GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing all those products, then dividing by the total credit hours. This is called a weighted GPA — courses worth more credits have more impact on your average.
Example: an A in a 3-credit course (4.0 × 3 = 12 points) and a B in a 4-credit course (3.0 × 4 = 12 points) — total points 24 ÷ total credits 7 = GPA of 3.43.
Standard US grade scale
Letter Grade
Grade Points
Percentage
Standing
A+
4.0
97–100%
Exceptional
A
4.0
93–96%
Excellent
A−
3.7
90–92%
Excellent
B+
3.3
87–89%
Good
B
3.0
83–86%
Good
B−
2.7
80–82%
Good
C+
2.3
77–79%
Satisfactory
C
2.0
73–76%
Satisfactory
C−
1.7
70–72%
Satisfactory
D+
1.3
67–69%
Poor
D
1.0
63–66%
Poor
D−
0.7
60–62%
Poor
F
0.0
Below 60%
Failing
Frequently asked questions
What is a good GPA?
A GPA of 3.0 (B average) is generally considered the baseline for "good" in most US colleges. A 3.5 or above (B+/A− range) is considered strong and opens most graduate school doors. A 3.7–4.0 is excellent. For graduate school applications, most competitive programs look for a 3.5 minimum. For employment, many employers use 3.0 as a cutoff, though experience often matters more than GPA.
What is the difference between GPA and weighted GPA?
A standard GPA treats all courses equally regardless of credit hours. A weighted GPA (what most colleges use) accounts for credit hours — so a 4-credit course has more impact than a 1-credit course. In high school, "weighted GPA" sometimes refers to giving extra points for AP or honors courses, allowing GPAs above 4.0.
Can I raise my GPA significantly in one semester?
It depends on how many credits you've already completed. If you're early in your college career, one strong semester can move your GPA significantly. If you've completed 90 credits and want to raise a 2.5 GPA to 3.0, you'd need nearly straight A's for several semesters. Use this calculator to experiment — enter your current GPA as past credits and see how a strong semester changes things.
What GPA do I need for the honor roll or Dean's List?
Requirements vary by school. Most institutions require a 3.5 GPA for the Dean's List. Summa Cum Laude (highest honors) typically requires a 3.9 or above, Magna Cum Laude around 3.7–3.89, and Cum Laude around 3.5–3.69. Always check your specific school's policy.
Do graduate schools look at cumulative GPA or just major GPA?
Most graduate programs look primarily at cumulative GPA, but many also consider your GPA within your major separately. If your overall GPA is lower due to early struggles but your major GPA is strong, that can work in your favor. A strong upward trend also helps — admissions committees often weigh recent semesters more heavily.