About the GPA Calculator

Grade Point Average is the credit-weighted mean of grade points earned across all courses in the US academic system. Each letter grade has a corresponding point value (A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0), and courses with more credit hours contribute proportionally more to the final GPA. GPA is used for academic standing decisions, scholarships, honours qualification, and graduate school applications.

Weighted vs unweighted GPA

Unweighted — all courses use the same 4.0 scale regardless of difficulty. An A in PE and an A in AP Physics both contribute 4.0.
Weighted — honours and AP courses receive a 0.5 or 1.0 bonus. An A in an AP course contributes 5.0 on a weighted scale. Many high schools use weighted GPA; universities typically recalculate on unweighted for comparison.

GPA for graduate school applications

Most US graduate programs require a minimum 3.0 GPA. Competitive programs (top PhD, law, medicine) typically see averages of 3.5+. A strong upward trend in later years can offset a lower overall GPA. Research experience, test scores, and recommendations often carry more weight than GPA for competitive programs.

International grade equivalencies

GPA is a US-centric system. When applying to graduate schools, international students typically need a credential evaluation. The UK's degree classifications (First, 2:1, 2:2) do not map precisely to GPA because they measure different things. Many US graduate programmes now explicitly state their policy on international transcripts in their admissions requirements.

UK First class — roughly 3.8-4.0 GPA equivalent; accepted at most top US graduate programmes
UK 2:1 — roughly 3.3-3.7 GPA; meets minimum requirements at most US graduate programmes
WES evaluation — World Education Services provides transcript evaluation accepted by most US institutions
Grade inflation — UK First class degrees rose from 16% (2010) to 35% (2023); context matters for admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

How is GPA calculated?

Multiply each course's grade points by its credit hours to get quality points. Sum all quality points and divide by total credit hours. Example: a 3-credit A (4.0) and a 4-credit B (3.0): quality points = (3x4.0) + (4x3.0) = 24. GPA = 24 / 7 = 3.43.

What is the difference between GPA and percentage marks?

GPA is a 0-4.0 point scale. Percentage to GPA conversion varies by institution, but common US equivalents are: 90-100% = A = 4.0, 80-89% = B = 3.0, 70-79% = C = 2.0, 60-69% = D = 1.0, below 60% = F = 0.0.

What GPA do I need for graduate school?

Most US graduate programs require a minimum 3.0. Highly competitive programs typically admit students with 3.5+. However, GPA is one factor among many — research experience, recommendations, personal statement, and (where applicable) GRE scores often matter more for competitive research-focused programs.

How does a UK degree classification convert to US GPA?

Approximate equivalents: First class (70%+) = 3.8-4.0. Upper Second 2:1 (60-69%) = 3.3-3.7. Lower Second 2:2 (50-59%) = 2.7-3.2. Third class (40-49%) = 2.0-2.7. US graduate schools often request a WES or similar evaluation for formal conversion.

How do I raise a low GPA?

GPA improves as you accumulate more passing grades since each new grade carries more relative weight with fewer prior credits. A in a 4-credit course affects GPA more than an A in a 1-credit course. Grade replacement policies (retaking failed courses and substituting the new grade) can also help where available.