Understanding GPA Scales

Compare 4.0, weighted, and percentage GPA scales, and learn how letter grades convert to grade points.

GPA (grade point average) summarizes course performance on a numeric scale. US high schools and colleges most often use an unweighted 4.0 scale, but weighted and percentage systems are common too.

Unweighted 4.0 scale

Typical mapping: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0. Multiply each course's grade points by credit hours, sum, then divide by total credits.

Weighted GPA

Honors or AP courses may add 0.5 or 1.0 to the grade points before averaging. A 4.5 or 5.0 scale can therefore exceed 4.0 even with strong—but not perfect—grades.

Percentage grades

Some schools report percentages first, then convert. Cutoffs vary (for example, 90–100 = A). Always check your institution's published chart.

Tools

Use the GPA calculator for semester averages and the grade calculator for weighted assignment scores.