Weighted GPA Calculator

How is weighted GPA calculated?

Weighted GPA starts with the normal grade point for each class, then adds a bonus for more advanced course levels such as honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment. The weighted grade points are multiplied by credits and divided by total included credits. Many schools cap weighted values, commonly around 5.0, but policies vary.

What options are included?

This calculator lets you choose the grade input type, adjust honors/AP/dual-enrollment bonus values, set a weighted GPA cap, exclude rows, and compare weighted GPA against unweighted GPA. That matters because colleges, high schools, scholarships, and ranking systems may use different rules.

Weighted GPA formula

Weighted GPA = Σ(credits × adjusted grade points) ÷ Σ(credits). Adjusted grade points equal the base grade point plus the course-level bonus, limited by the cap if a cap is used. The unweighted GPA uses the same grades and credits without the level bonus.

Why are weighted GPA systems different?

There is no single national weighted GPA formula. Some schools add 0.5 for honors and 1.0 for AP or IB. Others use different values, cap the scale, or do not weight dual enrollment the same way. Use this calculator as a planning model and compare it with your school's official grading policy.

For official reporting, always check your school handbook or registrar because grading scales and repeated-course rules vary. For a general explanation of GPA conversion, see College Board BigFuture's guide to converting GPA to a 4.0 scale. For college transcript policy context, many registrars publish their own rules; the University of Washington provides a clear example of how grade points and credits are used in GPA calculation.

Example weighted GPA calculation

If an A in a regular course is worth 4.0 and an A in an AP course receives a +1.0 bonus, the AP course may count as 5.0 before caps. If the AP class is four credits and the regular class is two credits, the AP grade has both a higher point value and more weight in the final average.

Frequently asked questions

• Is weighted GPA always on a 5.0 scale?
  No. Many schools use a 5.0-style model, but others use different caps or bonus rules.
• Do colleges recalculate weighted GPA?
  Some colleges recalculate GPA using their own method, especially when comparing applicants from different high schools.
• Should regular classes have a bonus?
  Usually no. Regular classes normally use the base 4.0 scale.
• Can I calculate both weighted and unweighted GPA?
  Yes. This tool shows both so you can compare course rigor impact.
• What if my school uses a different AP bonus?
  Change the AP/IB bonus field to match your school policy.