College Admissions
Most universities have minimum GPA requirements. Top schools typically want 3.5+ GPAs.
US GPA Calculator
Enter Your Courses
Add each course and its details.
How to Use the US GPA Calculator
This calculator is designed to help students calculate their overall GPA and estimate the GPA they'll need in future classes to reach their target. Below, you'll find step-by-step instructions, explanations of key terms, and tips to make the most of this tool.
3 Simple Steps to Calculate Your GPA
Getting your GPA is as easy as 1-2-3:
- 1
Enter Your Course Names (Optional)
Type in each class you've taken (for example, "Biology," "English," or "AP History"). This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.
- 2
Add Your Credits
Enter how many credit hours each course is worth. If you’re not sure what credits are or where to find them, see the section below.
- 3
Select Your Grades
Pick your letter grade for each course from the dropdown menu. If you're unsure what a grade means or where to find it, read the section below.
When you click “Calculate GPA”, our algorithm will calculate your GPA based on the credits and grades you entered.
Understanding the US 4.0 GPA Scale
The American grading system uses a 4.0 scale where:
A+ / A4.0
Outstanding work
A-3.7
Excellent
B+3.3
Good
B3.0
Above average
B-2.7
Satisfactory
C+2.3
Below average
C2.0
Poor
D1.0
Barely passing
F0.0
Failing
Your GPA is calculated as a weighted average of your grade points, based on the credit hours of each course. For example, if you earned an A (4.0) in a 3-credit class and a B (3.0) in another 3-credit class, your GPA would be 3.5. If the classes have different credit hours, the course with more credits will have a bigger impact on your GPA.
What Are Credits and How to Find Them?
Credits (also called credit hours) show how much a course is "worth" based on how much time you spend in class each week.
Where to Find Your Credits:
High School: Check your transcript, student portal, or class schedule. Most classes are 0.5-1 credit
College: Look at your course catalog, registration system, or syllabus. Most courses are 3-4 credits
Report Card: Credits are usually listed next to each course name
Common Credit Values:
High school class:0.5-1 credit
College lecture course:3 credits
College lab course:1-2 credits
College seminar:1-3 credits
What Is a Grade and Where to Find It?
Your grade is the letter (A, B, C, D, F) that shows how well you performed in a class.
Where to Find Your Grades:
Student Portal/Online: Most schools have online systems like PowerSchool, Canvas, or Blackboard
Report Cards: Mailed home or given to you at the end of each semester
Transcript: Official document with all your final grades
Teachers: Ask directly if you're unsure about a current grade
Types of Grades:
Final Grade: Your grade for the entire course (use this for GPA)
Current Grade: What you have right now (might change)
Does Your GPA Actually Matter?
Not as much as your skills, determination, and growth those shape your future the most. But your GPA isn't just a number either, it can open doors to opportunities like:
Scholarships
Many scholarships require at least a 3.0 GPA. The higher your GPA, the more opportunities.
Job Opportunities
Some employers ask for your GPA, especially for internships and entry-level positions.
Academic Standing
Stay above 2.0 to avoid academic probation at most schools.
Quick Tips to Boost Your GPA
Want to improve those grades? Here's what actually works:
Attend every class – You can't succeed if you're not there
Turn in all assignments – Even if they're not perfect, partial credit beats zero
Ask for help early – Don't wait until you're failing to talk to your teacher
Study consistently – 30 minutes daily beats cramming all night
Join study groups – Learning with others makes it easier and more fun
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's a good GPA in the US?
- • 2.0-2.5: Below average, might limit college options
- • 2.5-3.0: Average, gets you into most state schools
- • 3.0-3.5: Good, opens doors to better colleges
- • 3.5+: Excellent, competitive for top universities
- Is a 3.0 GPA good?
- A 3.0 GPA is decent and meets most college admission requirements. It shows you're a solid B student, which is perfectly respectable.
- Can I get into college with a 2.5 GPA?
- Yes! Many colleges accept students with 2.5 GPAs, especially community colleges and some state schools. You might need strong test scores or extracurriculars to help your application.
- How often should I calculate my GPA?
- Check your GPA at the end of each semester to track your progress. If you're applying to colleges, calculate it after each grading period to stay on top of your goals.
- Do colleges look at weighted or unweighted GPA?
- Most colleges look at both. Unweighted GPA shows your actual grades, while weighted GPA shows you challenged yourself with harder courses like AP or honors classes.
- What if I have pass/fail courses?
- Pass/fail courses usually don't count toward your GPA calculation since they don't have letter grades. Only include courses with actual letter grades in your GPA.
Ready to see where you stand?
Use our calculator above to get your GPA instantly and start planning your academic future!