Letters become points
Most US schools turn each letter grade into points and average them. On the 4.0 scale an A is typically 4.0, a B is 3.0, a C is 2.0, a D is 1.0 and an F is 0.0. College Board describes this as one common example and notes that your school may calculate GPA differently.
Plus and minus grades
Many schools split each letter. One university registrar publishes A 4.0, A- 3.7, B+ 3.3, B 3.0, B- 2.7, C+ 2.3, C 2.0, C- 1.7, D+ 1.3, D 1.0 and F 0.0. That table lists no A+. Schools that do give an A+ either count it as 4.0 or let it reach 4.3, so the same transcript can produce a slightly different GPA under each rule.
Weighted scales
Some schools add points for harder classes, so honors, AP, IB or dual-enrollment courses count for more than a regular class. A school that adds one point for an AP A can report a GPA above 4.0, often on a 5.0 scale. The size of the bonus is a school decision. There is no national standard.
What the scale means for you
A GPA only makes sense next to its scale. A 3.8 on an unweighted 4.0 scale and a 3.8 on a weighted 5.0 scale describe different records. Your transcript or school profile should state the scale and whether the GPA is weighted.
- Find the scale on your transcript or ask your counselor.
- Note whether pluses and minuses count.
- Note whether the school reports weighted, unweighted or both.
Use a converter carefully
A converter can show roughly how a grade sits on the 4.0 scale, but it cannot tell you how a particular college will treat your transcript. The calculators on this site label the method behind each number for that reason.
Sources and further reading
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