What is the GPA scale?
The standard US GPA scale runs from 0.0 to 4.0. An A is 4.0, a B is 3.0, a C is 2.0, a D is 1.0 and an F is 0.0, with plus and minus grades in between, such as A- at 3.7 and B+ at 3.3. Weighted scales add a point for AP or IB classes, so those GPAs can go above 4.0.
Each letter grade has a point value. Your GPA is the average of those points, weighted by credits. A 4-credit A (16 points) and a 2-credit C (4 points) give 20 points over 6 credits, which is a 3.33.
The 4.0 scale is unweighted, so every class counts the same. Many high schools also report a weighted GPA that adds points for honors, AP or IB classes, often 0.5 for honors and 1.0 for AP or IB. That is why you see GPAs of 4.5 or 5.0. The table shows the common version, and schools differ.
Not every school uses the same scale. Some give an A+ a 4.3, some skip plus and minus grades, and the percent range for each letter changes. Outside the US, scales often run the other way: in Germany 1.0 is the best grade and 4.0 the lowest pass. If your school publishes its own chart, use that one.
| Letter grade | Unweighted | Weighted (AP or IB) | Typical percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 5.0 | 93-100% |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.7 | 90-92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 4.3 | 87-89% |
| B | 3.0 | 4.0 | 83-86% |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.7 | 80-82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 3.3 | 77-79% |
| C | 2.0 | 3.0 | 73-76% |
| C- | 1.7 | 2.7 | 70-72% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 2.3 | 67-69% |
| D | 1.0 | 2.0 | 63-66% |
| D- | 0.7 | 1.7 | 60-62% |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | Below 60% |
- 1List every class with its letter grade and its credits.
- 2Convert each letter to grade points with the table.
- 3Multiply each class's points by its credits.
- 4Add all the results, then divide by your total credits.
- 5Round to two decimals. Example: an A in 4 credits and a C in 2 credits is 16 + 4 = 20 points over 6 credits, so 3.33.