Related Tool: Grade Calculator
Letter Grade to GPA & Percentage Scale
Grade point average (GPA) is a commonly used indicator of an individual's academic achievement in school. It is the average of the grades attained in each course, taking course credit into consideration. Grading systems vary in different countries, or even schools. This calculator accepts letter grades as well as numerical inputs. These letter grades are translated into numerical values based on the standard grade point scale shown below.
Note: P (pass), NP (not pass), I (incomplete), and W (withdrawal) will be ignored in standard GPA calculations.
| Letter Grade | GPA (Grade Points) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.3 | 97-100% |
| A | 4.0 | 93-96% |
| A- | 3.7 | 90-92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87-89% |
| B | 3.0 | 83-86% |
| B- | 2.7 | 80-82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77-79% |
| C | 2.0 | 73-76% |
| C- | 1.7 | 70-72% |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67-69% |
| D | 1.0 | 63-66% |
| D- | 0.7 | 60-62% |
| F | 0.0 | 0-59% |
How to Calculate GPA (Examples)
Most schools, colleges, and universities in the United States use a grading system based on the letters above. However, systems do differ; some do not include grades such as an A+ or a B-, and others may attribute more weight to certain courses (like Honors or AP classes). The calculator can account for this based on the number of credits attributed to a course, where "credit" acts as the weighting of the course.
Example 1
| Course | Credit | Grade | Grade Points (Credit × Value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 4 | A+ (4.3) | 4 × 4.3 = 17.2 |
| Physics | 2 | B (3.0) | 2 × 3.0 = 6 |
| English | 3 | A (4.0) | 3 × 4.0 = 12 |
| Total | 9 | -- | 35.2 |
GPA Calculation: 35.2 / 9 = 3.91
Example 2
| Course | Credit | Grade | Grade Points (Credit × Value) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 4 | B (3.0) | 4 × 3.0 = 12 |
| Chemistry | 3 | C (2.0) | 3 × 2.0 = 6 |
| Chemistry Lab | 2 | A (4.0) | 2 × 4.0 = 8 |
| Total | 9 | -- | 26 |
GPA Calculation: 26 / 9 = 2.89
Guidelines for Raising GPA
There is no sure formula for raising a person's GPA, and strategies that work for one person may not work for another. However, the guidelines below are generally good habits that can have positive effects on learning.
Actively Attending Classes
Classes are being paid for likely either by a student or their parent, and not attending classes is both a financial loss, as well as a loss in potential education. While a student may decide that attending a particular class is not beneficial to their learning, there is usually valuable information that can be obtained simply by attending class (e.g., missing information about a change in exam location or material).
Furthermore, questions from students in class, as well as the explanations that may follow, can provide seemingly inconsequential bits of information that can make a large difference on tests. Attending class, particularly if the class is smaller in size, can allow the professor to link a name, a face, and a grade, particularly if the student actively participates. Active participation is more likely to engage a student's mind regarding the subject matter than reading online notes.
Planning and Organization
Every student has his or her own learning style. The method that maximizes the value of the time spent is likely the most effective for improving learning, and subsequently, GPA.
Organization of work that needs to be done, as well as notes taken, is crucial. It is as important to be able to find relevant information as it is to take notes in class. Time management is also an important aspect of planning. Taking more courses or activities than a person can handle can be detrimental both to learning and to average GPA. Budgeting and scheduling time for each course can help put the amount of work into perspective and reduce stress.
Reviewing work regularly, in terms of studying, is another aspect of time management. Reviewing some of the information regularly over a period of time is often more effective than attempting to memorize all of the information right before an exam. Learning the information through periodic review can ultimately save time and potentially position a student to perform better on exams.