How to calculate your GPA
Your GPA is a credit-weighted average, not a simple count. This guide explains how letter grades map to points on the 4 and 5 scales, why weighting by credits matters, and how to avoid common mistakes. Its worked example sticks to the values used by Klar’s GPA calculator.
Mapping grades to points
On the 4.0 scale: A and A+ = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0. On the 5.0 scale: A and A+ = 5.0, A- = 4.7, B = 4.0, C = 3.0, D = 2.0, and F = 0.
Weighting by credit hours
Each course contributes its grade points multiplied by its credits: points = grade value × credits. Your GPA is total points ÷ total credits. So a three-credit course weighs three times a one-credit course at the same grade.
A worked example
Using the calculator’s values on the 4.0 scale: A (3 credits), B (4 credits), A- (3 credits), C (2 credits). Points = (4×3) + (3×4) + (3.7×3) + (2×2) = 39.1, total credits 12, and GPA = 39.1 ÷ 12 ≈ 3.26.
Choosing the right scale
Pick exactly the scale your university uses. Some universities value A+ above A, some do not, and some use the 5-point scale instead of 4. Entering percentage grades like 85 instead of letter grades gives completely wrong results — use the grade average calculator for percentages.
Common mistakes
Among the mistakes: mixing the 4 and 5 scales, including withdrawn courses, entering zero credits, and treating the GPA as an unweighted average. Empty or incomplete rows are skipped automatically, so there is no need to fill every field.
Key takeaways
- Points depend on the chosen scale: A = A+ on both the 4.0 and 5.0 scales.
- The GPA is credit-weighted: higher-credit courses weigh more.
- GPA = total points ÷ total credits.
- Match the scale to your university and keep percentages out of this tool.
- Empty rows are ignored; fill at least one complete row.
Frequently asked questions
Why is A+ worth the same as A on the 4.0 scale?
A+ usually does not exceed the top of the scale in American systems, so both map to 4.0. Some universities award 4.33 for A+, so check your own scale.
My university uses a 100-point system, what do I do?
Use the grade average calculator for percentage grades, since the GPA calculator relies on letter grades and credits.
Does the calculator include pass/fail courses?
No. Pass/fail courses are usually unweighted and carry no letter grade, so they are excluded from the calculation.
Related calculators
GPA calculator
Calculate your GPA on the 4.0 or 5.0 scale from your grades and course credits.
Grade average calculator
Average your percentage grades, with the highest and lowest, to track academic performance.
Final grade planner
Find the score you need on the final exam to reach your target overall grade.