GPA scale
GPA scales are not fully standardized. This page mirrors a widely used 4.0 mapping with plus/minus bands so you can translate between letters, percentages, and points—then confirm with your institution.
GPA converter
Understanding the GPA Scale
Before we dive in, let's lock down three basics you'll see everywhere:
| Term | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Letter Grade | The A, B, C, D, or F you get in a class. Each letter equals a number on the GPA scale (like A = 4.0, B = 3.0). |
| Percent Grade | Your score out of 100 (like 88%). Schools use this number to decide which letter grade you get. |
| GPA (Grade Point Average) | Your overall average. Turn each letter into a number, add them up, and divide by how many classes you took. |
Reference table
| Letter | Percent (typical) | Grade points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93–96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70–72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69 | 1.3 |
| D | 65–66 | 1.0 |
| D- | 60–64 | 0.7 |
| F | 59 or below | 0.0 |
Common conversion pages
Weighted GPA Scale
A weighted GPA rewards rigor by adding bonus points for advanced classes (typically +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP/IB). In practice, if your school uses a +1.0 boost for advanced courses, a B in AP Biology counts as 4.0 on the weighted scale, and an A becomes a 5.0.
| Letter | Typical Percent* | Unweighted | Honors (+0.5) | AP/IB (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 93–96% | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 90–92% | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 80–82% | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| C- | 70–72% | 1.7 | 2.2 | 2.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| D | 65–66% (some use 60–66) | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | <65% (or <60) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
*Typical percent bands vary by school; this column is a common reference.
GPA Scale – FAQs
What is the GPA scale?
The GPA scale converts grades into points, most commonly 0.0–4.0 in the U.S. On an unweighted 4.0 scale, A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0. Schools use it so performance is comparable across classes and credits.
Is the U.S. GPA always on a 4.0 scale?
Mostly yes for reporting, but some schools also publish weighted scales (4.5–5.0) or 100-point grades; colleges often convert everything back to a 4.0 reference for comparison. Check your school’s handbook/transcript.
What GPA is an A, A-, B+, B, B- on the 4.0 scale?
A common mapping: A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7 (with small variations by school). Use your school’s published chart if it differs.
What percent grade equals a 4.0 GPA?
Many schools map A-range ≈ 90–100% to the 4.0 area (exact cutoffs vary; some use A = 94–100). Convert percent → letter using your school’s table, then letter → points.
How do I convert percent grades to a 4.0 GPA?
Step 1: percent → letter via your school’s cutoffs. Step 2: letter → points (e.g., A-=3.7). Step 3: if calculating overall GPA, use the credits-weighted average.
What’s the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
Unweighted treats every class the same (max 4.0). Weighted adds extra points for advanced courses (e.g., AP/Honors/IB), so the scale can exceed 4.0 and better reflects course rigor.
Do AP or Honors classes raise GPA on the scale?
On weighted systems, yes—advanced classes typically add +0.5 to +1.0 to the base value (e.g., AP A may be 5.0). On unweighted, an A remains 4.0. Colleges also consider rigor separately.
How do I calculate GPA on a 4.0 scale?
Convert each course to points, multiply by credits, sum the quality points, then divide by total credits: GPA = Σ(points × credits) ÷ Σ(credits).
What is a “good” GPA on the 4.0 scale?
Context matters, but ~3.0+ is commonly above average; 3.5–4.0 is strong for many selective programs (with course rigor considered).
Can a GPA exceed 4.0?
Yes—weighted scales can go above 4.0 (e.g., 4.3–5.0), because advanced courses earn bonus points. Unweighted scales cap at 4.0.