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Calculate both your weighted and unweighted high school GPA with this free calculator. Track how honors and AP/IB courses affect your academic standing and college readiness.
High School Grade Scale
Understanding High School GPA
High school GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standardized measure of academic achievement used by colleges, universities, and scholarship committees to evaluate student performance. Unlike college GPAs, high school calculations often include both weighted and unweighted versions.
Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA
| Type | Description | Maximum | When Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unweighted GPA | Treats all classes equally regardless of difficulty | 4.0 | Baseline comparison across all students |
| Weighted GPA | Adds extra points for advanced courses (honors, AP, IB) | 5.0 (sometimes higher) | Recognizes rigor of coursework |
How Weighted GPA Works
For weighted GPAs, extra grade points are typically added as follows:
- Regular Courses: No additional points (A = 4.0, B = 3.0, etc.)
- Honors Courses: +0.5 points added (A = 4.5, B = 3.5, etc.)
- AP/IB Courses: +1.0 points added (A = 5.0, B = 4.0, etc.)
Example of Weighted GPA Calculation
A student has the following courses and grades:
- Regular English: B (3.0)
- Honors Math: B (3.0 + 0.5 = 3.5)
- AP History: B (3.0 + 1.0 = 4.0)
Unweighted GPA: (3.0 + 3.0 + 3.0) ÷ 3 = 3.0
Weighted GPA: (3.0 + 3.5 + 4.0) ÷ 3 = 3.5
College Admissions and Your GPA
College admissions officers typically look at both weighted and unweighted GPAs to assess your academic performance. They consider:
- Course Rigor: The difficulty of courses you've taken
- GPA Trend: Whether your grades improved over time
- Class Rank: How you compare to your peers
- School Context: The reputation and rigor of your high school
What Makes a Competitive GPA?
For highly selective colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, etc.):
- Unweighted GPA: 3.7+ (mostly A's)
- Weighted GPA: 4.0+ (reflecting challenging coursework)
For mid-tier colleges:
- Unweighted GPA: 3.0-3.6
- Weighted GPA: 3.5-4.0
For community colleges and less selective institutions:
- Unweighted GPA: 2.0-3.0
- Weighted GPA: 2.5-3.5
Common High School Grading Scales
Different high schools may use different GPA scales and weighting systems:
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Standard Scale (Unweighted) | Honors Scale | AP/IB Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100% | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A | 93-96% | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 67-69% | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| D | 63-66% | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| D- | 60-62% | 0.7 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| F | 0-59% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
How Colleges View Your High School GPA
Colleges consider GPA in different ways depending on their admissions approach:
- Holistic Review: GPA is considered alongside extracurriculars, essays, and other factors
- Academic Index: Some colleges calculate a composite score of GPA, class rank, and test scores
- Major-Specific Requirements: Competitive programs may have higher GPA requirements
- Recalculation: Many colleges recalculate GPAs based on their own formulas, often focusing only on core academic courses
Tips for Improving Your High School GPA
- Balanced Course Load: Take challenging courses, but don't overload beyond your capabilities
- Consistent Study Habits: Regular studying is more effective than cramming
- Strategic Planning: Know which courses affect your GPA (some schools exclude electives or PE)
- Use Resources: Seek help from teachers, tutors, or study groups when needed
- Grade Recovery: Ask about retaking tests or doing extra credit when available
- Plan Advanced Courses Carefully: Choose AP/IB courses in subjects where you're strongest
- Track Your Progress: Regularly use this calculator to monitor your GPA
- Consider Summer School: Some schools allow you to improve grades through summer courses
Frequently Asked Questions About High School GPA
Does my high school GPA matter after I get into college?
Once you're enrolled in college, your high school GPA becomes less important. However, some scholarship renewals or specific program applications during your freshman year might still consider it.
Do colleges only look at my core academic courses?
Many colleges recalculate GPAs based only on core academic subjects (English, math, science, social studies, foreign language) rather than including electives, PE, or other non-core courses.
Should I take an easier class to get an A or a harder class and risk a B?
Colleges generally prefer to see B's in rigorous courses rather than A's in less challenging ones. However, balance is key—too many B's or lower grades, even in difficult courses, may affect your competitiveness.
Do colleges see my weighted or unweighted GPA?
Most colleges ask high schools to report both weighted and unweighted GPAs. Many will also review your full transcript to make their own assessment of your academic performance in context.
Can a strong junior/senior year make up for a weak freshman/sophomore year?
An upward grade trend shows growth and resilience, which many colleges value. While early high school grades still count, significant improvement can positively influence admissions decisions.
Other Helpful Calculators
- College GPA Calculator - Calculate your GPA with college credits
- Cumulative GPA Calculator - Track your GPA across multiple terms
- Final Grade Calculator - Determine what you need on finals
- GPA Scale Converter - Convert between different GPA scales
