How to Calculate GPA by Hand, Step by Step

GPA isn't a simple average of your letter grades -- it's a credit-weighted average, so a 4-credit class pulls more weight than a 1-credit one. Here's exactly how to work it out by hand on the standard 4.0 scale.

The Grade Points

Letter Grade	Grade Points
A	4.0
B	3.0
C	2.0
D	1.0
F	0.0

(Many schools also use +/- increments like 3.3 for a B+ or 3.7 for an A- -- check your school's own scale before relying on the plain-letter table above.)

The Formula

GPA = Total Grade Points Earned ÷ Total Credit Hours Attempted

Worked Example

1. 1

   List each class with its grade and credit hours

   Biology: A, 4 credits. English: B, 3 credits. Art: A, 1 credit.

2. 2

   Convert each letter grade to grade points, then multiply by credits

   Biology: 4.0 × 4 = 16.0. English: 3.0 × 3 = 9.0. Art: 4.0 × 1 = 4.0.

3. 3

   Add up the grade points and the credit hours separately

   Grade points: 16.0 + 9.0 + 4.0 = 29.0. Credit hours: 4 + 3 + 1 = 8.

4. 4

   Divide total grade points by total credit hours

   29.0 ÷ 8 = 3.63 GPA.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do pass/fail or audited classes count toward GPA?

Usually not -- most schools exclude pass/fail, audit, and withdrawn courses from the GPA calculation entirely, though the credits may still count toward your total hours for graduation. Check your registrar's specific policy, since this varies by school.

How is cumulative GPA different from semester GPA?

Semester GPA uses only that term's grade points and credit hours; cumulative GPA runs the same formula across every credit hour you've ever attempted, so one rough semester affects your cumulative GPA less and less as more credit hours accumulate behind it.