Weighted GPA Calculator
Add your courses below for an instant weighted and unweighted GPA.
Based on 3 courses and 3 total credits. Weighted GPA adds +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP/IB courses — the most common school convention, though yours may differ.
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA, Explained
Your unweighted GPA treats every class the same on a 0-4.0 scale — an A is a 4.0 whether it's in a regular class or AP Calculus. Your weighted GPA accounts for course difficulty by adding bonus points for Honors and AP/IB classes before averaging, which is why a student with a course load full of AP classes can post a weighted GPA above 4.0.
Taking an AP class already affects your GPA the moment your teacher submits a grade — separately from whatever you score on the AP exam itself in May. Curious what your exam score might look like? Try a subject-specific AP score calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA?
An unweighted GPA is measured on a standard 0-4.0 scale where every class counts the same, regardless of difficulty. A weighted GPA gives extra credit for harder classes — typically +0.5 for Honors courses and +1.0 for AP or IB courses — so a student who took mostly AP classes can end up with a weighted GPA above 4.0.
Which GPA do colleges look at?
Both, but many selective colleges recalculate your GPA using their own formula — often stripping out weighting entirely and counting only core academic subjects — so a high weighted GPA from your school doesn't always carry over exactly. Unweighted GPA is a more universal comparison point, while weighted GPA better reflects course rigor.
How much bonus do AP and Honors classes add?
This calculator uses the most common convention: +0.5 for Honors and +1.0 for AP/IB courses. Some high schools use different bonus values (or weight on a 5.0 scale differently), so check your school's profile or guidance counselor if you need your GPA to match your transcript exactly.
Does my AP exam score affect my GPA?
No. Your GPA is based on the grade your school gives you in the class (the coursework grade), which is separate from your AP exam score in May. A student can earn an A in an AP class (helping their GPA) and still score a 2 on the exam (earning no college credit) — they measure different things.
How do I calculate my predicted AP exam score?
Use one of AP Score Predictor's subject calculators to estimate your AP exam score (separate from your class GPA) based on your MCQ and FRQ results.