How We Calculate GPA
Every formula on this site is sourced from official documentation published by AMCAS, LSAC, the College Board, and major US university registrar offices. This page documents the exact method used for each calculator type.
Last reviewed: May 2026
Primary Sources
- AMCAS Applicant Guide — AMCAS GPA, BCPM classification
- LSAC GPA Calculation Instructions — Law school GPA methodology
- College Board AP Grade Policy — AP course weighting
- University of California Admissions Policy — UC GPA cap and bonus rules
- AACRAO Grade Point Average Guide — Standard 4.0 scale reference
Standard 4.0 GPA Formula
All core calculators — College GPA, High School GPA, Cumulative GPA, and Semester GPA — use the credit-weighted average formula:
When all courses carry equal credit weight (as in middle school or simple calculators), this reduces to a plain average of grade point values.
Grade Point Scale
We use the standard AACRAO-referenced 4.0 scale. Plus/minus grades are supported when selected.
| Letter Grade | Standard (no +/−) | With Plus/Minus | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | A+ = 4.0, A = 4.0 | 93–100% |
| A− | — | 3.7 | 90–92% |
| B+ | — | 3.3 | 87–89% |
| B | 3.0 | 3.0 | 83–86% |
| B− | — | 2.7 | 80–82% |
| C+ | — | 2.3 | 77–79% |
| C | 2.0 | 2.0 | 73–76% |
| C− | — | 1.7 | 70–72% |
| D+ | — | 1.3 | 67–69% |
| D | 1.0 | 1.0 | 60–66% |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | Below 60% |
Note: Some institutions assign A+ a value of 4.3. Our calculators use 4.0 for A+, which is the more common convention used by most US universities and all major application systems (AMCAS, LSAC).
Weighted GPA (AP, IB, Honors)
The Weighted GPA Calculator applies bonus points to advanced courses before computing the average. Bonus values are based on the College Board's documented AP weighting convention and common Honors weighting used by most US school districts.
| Course Type | Bonus Added | Scale | Example: A grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | +0.0 | 4.0 max | 4.0 |
| Honors | +0.5 | 4.5 max | 4.5 |
| AP (Advanced Placement) | +1.0 | 5.0 max | 5.0 |
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | +1.0 | 5.0 max | 5.0 |
Honors weighting (0.5) is the most common convention. Some districts use 1.0 for Honors. Check your school's policy if unsure.
AMCAS GPA (Medical School)
The Medical School GPA Calculator and BCPM Calculator follow the methodology documented in the official AMCAS Applicant Guide:
- All undergraduate coursework counts, including repeated courses (both attempts appear)
- Grade replacement does NOT apply — AMCAS counts every attempt separately
- BCPM courses: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math (including Statistics)
- Two GPAs are computed: Overall GPA (all undergrad courses) and BCPM/Science GPA
- Post-baccalaureate coursework is included in AMCAS GPA calculations
- AP/IB credit awarded without a letter grade is excluded
AMCAS uses the standard 4.0 scale with no A+ bonus. Graduate coursework is reported separately and does not affect the undergraduate GPA shown to medical schools.
LSAC GPA (Law School)
The Law School GPA Calculator follows LSAC's publicly documented methodology:
- All undergraduate grades count, including repeated courses
- Unlike AMCAS, LSAC uses one cumulative GPA (no separate science GPA)
- LSAC converts grades from all institutions to its own 4.0 equivalent scale
- Graduate coursework taken before a first bachelor's degree is included
- Courses graded Pass/Fail with no numeric equivalent are excluded
LSAC's actual GPA calculation is performed using official transcripts sent directly to LSAC. Our calculator provides an estimate using self-reported data and LSAC's documented conversion methodology.
UC GPA (University of California)
The UC GPA Calculator follows the University of California admissions policy:
- Only grades earned in 10th and 11th grade are counted (9th grade is excluded)
- Only UC-approved "a-g" courses are eligible
- AP and IB courses receive a +1.0 bonus point per grade
- Honors bonus points are capped at 8 semesters (4 years) of eligible courses
- The bonus cap means a student cannot receive weighted credit for more than 8 honors-level courses
International Grade Conversion
The International GPA Calculator, CGPA Calculator, and Indian GPA Calculator use conversion tables based on common equivalency frameworks used by US graduate admissions offices. Conversions are approximate — different institutions may apply different equivalency standards.
| System | Scale | Conversion to US 4.0 |
|---|---|---|
| India (10-point CGPA) | 0–10 | (CGPA ÷ 10) × 4 |
| India (percentage) | 0–100% | Standard bracket mapping |
| UK (Honours class) | 1st / 2:1 / 2:2 / 3rd | 4.0 / 3.5 / 3.0 / 2.0 approx. |
| Australia | 0–7 or HD/D/C/P | Standard bracket mapping |
| Canada | Varies by province | Letter grade mapping |
| Europe (ECTS) | A–F | Direct letter grade mapping |
Target & Raise GPA Calculators
The Target GPA and Raise My GPA calculators solve the credit-weighted GPA formula for the unknown required future GPA:
If the required future GPA exceeds 4.0, the target is mathematically unachievable in the remaining credits on a standard scale. The calculator flags this outcome explicitly.
Accuracy Review Process
Each calculator was built from the primary source documentation listed above. Before publishing, every formula is cross-checked against at least two independent worked examples: one from the official source documentation and one computed manually.
We review calculators annually and when official grading policies change. If you identify a formula error, please contact us with the specific discrepancy. Confirmed errors are corrected within 48 hours.