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Weighted GPA Calculator

Calculate your weighted and unweighted GPA side by side. Supports AP (+1.0), Honors (+0.5), and IB (+1.0) courses. Choose 4.0 or 5.0 scale.

Weighted & Unweighted AP / Honors / IB 4.0 & 5.0 Scale

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4.0 5.0 scale

Your GPA Results

Unweighted
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/ 4.0
Weighted
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/ 4.0
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Unweighted4.0
Weighted4.0
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Courses

What is a Weighted GPA?

A weighted GPA adjusts grade points upward for more challenging courses. The standard 4.0 scale treats every course equally — but schools and colleges recognize that an A in AP Calculus represents greater academic achievement than an A in a regular class.

The weighted GPA system addresses this by adding bonus points: AP and IB courses add +1.0, and Honors courses add +0.5 to each grade. This means a student who takes all AP courses can potentially earn a weighted GPA above 4.0 — often up to 5.0.

Use this calculator to see both your weighted and unweighted GPA side by side, so you understand how each metric will appear on college applications.

Weighted vs Unweighted: Which Matters More?

Both matter for college applications — but in different ways. Your unweighted GPA is a consistent measure that admissions officers can compare across different high schools. Your weighted GPA signals that you challenged yourself with rigorous coursework.

Most selective colleges recalculate your GPA on their own scale to ensure fair comparisons. However, they also look at your course rigor separately. Taking AP and Honors classes matters even if the college unweights your GPA.

A strategic approach: aim for strong grades first. A B+ in AP is better weighted (3.3 + 1.0 = 4.3) but worse unweighted (3.3) than an A in a regular class (4.0 both ways).

Course Type Weight Bonus A = (4.0 scale) A = (5.0 scale)
Regular +0.0 4.0 4.0
Honors +0.5 4.0 (cap) 4.5
AP +1.0 4.0 (cap) 5.0
IB +1.0 4.0 (cap) 5.0

Frequently Asked Questions

A weighted GPA gives extra grade points for harder courses. AP and IB courses add +1.0 points, Honors courses add +0.5 points. An A in AP equals 5.0 weighted (vs 4.0 unweighted).
On a 5.0 scale, the maximum is 5.0 — achieved by earning A grades in all AP or IB courses. On a 4.5 scale (Honors max), the ceiling is 4.5.
Most colleges recalculate GPAs on their own scale for fair comparison. However, weighted GPA signals academic rigor. Many look at both. Know your unweighted GPA too.
Add the course bonus to grade points first (A in AP = 4.0 + 1.0 = 5.0 on 5.0 scale), multiply by credit hours to get quality points, sum all quality points, divide by total credits.
On a 4.0 weighted scale, bonuses are capped — an A in AP still shows 4.0. On a 5.0 scale, AP/IB courses push above 4.0, with a 5.0 maximum for A grades in AP.
Only if you can earn good grades. An A in regular (4.0) outperforms a C in AP (2.0 weighted on 4.0 scale, 3.0 on 5.0 scale). Academic rigor matters, but grades matter more.

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