What does GPA stand for? It stands for grade point average, a single number that sums up a student's grades across many classes. In most American high schools and colleges, each letter grade turns into points on a 4.0 scale, and the GPA is the average of those points.
The number shows up on report cards, transcripts, scholarship forms, college applications and some job applications. A 3.5 GPA, for example, means the student's grades average halfway between a B and an A.
Quick facts
Stands for
Grade point averageType
Initialism, said G P ACommon scale
0.0 to 4.0 (A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0)Weighted scale
Often up to 5.0 for honors and AP classesKinds
Term GPA, cumulative GPA, weighted, unweightedSeen on
Transcripts, report cards, applications, scholarship formsRelated terms
SAT, ACT, AP, FAFSA
What does GPA stand for in plain terms?
GPA stands for three words, and together they describe the math:
- Grade: the letter you earn in each class.
- Point: the number each letter is worth.
- Average: the points added up and divided, usually weighted by how many credits each class carries.
Say it letter by letter, "G P A." Teachers sometimes call it an initialism for that reason; see what is an acronym for the label.
The 4.0 scale at a glance
Schools differ in the details, especially for plus and minus grades, but this table shows a very common setup.
| Letter | Points | Letter | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | C+ | 2.3 |
| A- | 3.7 | C | 2.0 |
| B+ | 3.3 | D | 1.0 |
| B | 3.0 | F | 0.0 |
| B- | 2.7 |
Some schools give an A+ 4.0 and others give it 4.3. Your student handbook or registrar's page will list the exact values.
How to work out your GPA
For each class, multiply the grade points by the credit hours. Add those results, then divide by the total credits.
A sample semester: Biology, 4 credits, B (3.0) = 12 points. English, 3 credits, A (4.0) = 12 points. History, 3 credits, C (2.0) = 6 points. Total: 30 points over 10 credits, so the term GPA is 3.0.
Notice that the four credit class counted more than the others. A low grade in a heavy class pulls the average down further than the same grade in a light one.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA
Many high schools report two numbers.
- Unweighted GPA: every class uses the same 4.0 scale, whatever its level.
- Weighted GPA: harder classes, such as honors or AP courses, earn extra points, often one point more, so an A can count as 5.0.
That is how a student can have a GPA above 4.0. Colleges know schools weigh grades differently, so many recalculate GPAs in their own way when they review applications, alongside test scores like the SAT.
Term GPA and cumulative GPA
A term GPA covers one semester or quarter. A cumulative GPA covers every class taken so far at that school, and it is the number most transcripts highlight. Early grades matter a lot, because each new term moves a large cumulative average only a little.
Scholarships and honor societies often set a minimum cumulative GPA, and colleges may require students to keep a certain GPA to stay in good standing or keep aid.
Writing GPA correctly
- Use capitals and no periods: GPA.
- Use "a" before it: "a 3.2 GPA," "a GPA of 3.2."
- Show one or two decimal places: 3.0, 3.25, 3.67.
- Add the scale when it could be unclear: "3.8 on a 4.0 scale."
- The plural is GPAs, as in "students with similar GPAs."
On a resume, many career advisers suggest listing a GPA only when it is strong or when an employer asks for it. For other school terms, see the school acronyms section.
Questions people ask
What is the GPA full form?
The full form is grade point average. It turns letter grades into numbers and averages them into one score.
Is a 3.0 GPA good?
A 3.0 equals a B average, which is solid at most schools. Whether it is good enough depends on the goal, since some programs and scholarships ask for higher averages.
Can a GPA be higher than 4.0?
Yes, with a weighted GPA. Honors and AP classes can earn extra points, so the top of the scale may be 5.0 at some schools.
What does GPA stand for in college?
It means the same thing as in high school: grade point average. College GPAs are almost always calculated on a credit weighted 4.0 scale.
Do pass or fail classes count in GPA?
Usually not. A pass earns credit but no grade points, so it neither raises nor lowers the average. A fail may count at some schools, so check your school's policy.