How to calculate GPA by hand, with credits

Step 1: grades to points

Write each class with its grade points. Using one plus/minus table: A is 4.0, A- is 3.7, B+ is 3.3, B is 3.0, and so on. Use your own school's table if it differs.

Step 2: multiply by credits

Multiply each class's points by its credits to get quality points. Suppose Calculus is a B+ for 4 credits (3.3 x 4 = 13.2), English is an A- for 3 credits (3.7 x 3 = 11.1), Biology is a B for 4 credits (3.0 x 4 = 12.0) and Art is an A for 2 credits (4.0 x 2 = 8.0).

Step 3: add and divide

Add the quality points: 13.2 + 11.1 + 12.0 + 8.0 = 44.3. Add the credits: 4 + 3 + 4 + 2 = 13. Divide: 44.3 / 13 = 3.41 after rounding to two decimals. Round only at the end, so small rounding errors do not build up.

Why credits matter

If every class counted equally, the average of 3.3, 3.7, 3.0 and 4.0 would be 3.50. The weighted-by-credit answer is 3.41 because the two 4-credit classes had lower grades. When a school gives every class the same credit, College Board's simpler method applies: add the points and divide by the number of classes, as in three A's, a B and a C giving 3.4.

Check your work

Your answer must fall between your lowest and highest grade points. If it does not, an addition or a credit total is off. You can compare your result with the calculators on this site.

• Use the same table for every class.
• Count only classes your school includes in GPA.
• Keep unrounded numbers until the last step.