GPA Calculator

Mastering GPA Calculations

An in-depth guide to understanding grade point averages, weighting, and academic planning.

What Is GPA?

Grade Point Average (GPA) is the weighted mean of all final grades earned in courses over a given period. Each grade is converted to a numerical value (quality points) and multiplied by the credits associated with the course. The total quality points are divided by the total number of attempted credits to produce your GPA.

Key Concepts

• Credits / Units: Represent the academic weight of a course. Higher-credit courses influence GPA more.
• Quality Points: GPA value (e.g., 3.7) multiplied by the number of credits.
• Weighted GPA: Adds extra points for advanced courses such as Honors, AP, IB, or college-level classes.
• Cumulative GPA: The overall GPA across all included semesters and courses.
• Term GPA: GPA calculated for a single semester or grading period.

Using This Tool

1. Pick a Grading Scale: Select the scale that matches your institution. You can customize course values with manual overrides if needed.
2. Add Semesters and Courses: Use the planner to list every course, credit value, and grade. Toggle inclusion for study abroad terms or repeated classes.
3. Review Metrics: The summary cards, grade distribution, and comparison dashboards update instantly to help you spot trends.
4. Plan Ahead: Use the goal planner to determine what grades you need to hit a target GPA based on remaining credits.
5. Share & Back Up: Copy a quick summary, export JSON, or import an existing plan to collaborate with advisers.

Common GPA Scales Around the World

Weighted vs Unweighted GPA

A weighted GPA accounts for course difficulty by assigning additional quality points to advanced classes. For example, an AP course graded as A might count as 5.0 instead of 4.0, raising the weighted GPA. Many colleges look at both unweighted and weighted GPAs, so keeping track of both is important.

Strategies to Reach Your Target GPA

• Prioritize High-Credit Courses: Improvements in core classes have the largest impact.
• Balance Workload: Combine challenging courses with ones that play to your strengths.
• Monitor Early: Spot downward trends quickly to seek support from tutors or advisers.
• Retake When Allowed: Some schools replace the old grade with the new one, dramatically improving GPA.
• Leverage Goal Planning: Use the goal planner to set realistic targets each term.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do repeated courses affect GPA?

Policies vary. Some institutions replace the old grade entirely, while others average both attempts. Use the inclusion toggle to simulate your school’s policy.

Can I track pass/fail courses?

Yes. Set the credit value and pick a grade with zero quality points (e.g., Pass or F) or leave the course unchecked to exclude it from calculations.

What if my school uses percentages?

Enter the equivalent GPA value manually using the custom grade override. You can also add explanatory notes in each course.

How accurate is the goal planner?

The projection assumes all remaining courses carry the same average grade and that no existing grades change. Adjust credits or target values to explore different scenarios.

Best Practices

1. Update your GPA plan at the end of every term while grades are fresh.
2. Record any grading policy nuances (e.g., lab vs. lecture credits) in the course notes field.
3. Export and share your plan with academic mentors for personalised advice.
4. Compare weighted and unweighted results when applying to scholarships or honours programs.

Pro Tip: Use the grade distribution chart to visualise trends. A cluster of grades in the same band may signal it’s time to seek feedback or challenge yourself with advanced coursework.

Next Steps

Keep building the habit of data-driven academic planning. Combine this GPA tracker with semester planning, time management, and study logs to create a complete academic dashboard. Consistency and timely adjustments are the keys to meeting your long-term goals.