GPA Scale

When calculating grade point average, there are three key components: the letter grade, the grading scale, and the number of credits.  The GPA scale is determined by each high school or college.

Using a GPA Scale and Calculating GPA

GPA Scales are an integral part of calculating GPA.  To use a scale, first figure out which scale your school uses.  Look at the top two grading scales in the section below to learn more.

A GPA scale assigns each letter grade a point value (known as grade points).  Each class will earn its own letter grade.  In order to calculate GPA, you need to figure out the grade points for each class.  By using the GPA scale chart for your school you can get this number.  Multiply the number of grade points for each grade by the number of credits for each class. Then sum these numbers for each class.  Finally, divide the total by the total number of credits to get the weighted average GPA.

Common GPA Scales

 Use this list of GPA scales to understand the various types in use in high schools and colleges.
  • 4.0 GPA Scale 
  • 5.0 Weighted GPA Scale 
These are the two most common GPA scales.  There are many others, but most follow this basic format.  A 4.0 scale is almost always an unweighted GPA scale.  A 5.0 scale is typically a weighted GPA scale.  Check out our article about how to calculate weighted GPA to learn more.