GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your academic performance. It is typically calculated by taking the weighted average of all your grades. A higher GPA indicates better overall grades and academic standing.
The basic formula for GPA is:
GPA = (Sum of (Grade Points × Credit Hours)) / (Total Credit Hours)
If you took three courses with grade points of 4.0, 3.7, and 3.0, each worth 3 credit hours:
It's good practice to review your GPA after every grading period (semester or quarter) to stay on track academically.
Improving your GPA typically takes time, but focusing on current and upcoming courses can help. Check out our Percentage Increase calculator to see how much your grades need to rise.
Employers, scholarship committees, and graduate programs often look at GPA to gauge academic performance, so it’s widely used.