Weighted GPA Calculator for Honors, AP and IB Courses
Our weighted GPA calculator adds the bonus points your school gives to honors, AP and IB classes. It shows your weighted and unweighted GPA side by side. Add your earlier record to see the new cumulative GPA.
How to Use the Weighted GPA Calculator
Pick a grade scale first. Plus and minus is the default, and letters only removes the plus and minus steps. Then add each course with its grade, its credits and its level.
Set the honors and AP or IB bonus to match your school handbook. Most schools use 0.5 for honors and 1.0 for AP and IB. Results update as you type, and the cross button removes a course.
Bonus Points on a Weighted GPA Scale
A weighted GPA scale gives harder classes extra points. Honors usually adds 0.5 and AP or IB adds 1.0. The bonus applies to passing grades only, so an F stays at 0.
| Course level | Bonus | An A becomes | A B becomes |
| Regular | 0 | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Honors | +0.5 | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| AP or IB | +1.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 |
A straight run of A grades in AP classes reaches 5.0 on this scale. Schools differ, so check your handbook first. Enter the bonus your school adds to grade points and the result will match its report.
A Worked Example
Take six courses with one credit each, except Physical Education at half a credit. AP Calculus B+ becomes 3.3 plus 1.0, which is 4.3. AP English A− gives 4.7, Honors Chemistry A gives 4.5, Spanish B gives 3.0, US History A gives 4.0 and Physical Education A gives 4.0.
The weighted points add up to 22.5 over 5.5 credits, so the weighted GPA is 4.09. Without any bonus the same grades give 20.0 over 5.5 credits, or 3.64. These numbers are already filled in, so the page shows the same result when it opens.
Now add an earlier weighted GPA of 3.85 over 12 credits. The new cumulative GPA is 68.7 divided by 17.5 credits, which is 3.93. An earlier 3.60 without bonus points gives 3.61.
Weighted Versus Unweighted Scores
An unweighted GPA treats every class the same and tops out at 4.0. A weighted GPA rewards harder classes, so it can reach 5.0. Colleges read both numbers next to your transcript.
Your high school GPA is usually reported both ways. Some schools rank students by the weighted figure and some by the plain one. Ask your counselor which number your school uses for class rank.
Cumulative GPA Across Semesters
Cumulative GPA is the average of every course you have finished, weighted by credits. It is not the average of your semester GPAs. A heavy semester counts more than a light one.
To update it by hand, multiply the old GPA by the old credits and add the new points. Divide by the total credits. The tool does this when you fill in the earlier record boxes.
Ways to Raise Your High School GPA
- Take honors or AP classes only where you can earn a B or better.
- Retake a failed course, since the F still counts against your credits.
- Test a goal with the weighted GPA calculator before the semester ends.
A small jump needs many credits at a high grade. Three more A grades lift a 3.4 average slowly, so plan early. Grade points times credits set the weight, so a one credit class moves the result more than a half credit class.
Frequently asked questions
Is this weighted GPA calculator free?
Yes, it runs in your browser and saves nothing.
What is a good weighted GPA?
Above 4.0 is strong, and 4.5 or more is excellent at most schools.
Does an F get the bonus?
No, the bonus applies only to passing grades.
How do I find my new total?
Enter your earlier GPA and credits, and the tool shows the new cumulative GPA.
Can I use letters only?
Yes, switch the grade scale to letters only.
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