Learning guide
GPA vs. Weighted GPA
Unweighted GPA averages grade points with credit weighting. Weighted GPA adds extra points for qualifying courses according to the school’s own system.
Method
- Find the school grade-point value for each course.
- Record course credits.
- For weighted GPA, add only the extra weight your school uses.
- Compute credit-weighted quality points.
Worked example
Two 3-credit courses at 4.0 and 3.0 produce 3.5 unweighted GPA.
If the first course receives +1.0 weighting, the weighted GPA rises.
Notes
- There is no universal weighted scale.
- Admissions offices may recalculate GPA.
- Use official transcript rules when accuracy matters.
Continue with the related tools
This guide explains the method; use the calculator or tool pages for your own inputs and scenarios.
- Weighted GPA Calculator — Calculate a weighted GPA with per-course extra weight for honors, AP, IB or other advanced-course systems.
- Cumulative GPA Calculator — Combine an existing GPA and credits with a new semester GPA and credits to estimate the updated cumulative GPA.
- Semester Grade Calculator — Estimate a semester grade from multiple term scores and an optional final-exam score with its own weight.