Understanding the GPA Calculator
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance. It is calculated based on the grades received in each course and the credit hours for those courses. The GPA calculator allows you to calculate your GPA by entering your course grades and credit hours.
How GPA is Calculated:
- Step 1: For each course, the grade you receive corresponds to a numerical value (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc.). This is known as the "grade point."
- Step 2: Each course has a set number of credit hours. These represent the weight of the course (e.g., a course with 3 credit hours is considered more important than a 1-credit course).
- Step 3: Multiply the grade point for each course by the number of credit hours for that course. This gives you the "grade points earned" for that course.
- Step 4: Add up all the grade points earned from each course.
- Step 5: Add up all the credit hours for the courses you are taking.
- Step 6: Divide the total grade points by the total credit hours. The result is your GPA.
Example Calculation:
Imagine you have taken 3 courses:
- Course 1: A (4.0 grade point) with 3 credit hours. Grade points earned = 4.0 * 3 = 12.
- Course 2: B (3.0 grade point) with 4 credit hours. Grade points earned = 3.0 * 4 = 12.
- Course 3: C (2.0 grade point) with 2 credit hours. Grade points earned = 2.0 * 2 = 4.
Total grade points earned = 12 + 12 + 4 = 28. Total credit hours = 3 + 4 + 2 = 9.
Your GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit Hours = 28 / 9 = 3.11 (rounded to two decimal places).
Important Notes:
- The GPA scale varies by institution, so be sure to use the correct scale for your school.
- GPA is typically calculated on a scale of 4.0, but some schools may use a different scale, such as a 5.0 scale.
- Some schools may use weighted GPA, where honors or AP courses are given extra weight (e.g., A in an AP course = 5.0 instead of 4.0).