High School GPA Calculator (Weighted & Unweighted)
Calculate both GPAs colleges look at — unweighted on the 4.0 scale and weighted with the extra points for Honors, AP, IB and dual-enrollment classes.
Your unweighted GPA averages your class grades on a 4.0 scale (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1). Your weighted GPA adds a bonus for harder classes — usually +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP, IB or dual-enrollment — so an A in AP Biology counts as 5.0. Both are averaged by credits.
How to use the high school GPA calculator
- List each class from your transcript or report card for the year (or every year, for a cumulative GPA).
- Choose the letter grade you earned or expect.
- Set the level: Regular/College Prep, Honors, or AP/IB/Dual enrollment.
- Enter credits. Most full-year classes are 1 credit and semester classes 0.5. Leave it blank to count 1.
- Read both GPAs. Adjust the A+ value or the 5.0 cap if your school’s policy differs.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA
| Unweighted GPA | Weighted GPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 0.0–4.0 | Usually 0.0–5.0 |
| Class difficulty | Ignored — an A is 4.0 everywhere | Rewarded — an A in AP is 5.0 |
| Best for | Comparing grades on equal terms | Showing course rigor |
| Who uses it | Many colleges recalculate this themselves | Class rank, local scholarships |
Colleges see both. Many admissions offices recalculate an unweighted GPA from your core academic classes so that applicants from different schools can be compared fairly, then look separately at how challenging your schedule was.
How weighted GPA is calculated
An F never receives a bonus — failing an AP class still counts as 0.0.
Worked example
| Class | Level | Grade | Unweighted | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AP Biology | AP | A | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Honors English | Honors | B | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| Algebra II | Regular | A− | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| US History | Regular | B+ | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| Spanish II | Regular | A | 4.0 | 4.0 |
All five classes are 1 credit. The unweighted GPA is (4.0 + 3.0 + 3.7 + 3.3 + 4.0) ÷ 5 = 3.60, and the weighted GPA is (5.0 + 3.5 + 3.7 + 3.3 + 4.0) ÷ 5 = 3.90.
Weighted GPA scale
| Letter | Regular | Honors | AP / IB |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A− | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B− | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
These are the most common values. Some districts use +1.0 for Honors as well, a 4.5 or 6.0 maximum, or no plus/minus grades. When your school publishes its own weighting in the course catalog or student handbook, that policy is the one that counts.
What is a good high school GPA?
- 3.0 unweighted (B average) meets the minimum for many state universities and scholarships.
- 3.5 unweighted is competitive for a wide range of four-year colleges.
- 3.8–4.0 unweighted, with AP or IB classes, is typical of admitted students at highly selective colleges.
A weighted GPA above 4.0 is only possible because of the bonus points, so always say which one you are quoting. If you plan to apply abroad, our GPA scale converter shows how 4.0 and 5.0 scales line up with percentages and 10-point systems.
Tips for raising your high school GPA
- Take the hardest classes you can do well in. A B in AP (4.0 weighted) equals an A in a regular class on the weighted scale, but a C in AP drags down your unweighted GPA.
- Finish semesters strongly. Use the final grade calculator to see exactly what you need on each final.
- Watch the 0.5-credit classes. Semester electives count half as much — do not let them distract from full-year core subjects.
- Ask about grade recovery. Some schools let you retake a course and replace the grade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA treats every class the same on a 4.0 scale. Weighted GPA adds bonus points for harder classes — typically 0.5 for Honors and 1.0 for AP, IB or dual enrollment — so it can go above 4.0.
Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?
Both. Many colleges recalculate an unweighted GPA from your core academic classes so they can compare students from different schools, and then judge course rigor separately using your transcript.
Is a 4.0 weighted GPA good?
It depends on your schedule. A 4.0 weighted GPA could mean straight A’s in regular classes or a B average across AP classes. Colleges will look at your unweighted GPA and course list to understand which.
How many points is an AP class worth?
At most schools an AP class adds 1.0 to the grade points, so an A is worth 5.0, a B 4.0 and a C 3.0. An F is still 0.0. Some schools use different values, so check your handbook.
Does an A+ count as 4.0 or 4.3?
Most high schools cap the A+ at 4.0 on the unweighted scale. A few award 4.3. Use the A+ setting in the calculator to match your school.
How do I calculate my cumulative high school GPA?
Add every class from 9th grade onward to the calculator with its credits. The result is your cumulative weighted and unweighted GPA. Colleges usually see grades through 11th grade plus your senior-year schedule.
Related calculators
- GPACumulative GPA CalculatorSemester GPA, new cumulative GPA and the GPA you need.
- GPAGPA Raise CalculatorGPA you need next term and credits of A's to hit a target.
- GPACGPA CalculatorSGPA from grades and credits, then CGPA across semesters.
Sources and methodology
Weighted values use the most common US convention (+0.5 Honors, +1.0 AP/IB/dual enrollment, capped at 5.0). Your school’s published weighting policy always takes priority.
- College Board BigFuture — How to convert your GPA to a 4.0 scale
- College Board — AP Students: Credit and placement
Reviewed by the ProAcademy Tools editorial team. Found an error? Tell us — we correct mistakes quickly.