What the two outputs calculate
The calculator starts with a base letter-grade scale. Each included course earns base points multiplied by its credits. A permitted bonus is added to the grade points for an advanced course before multiplying by credits. Divide each set of quality points by the same counted-credit total.
The displayed result is rounded to two decimals after the calculation. A+ can be set to 4.0 or 4.3. With 4.3 selected, the unweighted base scale can exceed 4.0; read that setting rather than comparing unlike scales.
Worked example: three courses, two GPAs
Use the example settings of +0.5 Honors and +1.0 AP/IB with A+ at 4.0. These are teaching assumptions. Your school may assign different bonuses, eligible grades or course types.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Course | Grade / level | Base points | Weighted points |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | A / Regular | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Chemistry | B / Honors | 3.0 | 3.5 |
| History | A / AP | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Total / 3 credits | Same record | 11 ÷ 3 = 3.67 | 12.5 ÷ 3 = 4.17 |
Credits change the influence of each course
Course weighting and course rigor are separate uses of the word weighted. A half-credit A and a one-credit B do not contribute equally even before an Honors bonus is considered. Enter the credit values used by your school rather than treating every row as one full course.
For example, a 0.5-credit A at 4.0 earns 2 quality points, while a 1-credit B at 3.0 earns 3. The unweighted result is 5 ÷ 1.5 = 3.33. It is not the simple mean of 4 and 3.
Adjust the assumptions before relying on a result
The default model applies bonuses to A through C−, with an option to include D-range grades. An F receives no bonus. P, W and I entries are excluded from both averages in this tool. None of those defaults overrides a school policy.
If a school caps total bonus points, selects only certain years, excludes particular subjects or uses an unfamiliar base grade scale, this general tool may not reproduce its official result. Keep the policy and transcript beside your calculation.
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A school GPA is not every college admissions GPA
The University of California publishes its own eligibility calculation, including a defined course/year window and honors rules. A generic Honors/AP average must not be labelled a UC capped GPA. Other institutions may evaluate the academic record differently.
Use your official transcript when an application asks for your reported school GPA. If a college publishes a separate calculation method, use that method for a clearly named estimate rather than treating this number as its official decision.