP classes in subjects you are strong in, so the weighting helps rather than hurts.
  • Use the final grade calculator to see what you need on upcoming finals.

Last reviewed October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?

An unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale for every class, so an A is worth 4.0 whether the class is regular or AP. A weighted GPA adds extra points for harder classes, commonly +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP or IB, so it can go above 4.0.

Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?

Both, and many colleges recalculate GPA using their own rules. Admissions officers also look at how challenging your schedule was compared with what your school offers, so taking harder classes matters even beyond the GPA number.

How many credits is a class worth?

Most US high schools give 1 credit for a full-year class and 0.5 credit for a one-semester class. Check your transcript or student handbook, since some schools use different credit values.

Is an A+ worth more than 4.0?

At many schools an A+ is worth the same 4.0 as an A, which is what this calculator uses. Some schools give 4.3 for an A+. If yours does, your GPA may be slightly higher than shown here.

How do I calculate my cumulative GPA over several years?

Multiply each year's GPA by the credits earned that year, add those results, and divide by the total credits. You can also simply add all of your classes from every year to this calculator.

Does a failing grade get an AP bonus?

No. In this calculator an F earns 0 points even in an AP or honors class, which matches the policy at most schools. Some schools only give the bonus for grades of C or higher.