How to Calculate GPA: Complete Guide With Examples
GPA is the single number that summarizes your academic performance. Here is exactly how it is calculated and how to raise it.
GPA formula: assign each grade a point value (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=1.0, F=0). Multiply each grade point by the credit hours for that course. Add all quality points. Divide by total credit hours. Example: A (4.0) in a 3-credit class + B (3.0) in a 4-credit class + A- (3.7) in a 3-credit class = (12 + 12 + 11.1) / 10 = 3.51 GPA.
What GPA Do You Need?
Graduate school: 3.0+ minimum, 3.5+ competitive. Medical school: 3.5+ minimum, 3.7+ competitive. Law school: varies by school (top 14 want 3.7+, most schools accept 3.0+). Dean's List: typically 3.5+. Cum laude: typically 3.5+. Magna cum laude: 3.7+. Summa cum laude: 3.9+. Most employers: 3.0+ for entry-level, rarely checked after first job.
How to Raise Your GPA
Each additional semester has less impact on cumulative GPA because it is diluted by more credit hours. With 60 credits at 2.5 GPA, earning a 4.0 for 15 credits raises it to only 2.80. It takes consistent high performance over multiple semesters to move a GPA significantly. Start as early as possible — freshman year grades weigh the same as senior year grades in the cumulative calculation.