1. What is Weighted GPA?

Weighted GPA is a grading system that accounts for the difficulty of courses by assigning higher point values to more challenging classes like Honors, AP, or IB courses. It provides a more comprehensive view of a student's academic performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the weighted GPA formula:

Where:

• Grade Points — Letter grade converted to numerical value (A=4.0, A-=3.7, etc.)
• Weight — Difficulty multiplier (Regular=1.0, Honors=1.5, AP/IB=2.0)
• Credits — Course credit value (typically 0.5-1.0 per semester course)

Explanation: The calculator sums all weighted grade points (grade × weight × credits) and divides by total credits to get the weighted GPA.

3. Importance of Weighted GPA

Details: Many high schools use weighted GPA to determine class rank and academic honors. Colleges often consider weighted GPA when evaluating applicants, as it reflects both performance and course rigor.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Add all your courses using the "Add Course" button
• Select the appropriate grade and course weight for each
• Enter the credit value (typically 1.0 for full-year courses, 0.5 for semester courses)
• Click "Calculate GPA" to see your weighted GPA

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
A: Unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty, while weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced courses.

Q2: What is a good weighted GPA?
A: This varies by school, but generally 4.0+ is good, 4.5+ is very good, and 5.0+ is excellent in weighted systems.

Q3: Do all schools use weighted GPA?
A: No, policies vary. Some schools use unweighted, some weighted, and some report both.

Q4: How do colleges view weighted GPA?
A: Most colleges consider both GPA types, looking at performance in context of course difficulty.

Q5: Can weighted GPA be higher than 4.0?
A: Yes, in weighted systems, taking advanced courses can result in GPA values above 4.0.