High School GPA
Calculate unweighted and weighted high school GPA for regular, Honors, AP, and IB courses with credits, A+ scale, and cumulative GPA. Free online calculator.
About This Calculator
The High School GPA Calculator helps students compute their grade point average using the standard 4.0 scale used by most high schools in the United States. Whether you need your unweighted GPA for college applications or your weighted GPA to reflect advanced coursework, this calculator supports regular, honors, AP, IB, and college prep courses with customizable credit values.
GPA is calculated by converting each letter grade to its numeric equivalent (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0), multiplying by the course credits, summing all weighted grade points, and dividing by total credits attempted. For weighted GPA, bonus points are added for advanced courses: 0.5 for Honors and 1.0 for AP, IB, and College Prep classes. The calculator also supports an optional A+ = 4.3 scale and cumulative GPA calculation by combining prior grades with current coursework.
This tool includes a bar chart showing grade points per course and a pie chart displaying grade distribution. Results can be shared via URL with all inputs saved in the query parameters, making it easy to revisit or share your GPA calculation with counselors and parents.
Regional Notes
United States: The 4.0 GPA scale is the standard for US high schools. Colleges use both unweighted and weighted GPA for admissions decisions. The National Center for Education Statistics reports the average high school GPA is approximately 3.0, with top-tier universities expecting GPAs of 3.5-4.0+ on a weighted scale.
Canada: Most Canadian provinces use a similar 4.0 GPA scale in high schools, though some provinces use percentage-based systems that can be converted to GPA for university applications.
Other countries: The 4.0 GPA scale is primarily a North American system. International students applying to US universities may use credential evaluation services to convert their grades to a GPA equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between unweighted and weighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses a standard 4.0 scale for all courses regardless of difficulty. Weighted GPA adds bonus points for harder courses: +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP, IB, or College Prep classes. A weighted GPA can exceed 4.0.
How do I calculate my high school GPA?
Convert each letter grade to its numeric value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.), multiply by course credits, sum all weighted grade points, then divide by total credits. For weighted GPA, add bonus points for Honors, AP, or IB courses before computing the average.
What is a good GPA in high school?
The national average high school GPA is approximately 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is considered good for most colleges, while Ivy League schools typically expect GPAs of 3.9 or higher on a weighted scale.
Does the A+ grade give extra points?
Some high schools award 4.3 for an A+ instead of 4.0. This calculator includes an optional A+ = 4.3 toggle. Check with your school's grading policy to determine which scale applies.
How does course type affect my weighted GPA?
Regular courses use the standard grade point. Honors courses add 0.5 points (e.g., an A becomes 4.5). AP, IB, and College Prep courses add 1.0 point (e.g., an A becomes 5.0). This rewards students who take more challenging coursework.
How do credits affect my GPA calculation?
Courses with more credits have a greater impact on your GPA. A semester-long course is typically 0.5 credits, while a full-year course is 1.0 credits. The calculator multiplies each grade's points by the course credits, then divides by total credits.
How do I calculate my cumulative GPA across multiple semesters?
Enter your prior cumulative GPA and the total credits earned before this semester. The calculator combines your prior GPA with current semester grades using a weighted average formula: (prior GPA x prior credits + current weighted points) / (prior credits + current credits).
Is high school GPA only used in the United States?
Yes, the 4.0 GPA system is primarily used in the United States and Canada. Other countries use different grading scales such as percentage-based systems, A-levels (UK), or the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma points system.