Calculate GPA
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a student’s grade as derived from computing their overall grade through a defined period, either term/semester for a specific class, or school career. It is considered one of the most important methods of measurement of a student and is used in determining entry to tertiary education and other academic accolades.
Scoring method
This quantitative system has long been in practice. However it varies based on institution. In its simplest form the course work is scored numerically, converted using a letter grade, which itself has a numerical value. The student’s course work is graded on a scale of 0-100. That score corresponds with the familiar letter grades A-F. To calculate GPA there is a general scale:
- A (Excellent) equals a four
- B (Good) equals a three
- C (Average) equals a two
- D (Poor) equals a one
- F (Fail) equals a zero
Each letter grade would then be assigned its numerical equivalent and then averaged out for a final number. For example, if the grade sheet indicated three A’s and two B’s then (4+ 4+4+3+3)/5 gives a GPA of 3.6.
Variations on GPA
While there are commonalties from which the student can operate, there are still specifics required to calculate a true GPA. One of those specifics is the addition of plus and minus to letter grades. The numerical value for each of these extra modifiers is usually only set by the grading institution, therefore the number value for an A- may change from school to school. There is however, a general scale for mid-grades:
- A- = 3.67
- B+ = 3.33
- B- = 2.67
- C+ = 2.33
- C- = 1.67
- D+ = 1.33
- D- = 0.67
Both secondary and tertiary level schools offer extra credit to students taking certain classes, like honors. These additional points can be added to the letter grades increasing their value and therefore the overall average. On the opposite side of the scale there are grading methods that withhold grade values, such as getting an Incomplete (I). Students with an I will have to complete whatever coursework is necessary for them to receive a full grade.
The biggest difference between high school and collegiate level GPA is credit hours. To calculate GPA at University and College level students will have to include the credit hours assigned to each class taken. This weighing system reflects how difficult a particular class was and acts as a multiplier on tougher courses to motivate students to achieve higher grades and keep them from just taking the easier subjects. In the case of credit hours it is calculated as letter grade value multiplied by credit hours. For example, Math, at five credit hours where the student gets a B would work out as (5 x 3) = 15. To calculate GPA from that figure it must be divided by the amount of credit hours taken meaning 15/5 for a grade point average of 3 equaling a B.