How to Calculate GPA Step by Step
Published 2026-02-10 · Updated 2026-07-14
GPA, or grade point average, summarizes grades across classes using grade points and credit hours. A manual GPA calculation helps you understand why a high-credit class affects your average more than a low-credit class.
GPA formula
Use this formula: GPA = total grade points / total credit hours.
For each class, convert the letter grade to a grade value, then multiply that value by the course credit hours. Add all grade points together and divide by total credits.
Example GPA calculation
Suppose you earned an A in a 3-credit class, a B in a 4-credit class, and an A- in a 3-credit class. On a common 4.0 scale, that is 12 + 12 + 11.1 grade points, or 35.1 total grade points.
The total credits are 10, so the GPA is 35.1 / 10 = 3.51.
Weighted and unweighted differences
Colleges and schools may use different policies for honors, AP, IB, repeated classes, pass/fail courses, or plus/minus grades. That is why two schools may calculate GPA differently from the same transcript.
Use your school policy for official decisions. Use an online GPA calculator for planning and quick estimates.
Quick Summary
Convert each grade to points, multiply by credits, add everything, and divide by total credits.