GPA Formula (Grade Point Average)

Mathematics & Education Formula • Published on July 30, 2026 • Last updated July 30, 2026

Mathematical Equation

$$\text{GPA} = \frac{\sum (\text{Grade Points}_i \times \text{Credit Hours}_i)}{\sum \text{Credit Hours}_i}$$

Variable Definitions

GPA

Grade Point Average (cumulative or semester)

Grade Points_i

Numerical quality points assigned to letter grade earned in course i (e.g. A=4.0, B=3.0)

Credit Hours_i

Course unit value or credit weight for course i

Detailed Explanation

In-Depth Guide

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a weighted average calculation that measures academic performance by multiplying each course grade point value by its credit weight, summing the total quality points, and dividing by total credit hours attempted.

How to Calculate: Step-by-Step

1. Convert letter grade for each course into numerical grade points (e.g. A = 4.0, B = 3.0). 2. Multiply course grade points by course credit hours to get quality points for each course. 3. Add all quality points together. 4. Divide total quality points by total credit hours attempted.

Worked Calculation Example

Course 1: Math (3 credits, Grade A = 4.0) -> 3 × 4.0 = 12 pts Course 2: Science (4 credits, Grade B = 3.0) -> 4 × 3.0 = 12 pts - Total Quality Points = 12 + 12 = 24 pts - Total Credits = 3 + 4 = 7 credits - GPA = 24 / 7 = 3.43

Common Use Cases

  • University semester GPA calculation
  • Cumulative CGPA calculation
  • Scholarship & honor roll eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Unweighted GPA uses standard 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty, while weighted GPA adds extra points for Honors or AP courses.

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