Written by ZufishanMS Environmental ScienceLast reviewed
Weighted vs unweighted GPA in one table
| Unweighted GPA | Weighted GPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 0.0 to 4.0 | 0.0 to 5.0 on a +1.0 scale (up to 6.0 with a +2.0 Custom bonus) |
| What counts | Letter grade only | Letter grade plus a bonus for the course level |
| An A in AP Calculus | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| An A in regular English | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Useful for | Comparing students across schools | Showing the difficulty of your schedule |
How to calculate unweighted GPA
Convert each letter grade to grade points on the 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0, with plus and minus steps in between). Multiply each by the class credits, add them up and divide by the total credits.
Formula: Unweighted GPA = Σ(Credits × Grade points) ÷ Σ(Credits)
How to calculate weighted GPA
Do the same, but first add the level bonus to each passing grade. A common convention is +0.5 for honors and +1.0 for AP, IB and dual-enrollment classes. That is a convention, not a rule: some schools use different bonuses, cap the weighted GPA, or weight only certain grades. Use the Custom level in the calculator if your school's bonus is different. Custom accepts a bonus from 0 to +2.0, so on such a scale an A can count as up to 6.0.
Formula: Weighted GPA = Σ(Credits × (Grade points + Level bonus)) ÷ Σ(Credits), with no bonus on an F.
Worked example: the same classes both ways
| Class | Level | Credits | Grade | Unweighted points | Weighted points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Regular | 1 | A | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Chemistry | Honors | 1 | B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 |
| Calculus | AP | 2 | C | 2.0 × 2 = 4.0 | 3.0 × 2 = 6.0 |
| Total | 4 | 11.3 | 13.8 |
Unweighted GPA = 11.3 ÷ 4 = 2.83. Weighted GPA = 13.8 ÷ 4 = 3.45. The two-credit AP class pulls the unweighted GPA down, while its +1.0 bonus lifts the weighted GPA by more than half a point.
Which GPA do colleges look at?
Many high-school transcripts report both numbers. Some colleges use the GPA on your transcript, and some recalculate it with their own rules, for example counting only core academic classes or applying their own honors bonus. There is no single answer, so check each college's admissions page or ask its admissions office which GPA it uses.
How to use this calculator
- Enter each class with its credits. Most high-school classes are 1 credit per year or 0.5 per semester.
- Pick the letter grade from the dropdown.
- Choose the level: Regular, Honors, AP / IB, or Custom to type your school's bonus.
- Click + Add class for every extra class.
- Both GPAs update instantly; open the breakdown to see each class's points.
Common mistakes
Assuming every school uses +1.0 for AP. Some use +0.5 or weight only some classes. Check your school's bonus table before comparing numbers with friends at other schools.
Comparing a weighted GPA with an unweighted requirement.If a scholarship asks for a 3.5 unweighted, your 3.9 weighted may not qualify. Compare like with like.
Adding the bonus to a failed class. An F usually earns no bonus; this calculator never adds one.
Mixing semester and full-year credits. Enter every class on the same credit basis, or half-year classes will count too much.
Grade points by course level
| Letter | Percentage | Regular | Honors (+0.5) | AP / IB (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A | 93–96 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 77–79 | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 73–76 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| C- | 70–72 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 67–69 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| D | 63–66 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| D- | 60–62 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| F | 0–59 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Related calculators
- GPA Calculator for a college semester GPA on the 4.0 scale
- Cumulative GPA Calculator to combine several semesters
- Target GPA Calculator to find the GPA you need next term
- Weighted Grade Calculator for a course grade from weighted assignments (a different calculation from weighted GPA)
- GPA to Percentage Calculator when a form asks for a percentage
Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on the common US 4.0 scale and the +0.5 / +1.0 weighting convention. Your school may use a different grade table, bonus or cap. Always confirm your GPA with your school counselor or transcript.