How Grade Point Averages are Determined

The GPA is determined by dividing the earned grade points by the number of attempted credit hours. The average grade may be between 0.0 to 4.0.

Example 1

Some grading points are like this: A=4 grade points, B=3 grade points, C=2 grade points, D=1 grade point and WF/F=0 grade points.

Let us assume that the following is a student’s transcript:

• Biology course: credit hours 3 / grade A / grade points 12
• Biology lab: credit hours 1 / grade B / grade points 3
• English: credit hours 3 / grade C / grade points 6
• Math: credit hours 3 / grade F / grade points 0

To calculate this student’s GPA, we first need to have the total credit hours attempted and the total grade points.

Here, the total credit hours are 10. The total grade points adds up to 21.

Now, GPA can be calculated using the simple formula, GPA= total credit points scored / total credit hours.

So, in the case of our student the GPA= 21 / 10 = 2.10.

In order to calculate the CGPA or Cumulative Grade Point Average, we will need all the grade points and credit hours for all the semesters. We will then have to divide all the grade points by the total number of credit hours.

Example II

As stated earlier, schools employ different points for plus and minus grades.

For example, some schools use the following table:

A+ = 4, A=4, A- = 3.7

B+ = 3.3, B = 3, B- = 2.7

C+ = 2.3, C=2,  C- = 1.7

D+ = 1.3, D = 1, D- = 0.7

F = 0

To calculate GPA in this case, add the numbers to determine the student’s grade totals. Divide this figure by the list grade number. The result is the student’s GPA.

Example III

Other institutions may use the following system:

A+ 5.00, A 4.00, A- 3.67

B+ 3.33, B 3.00, B- 2.67

C+ 2.33, C 2.00, C- 1.67

D+ 1.33, D 1.00, D- 0.67

U 0.00

Let us assume that the student got an A- in math and a B in chemistry. Let us assume that he has attended a total of 2 classes. To calculate the GPA, add 3.67 + 3.00 to get the grade points score. The answer is 6.67. Divide this figure by the number of classes attended by the student. In this example, it is 2. So, GPA= 6.67/2. The GPA is 3.33.

Example IV

When you calculate GPA, remember that some schools give more credit for honors / AP courses. If that is the case, add a point for all grades from A to C-. This is not applicable for D and F grades.

The rating system would look like this:

A+ = 4, A = 4, A- = 3.7

B+ = 3.2, B = 3, B- = 2.7

C+ = 2.2, C = 2

D+ = 1.2, D = 1, D- = 0.7

F = 0

Add the numbers and divide it by the total number of classes attended by the student. That is the student’s GPA.

To calculate GPA, you have to add the grades and divide it by the number of classes taken by the student. However, you must only use the rating system employed by the student’s respective school.