GPA Scale: 4.0 GPA Chart, Letter Grades & Percentages
The GPA scale turns letter grades into grade points so they can be averaged. On the standard 4.0 scale, an A is 4.0, a B is 3.0, a C is 2.0, a D is 1.0 and an F is 0; plus and minus grades sit in between (A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3). A 3.7 GPA is an A− average (90–92%), a 3.0 is a B average (83–86%) and a 2.0 is a C average (73–76%). Weighted scales add 0.5 for Honors and 1.0 for AP or IB classes.
GPA Scale Chart: Letter Grade, Percentage and 4.0 GPA
This is the standard 4.0 GPA scale used by most U.S. high schools and colleges. The last two columns show the common weighted values for Honors (+0.5) and AP/IB (+1.0) classes.
| Letter grade | Percentage | 4.0 GPA | Honors | AP / IB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Below 60% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Some colleges count an A+ as 4.3, and percentage cutoffs vary a little between schools, so check your school's policy if the numbers need to match your transcript.
GPA Converter Tool — Convert Letter Grade or Percentage to GPA
Note: Percentage cutoffs may vary by school. Weighted bonuses are not applied to an F grade.
How to use the GPA Converter:
- Select your letter grade (A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, F) from the dropdown.
- The matching percentage grade will appear automatically.
- Choose whether your class is Regular (Unweighted), Honors, or AP/IB to apply the correct weighted scale.
- Your GPA points on the 4.0 scale will display instantly.
What Is My GPA? Calculate It From Your Grades
To find your GPA, turn each class grade into grade points with the chart above, multiply by the class credits, add everything up and divide by your total credits. For example, an A (4.0) in a 3-credit class and a B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit class give (12 + 13.2) ÷ 7 = 3.60.
Skip the math. Add your classes to the free GPA calculator to get your unweighted and weighted GPA side by side, your cumulative GPA across semesters, and the grades you need to reach a target GPA.
Calculate my GPAGPA to Letter Grade and Percentage Chart (1.0–4.0)
Every GPA from 1.0 to 4.0 as a letter grade and an approximate percentage. A GPA that lands exactly on a letter's grade points (like 3.7 or 3.0) matches that letter's full percentage range; a GPA in between two letters is estimated proportionally between them, so a 3.5 GPA is between a B+ and an A−, about 88–89%. Tap a GPA from 2.0 up for a full guide to that number.
| GPA | Letter grade | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 GPA | A / A+ | 93–100% |
| 3.9 GPA | A− / A | ≈92% |
| 3.8 GPA | A− / A | ≈91% |
| 3.7 GPA | A− | 90–92% |
| 3.6 GPA | B+ / A− | ≈89% |
| 3.5 GPA | B+ / A− | 88–89% |
| 3.4 GPA | B+ / A− | ≈88% |
| 3.3 GPA | B+ | 87–89% |
| 3.2 GPA | B / B+ | ≈86% |
| 3.1 GPA | B / B+ | ≈84% |
| 3.0 GPA | B | 83–86% |
| 2.9 GPA | B− / B | ≈82% |
| 2.8 GPA | B− / B | ≈81% |
| 2.7 GPA | B− | 80–82% |
| 2.6 GPA | C+ / B− | ≈79% |
| 2.5 GPA | C+ / B− | 78–79% |
| 2.4 GPA | C+ / B− | ≈78% |
| 2.3 GPA | C+ | 77–79% |
| 2.2 GPA | C / C+ | ≈76% |
| 2.1 GPA | C / C+ | ≈74% |
| 2.0 GPA | C | 73–76% |
| 1.9 GPA | C− / C | ≈72% |
| 1.8 GPA | C− / C | ≈71% |
| 1.7 GPA | C− | 70–72% |
| 1.6 GPA | D+ / C− | ≈69% |
| 1.5 GPA | D+ / C− | 68–69% |
| 1.4 GPA | D+ / C− | ≈68% |
| 1.3 GPA | D+ | 67–69% |
| 1.2 GPA | D / D+ | ≈66% |
| 1.1 GPA | D / D+ | ≈64% |
| 1.0 GPA | D | 63–66% |
A single GPA is an average of many classes, so it doesn't convert to one exact percentage. These values are the standard estimate on the 4.0 scale; schools that report percentages may convert differently.
Reverse GPA Calculator
Enter a GPA above to see its closest letter grade and percentage range.
Percentage to GPA Chart: What Is an 86 on a 4.0 Scale?
Searching for "86 GPA on a 4.0 scale" or "what is a 93 on a 4.0 scale"? A number like 86 is a percentage grade, not a GPA. Find it below: an 86% is a B (3.0), an 87% is a B+ (3.3), a 90% is an A− (3.7) and a 93% or higher is an A (4.0). Click any score from 80 to 100 for its full guide (weighted vs unweighted, Honors and AP values), or use the two-way GPA to percentage calculator.
| Percent | Letter | 4.0 GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | A+ | 4.0 |
| 99% | A+ | 4.0 |
| 98% | A+ | 4.0 |
| 97% | A+ | 4.0 |
| 96% | A | 4.0 |
| 95% | A | 4.0 |
| 94% | A | 4.0 |
| 93% | A | 4.0 |
| 92% | A− | 3.7 |
| 91% | A− | 3.7 |
| 90% | A− | 3.7 |
| 89% | B+ | 3.3 |
| 88% | B+ | 3.3 |
| 87% | B+ | 3.3 |
| 86% | B | 3.0 |
| 85% | B | 3.0 |
| 84% | B | 3.0 |
| 83% | B | 3.0 |
| 82% | B− | 2.7 |
| 81% | B− | 2.7 |
| 80% | B− | 2.7 |
| Percent | Letter | 4.0 GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 79% | C+ | 2.3 |
| 78% | C+ | 2.3 |
| 77% | C+ | 2.3 |
| 76% | C | 2.0 |
| 75% | C | 2.0 |
| 74% | C | 2.0 |
| 73% | C | 2.0 |
| 72% | C− | 1.7 |
| 71% | C− | 1.7 |
| 70% | C− | 1.7 |
| 69% | D+ | 1.3 |
| 68% | D+ | 1.3 |
| 67% | D+ | 1.3 |
| 66% | D | 1.0 |
| 65% | D | 1.0 |
| 64% | D | 1.0 |
| 63% | D | 1.0 |
| 62% | D− | 0.7 |
| 61% | D− | 0.7 |
| 60% | D− | 0.7 |
Below 60% is an F (0.0). For any other number or a different scale (5.0, 10-point CGPA, 20-point), use the converter below.
Percentage or Any Scale to 4.0 GPA Converter
Searching for something like "85 GPA to 4.0 scale" or "92 GPA on 4.0 scale"? What you actually have is a raw score or percentage, not a GPA yet — GPA is always the converted value. Type your number below, pick the scale it's currently on, and get your exact 4.0-scale GPA instantly.
Enter a score above to convert it to the standard 4.0 GPA scale.
What GPA Is an A−, B+ or B? Letter Grades to GPA
- What GPA is an A+? 4.0 (97–100%) — 4.3 at colleges that give A+ extra credit
- What GPA is an A? 4.0 (93–96%)
- What GPA is an A−? 3.7 (90–92%)
- What GPA is a B+? 3.3 (87–89%)
- What GPA is a B? 3.0 (83–86%)
- What GPA is a B−? 2.7 (80–82%)
- What GPA is a C+? 2.3 (77–79%)
- What GPA is a C? 2.0 (73–76%)
- What GPA is a C−? 1.7 (70–72%)
- What GPA is a D+? 1.3 (67–69%)
- What GPA is a D? 1.0 (63–66%)
- What GPA is a D−? 0.7 (60–62%)
- What GPA is an F? 0.0 (below 60%)
Straight grades give round numbers: all A's = 4.0, all B's = 3.0, all C's = 2.0. A mix of A's and B's lands between 3.0 and 4.0 depending on how many of each you have; the GPA calculator works it out exactly, credits included.
What Is the GPA Scale?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. The GPA scale, also known as the grade point average scale or 4.0 scale, is a numerical grading system that ranges from 0.0 to 4.0 (and sometimes higher on weighted scales). It assigns every letter grade — A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F — a specific point value so that schools can calculate a student's overall academic performance fairly across different classes, teachers, and subjects.
In simple terms, the GPA scale translates a percentage grade (like 93%) into a letter grade (like A) and then into a grade point (like 4.0). This three-step conversion — percentage → letter grade → GPA points — is the foundation of every GPA calculation in the United States.
For example:
- A 93–96% grade equals an A, which is a 4.0 GPA.
- An 87–89% grade equals a B+, which is a 3.3 GPA.
- A 77–79% grade equals a C+, which is a 2.3 GPA.
- Anything below 60% is an F, which equals a 0.0 GPA.
This GPA scale is used by virtually every U.S. high school and college because it provides a uniform way to compare students from different academic backgrounds. It's also the scale that almost all college admissions offices, scholarship committees, and graduate school programs use when evaluating applications.
How the GPA Scale Works: The 3-Step Conversion Process
Understanding how grades flow from a percentage to a GPA helps you see exactly where every point on your transcript comes from. Here's the simple 3-step process used by every school that follows the 4.0 GPA scale.
Step 1: Calculate Your Percentage Grade
Your percentage grade is just the total points you earned divided by the total points possible, expressed as a percentage. For example, if you scored 340 points out of 380 possible, your percentage is:
For a test graded by questions, the EZ Grader grade calculator turns wrong answers into a percentage and letter grade instantly.
Step 2: Convert the Percentage to a Letter Grade
Using the standard grading scale, an 89% falls into the B+ range (87–89%). So your letter grade is a B+.
Step 3: Convert the Letter Grade to a GPA on the 4.0 Scale
A B+ on the 4.0 GPA scale equals 3.3 GPA points. That's your grade point value for that class.
When you repeat this process for every class and average all your grade points together, you get your cumulative GPA. The GPA calculator does all three steps for every class at once.
Unweighted GPA Scale vs. Weighted GPA Scale
Not all GPAs are calculated the same way. There are two main types of GPA scales used in U.S. schools: unweighted and weighted. Knowing the difference is critical, especially if you're taking Honors, AP, or IB classes.
Unweighted GPA Scale (Standard 4.0 Scale)
The unweighted GPA scale is the most basic and most common. On this scale, the highest GPA you can earn is 4.0, regardless of how difficult your classes are. A B+ in a regular class and a B+ in an AP class both count as 3.3 GPA points on an unweighted scale. This scale treats every class equally and is used by many high schools and almost all colleges for their internal GPA calculations.
Weighted GPA Scale (5.0 Scale or Higher)
The weighted GPA scale rewards students who take harder, more rigorous classes. Most weighted scales add +0.5 points for Honors classes and +1.0 points for AP (Advanced Placement) or IB (International Baccalaureate) classes. This means a student taking AP courses can earn a GPA higher than 4.0 — sometimes as high as 5.0.
The GPA scale chart at the top of this page shows the Honors and AP value of every letter grade.
So, if you're taking AP Chemistry and earn a B, your weighted GPA for that class would be 4.0 instead of the unweighted 3.0 — that's a full GPA point bonus just for choosing the more challenging course. This is why taking Honors and AP classes can dramatically boost your weighted GPA and improve your college applications. To see both numbers for your own report card, mark each class as Regular, Honors or AP in the weighted and unweighted GPA calculator.
How to Calculate Your GPA Using the GPA Scale
Once you understand the GPA scale, calculating your GPA is straightforward. The method is slightly different for high school and college, so let's look at both.
How to Calculate High School GPA
In high school, you simply convert every letter grade to its GPA value, add them all up, and divide by the number of classes.
Example: A senior takes 5 classes in one semester:
| Class | Letter Grade | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| English Literature | A | 4.0 |
| Trigonometry | B | 3.0 |
| Chemistry | B | 3.0 |
| World History | B | 3.0 |
| Sculpture | A | 4.0 |
| Total | — | 17.0 |
When every class counts the same, the GPA calculator without credits is the quickest way to do this.
How to Calculate College GPA (With Credit Hours)
College GPA calculation is a little more involved because classes have different credit hours. To find your college GPA, multiply each class's grade points by its credit hours, add those totals, and divide by total credit hours.
| Class | Letter Grade | GPA Points | Credit Hours | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology 101 | A | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Biology 101 | B | 3.0 | 4 | 12.0 |
| Creative Writing | A | 4.0 | 3 | 12.0 |
| Political Science | B | 3.0 | 3 | 9.0 |
| Total | — | — | 13 | 45.0 |
This is the official formula colleges use to calculate your cumulative GPA every semester. The college GPA calculator uses the same formula, adds your earlier semesters, and handles retaken classes.
What Is GPA Scale Reporting?
GPA scale reporting is the process of telling a college — most often through the Common App — which grading scale your GPA is calculated on, not just the GPA number itself. A 3.8 means something very different on a 4.0 scale than it does on a 5.0 scale, so colleges need both numbers to compare applicants fairly across thousands of different high schools.
On the Common App, the GPA Scale field sits in the Education section, right under where you enter your cumulative GPA. You'll pick the matching scale from a dropdown — typically 4.0, 5.0, 100-point, or 12-point — or select "Other" if your school uses something unusual.
How to Report Your GPA Scale Correctly
- Use your official transcript. The GPA and scale it's calculated on are printed there, often labeled "GPA Scale" or "Grading Scale." Don't guess or estimate.
- Never convert or round it yourself. If your transcript shows 3.85 on a 4.0 scale, enter exactly 3.85 and select the 4.0 scale — colleges handle any further conversion on their end.
- Match weighted vs. unweighted. If your GPA includes bonus points for Honors, AP, or IB classes, select "Weighted." If every class counts equally, select "Unweighted."
- Check your school profile if unsure. Your counselor sends a school profile alongside your transcript that explains your school's exact GPA policy — use it, or ask your counselor directly, if your transcript doesn't make the scale obvious.
Golden rule: report the GPA and scale exactly as your official transcript shows them. Reporting a rounded or converted number — even if you're trying to be helpful — creates a mismatch with your transcript that can slow down or confuse your application review.
Other GPA Scales: 5.0, 10-Point CGPA and 20-Point to the 4.0 Scale
Not every school grades on a 4.0 scale. Many countries and some weighted U.S. programs use 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 10.0 (common for Indian CGPA), 12.0, or 20.0-point scales instead. Since these scales don't have official U.S. letter-grade cutoffs, a common first estimate is a proportional conversion: divide your score by the scale's maximum, then multiply by 4.0. Official credential evaluators such as WES use their own country-specific grade tables, so their final number can differ from this estimate.
| Scale | Example Score | Formula | ≈ 4.0 GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100-Point / Percentage (US) | 89 | Standard letter-grade cutoffs | 3.3 (B+) |
| 5.0 Scale (Weighted HS) | 4.25 | (score ÷ 5) × 4 | 3.4 |
| 6.0 Scale | 4.8 | (score ÷ 6) × 4 | 3.2 |
| 7.0 Scale | 5.5 | (score ÷ 7) × 4 | 3.14 |
| 10.0 Scale / CGPA (India) | 8.2 | (score ÷ 10) × 4 | 3.28 |
| 12.0 Scale | 9.6 | (score ÷ 12) × 4 | 3.2 |
| 20.0 Scale (France) | 15 | (score ÷ 20) × 4 | 3.0 |
Use the percentage or any scale to 4.0 GPA converter above — just pick your scale from the dropdown — to run this conversion automatically instead of doing the math by hand. For official transcript evaluations (visa applications, U.S. college admissions, or grad school), always confirm the final number with your institution's registrar or a recognized credential evaluation service. A weighted 5.0-scale GPA from a U.S. high school is usually better converted with the weighted to unweighted GPA calculator.
Converting a 4.0-Scale GPA to Another Scale
Going the other way — for example "3.5 GPA on a 20 scale" or "3.0 GPA on a 10-point scale" — multiply by the other scale's maximum and divide by 4. These are proportional estimates; universities abroad may use their own tables.
| 4.0 GPA | 5.0 scale | 10-point | 20-point | ≈ Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 5.00 | 10.00 | 20.0 | 93–100% |
| 3.7 | 4.62 | 9.25 | 18.5 | 90–92% |
| 3.5 | 4.38 | 8.75 | 17.5 | 88–89% |
| 3.3 | 4.12 | 8.25 | 16.5 | 87–89% |
| 3.0 | 3.75 | 7.50 | 15.0 | 83–86% |
| 2.5 | 3.12 | 6.25 | 12.5 | 78–79% |
| 2.0 | 2.50 | 5.00 | 10.0 | 73–76% |
What Does a 3 Out of 4 Grade Mean? (Standards-Based Grading)
Many elementary and middle schools use a 1–4 standards-based report card instead of letter grades. On that scale the numbers describe mastery, not a percentage or a GPA:
| Score | Usual meaning | Rough letter equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Exceeds the standard | A |
| 3 | Meets the standard (proficient) | B |
| 2 | Approaching the standard | C |
| 1 | Beginning / below the standard | D or F |
So a 3 out of 4 is not 75%: it means the student has met the grade-level goal. Schools that need to convert these scores for a transcript each set their own rule, so the letter column above is only a common rough guide.
What Is a Good GPA on the GPA Scale?
This is one of the most common questions students ask, and the honest answer is: it depends on your goals. Still, there are some general benchmarks that apply across most U.S. schools and colleges.
- 4.0 GPA: A perfect GPA. You earned A's in every class. Extremely competitive — accepted by most Ivy League and top-tier schools.
- 3.8–3.9 GPA: Excellent. Considered an A average. Strong for highly selective colleges.
- 3.5–3.7 GPA: Very good. Above average and competitive at most four-year universities.
- 3.0–3.4 GPA: Solid B average. Good enough for many state colleges and respected universities.
- 2.5–2.9 GPA: Average. Most community colleges and many four-year schools will accept this range.
- 2.0–2.4 GPA: Below average. You may need to focus on improving grades for better college options.
- Below 2.0 GPA: Considered failing or near-failing. Most colleges require at least a 2.0 GPA for admission and graduation.
What Is the Average GPA?
The average high school GPA in the U.S. is 3.11 (class of 2019), up from 3.00 in 2009 and 2.68 in 1990, according to the NAEP High School Transcript Study by the National Center for Education Statistics. That figure is on an unweighted 4.0 scale, so a 3.0 is close to average and a 3.5 is clearly above it. For the most selective colleges, such as Harvard, Stanford and MIT, admitted students typically have near-perfect unweighted GPAs plus a demanding course load.
Planning to raise your GPA? The GPA planner shows the grades you need next semester to reach a target, and tells you when a goal is out of reach this term.
Plan your GPAExplore Every GPA Value: 4.0 to 1.0 in Detail
Want to know exactly what your specific GPA means — its letter grade, percentage range, whether it's good, and how to raise it? We've built a dedicated guide for every GPA value from 4.0 down to 1.0 in 0.1 increments. Tap any number below to jump straight to that guide.
Percentage (100-Point) GPA Guides: 80 to 100
Have a GPA out of 100, like a 93 or an 86? Each guide shows its letter grade, 4.0-scale value, Honors and AP weighting, and how to convert a weighted 100-point GPA.
Each guide includes its own GPA converter, percentage breakdown, college and scholarship outlook, and step-by-step tips to raise that specific GPA. If your exact GPA falls between two of these values (like a 2.65 or a 3.45), check the two nearest pages — they'll both be relevant to your situation.
GPA Scale FAQs
What is a 3.5 GPA in letter grade and percentage?
A 3.5 GPA sits between a B+ (3.3) and an A− (3.7), which is about 88–89% on the standard 4.0 scale. It is well above the national average high school GPA of 3.11.
What is an 86 on a 4.0 scale?
An 86% is a B, which is 3.0 on the 4.0 scale. An 87% moves up to a B+ (3.3), and a 90% is an A− (3.7). See the full 86 GPA guide, or the percentage to GPA chart above for every score from 60 to 100.
What GPA is all B's?
Straight B's give a 3.0 GPA. Straight A's give 4.0 and straight C's give 2.0; a mix lands in between depending on credits.
What is the average high school GPA?
The average high school GPA in the U.S. is 3.11 on an unweighted 4.0 scale (class of 2019), according to the NAEP High School Transcript Study from the National Center for Education Statistics.
What is a 3 out of 4 grade?
On a 1–4 standards-based report card, a 3 means the student meets the standard. It is not a percentage like 75%; schools that convert it usually treat it as roughly a B.
What is the highest GPA you can get?
On an unweighted 4.0 GPA scale, the highest possible GPA is 4.0. On a weighted GPA scale, you can earn a GPA above 4.0 — typically up to 5.0 if you take Honors, AP, or IB classes and earn straight A's.
Is a 3.5 GPA good?
Yes, a 3.5 GPA is considered very good. It places you above average and makes you a competitive applicant for most four-year colleges and many selective programs.
Is a 3.0 GPA good?
A 3.0 GPA is solid — equivalent to a B average. It's around the average and acceptable to most state universities and respected colleges.
Is a 2.0 GPA passing?
Yes, a 2.0 GPA (C average) is the minimum required to pass and graduate from most high schools and colleges. However, it limits your options for selective universities.
Can a GPA be higher than 4.0?
Yes — but only on a weighted GPA scale. Unweighted GPAs are capped at 4.0, but weighted GPAs that include Honors and AP courses can reach 4.5, 5.0, or even higher depending on the school's policy.
Do colleges use weighted or unweighted GPA?
Most colleges look at both. They use your unweighted GPA to compare you to all students fairly, and your weighted GPA to see how challenging your coursework was. Some colleges recalculate GPA using their own internal scale. The GPA calculator shows both numbers for your classes.
What GPA do I need for Ivy League schools?
Ivy League and other elite universities typically expect an unweighted GPA of 3.9 or above, along with a high weighted GPA, strong test scores, and rigorous coursework.
How does an F affect my GPA?
An F equals 0.0 GPA points, which significantly drags down your average. The exact impact depends on how many total credits or classes you've taken. If you retake the class, many colleges replace the F with the new grade; the GPA calculator's retake option shows the difference.
What's the difference between cumulative GPA and semester GPA?
Your semester GPA is your average for one term. Your cumulative GPA is your overall average across all semesters or years combined. To work out both, add each semester in the cumulative GPA calculator.
Does an A+ count as more than an A on the GPA scale?
On most unweighted 4.0 GPA scales, A+ and A both equal 4.0. A few schools award 4.3 for an A+, but this varies by institution.
What percent is a 4.0 GPA?
A 4.0 GPA corresponds to 93–100%, or an A/A+ letter grade, on the standard unweighted scale. Convert any other GPA with the GPA to percentage calculator.
Is GPA out of 4 or 5?
Both exist. The unweighted GPA is out of 4.0 and is the national standard. A weighted GPA — used by many high schools for Honors/AP/IB students — can go out of 5.0. Colleges almost always ask for your unweighted 4.0-scale GPA first.
How do I convert my GPA to a 4.0 scale?
If your school already grades on a different scale (5.0, 10.0, 20.0, etc.), divide your GPA by that scale's maximum and multiply by 4.0 as a first estimate. Use the Convert Any Score, GPA, or Scale tool above to do this automatically.
What is a 3.0 GPA in percentage?
A 3.0 GPA equals roughly 83–86%, which is a B letter grade on the standard scale. See the 3.0 GPA guide.
How do I convert CGPA (10-point scale) to a 4.0 GPA?
Divide your CGPA by 10, then multiply by 4. For example, an 8.2 CGPA becomes (8.2 ÷ 10) × 4 = 3.28 GPA on the U.S. 4.0 scale. This proportional method is a common first estimate; official evaluators such as WES use their own tables, so check their result if you need an official number.
What GPA is each letter grade?
On the standard unweighted 4.0 scale: A+/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+ = 1.3, D = 1.0, D- = 0.7, and F = 0.0.
What does a GPA above 4.0 mean?
A GPA above 4.0 — like 4.17, 4.39, or 4.78 — is almost always a weighted or cumulative GPA, not a single class grade. Weighted scales add bonus points (typically +0.5 for Honors, +1.0 for AP/IB) for harder classes, and a cumulative GPA averages many classes together. It's not a mistake or a bad sign — it usually reflects a strong, A-range average with some advanced coursework mixed in. To find the unweighted equivalent, use the weighted to unweighted GPA calculator.
What is GPA scale reporting on the Common App?
GPA scale reporting is where you tell colleges which grading scale (4.0, 5.0, 100-point, etc.) your reported GPA is calculated on, so they can interpret it correctly. Always copy the GPA and scale exactly as shown on your official transcript — see the full section above for step-by-step guidance.
GPA Tools
Why the GPA Scale Matters
Your GPA isn't just a number on a transcript — it's one of the most important measures of your academic performance that colleges, scholarship committees, graduate programs, and even some employers will look at. A strong GPA opens doors to better universities, financial aid opportunities, internships, and career options. Understanding the GPA scale gives you the power to set realistic goals, track your progress, and make smart decisions about which classes to take and how much effort to put into each one.
Whether you're calculating your high school GPA, your college GPA, your weighted GPA, or your cumulative GPA, the 4.0 GPA scale is the foundation of it all. Use the GPA Converter tool at the top of this page for single grades, and the GPA calculator for your full GPA, and you'll always know exactly where you stand.