1. What is GPA?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance, calculated by averaging the grades earned in all courses. The 4.0 scale is the most common grading system in the United States.

2. How GPA is Calculated

The GPA is calculated using the following formula:

Where:

• \( grade\_points \) — Numerical value assigned to each letter grade (A=4.0, A-=3.7, etc.)
• \( credits \) — Credit hours for each course
• \( total\_credits \) — Sum of all credit hours

Explanation: Each course's grade points are multiplied by its credit hours, then summed and divided by total credit hours.

3. Importance of GPA

Details: GPA is crucial for college admissions, scholarship eligibility, academic standing, and sometimes employment opportunities. It provides a standardized way to compare academic performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Add all your courses using the "Add Course" button
• Select the letter grade for each course
• Enter the credit hours (typically 3 or 4 for semester-long courses)
• Remove courses if needed with the × button
• Click "Calculate GPA" to see your result

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a good GPA?
A: Generally, 3.5+ is good, 3.7+ is very good, and 3.9+ is excellent. Standards vary by institution and program.

Q2: How does +/- grading affect GPA?
A: Plus grades add 0.3 to the base grade (B+ = 3.3), minus grades subtract 0.3 (B- = 2.7), except A+ which is still 4.0.

Q3: Do pass/fail courses affect GPA?
A: Typically no, they're either not included or count as neutral (no grade points).

Q4: How can I improve my GPA?
A: Take more courses and earn higher grades, as GPA is cumulative. Higher grades in higher-credit courses have more impact.

Q5: What's the difference between cumulative and term GPA?
A: Term GPA is for one semester/quarter, cumulative GPA includes all coursework.