GPA Calculator

Understanding the 4.0 GPA Scale

Most US colleges use a 4.0 scale where A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0. Many schools also use +/- grades: 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, F = 0. Your GPA is a weighted average: each grade point value is multiplied by the number of credit hours for that class, the products are summed, then divided by total credit hours. A 3-credit A (4.0) + a 4-credit B (3.0) = (12 + 12) ÷ 7 = 3.43 GPA — not a simple average of 3.5.

GPA Requirements for Common Goals

Staying enrolled: Most colleges require a minimum 2.0 GPA (C average) to remain in good academic standing. Falling below this for two consecutive semesters typically leads to academic probation or dismissal. Scholarships: Merit scholarships typically require 3.0–3.5 GPA. Competitive national scholarships often require 3.7+. Graduate school: Most programs require 3.0 minimum; top programs (law, medicine, business) prefer 3.5+. Medical school: Average accepted GPA at US allopathic schools is 3.7+. Law school: Top 14 schools average admitted GPA of 3.7–3.9. Honors graduation: Cum laude typically 3.5, magna cum laude 3.7, summa cum laude 3.9+.

How to Raise a Low GPA

GPAs are slow to change because every grade earned is part of the average. A student with a 2.5 over 60 credits needs to earn a 3.5 over the next 60 credits just to bring the cumulative GPA to 3.0. Strategic approaches include: retaking courses (if your school replaces the grade in GPA calculations, called "grade forgiveness"), taking easier electives to boost the average, and reducing course load to focus on fewer classes. When transferring schools, some colleges offer a "GPA reset" where only transferred credits — not the GPA — follow you. Check whether your target institution uses transfer GPA or only new grades.