On a 4.0 scale: 3.5-4.0 is excellent (Dean's List/Honors), 3.0-3.49 is good, 2.5-2.99 is average, 2.0-2.49 is below average, and below 2.0 may result in academic probation. For graduate school admissions, a 3.0+ is typically required, with competitive programs expecting 3.5+.

What letter grade is a 3.5 GPA?

A 3.5 GPA falls between an A- (3.67) and a B+ (3.33) on the standard 4.0 scale. It indicates mostly A's and B's with a strong lean toward A's. A 3.5 GPA is considered very good and qualifies for Dean's List at most universities.

How do I calculate cumulative GPA?

Cumulative GPA combines all semesters: 1) Multiply each semester's GPA by its credit hours to get quality points, 2) Add all quality points from all semesters, 3) Divide by total credit hours across all semesters. This calculator supports cumulative GPA by allowing you to enter prior credits and GPA.

Does a +/- affect GPA?

Yes, plus/minus grades affect GPA. On the standard scale: A+ = 4.0, A = 4.0, A- = 3.67, B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, B- = 2.67, C+ = 2.33, C = 2.0, C- = 1.67, D+ = 1.33, D = 1.0, D- = 0.67, F = 0.0. The difference between a B+ (3.33) and B- (2.67) is 0.66 points — significant over multiple courses.

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GPA Calculator

Calculate your semester and cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale. Add courses, select grades, and see your GPA update in real time.

Grading System

Semester GPA

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Cumulative GPA

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Current Semester Courses

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Prior Credits (optional — for cumulative GPA)

Prior Total Credits

Prior Cumulative GPA

Grade Point Scale

How Is GPA Calculated?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is calculated by dividing total quality points by total credit hours. Quality points = grade points × credit hours for each course.

Example: Course A (A, 3 credits) = 4.0 × 3 = 12 quality points. Course B (B+, 4 credits) = 3.33 × 4 = 13.32 quality points. Total: 25.32 quality points ÷ 7 credits = 3.617 GPA. This calculator performs this calculation automatically as you add courses.

What Is a Good GPA?

On a 4.0 scale: 3.5-4.0 is excellent (Dean's List/Honors), 3.0-3.49 is good, 2.5-2.99 is average, 2.0-2.49 is below average.

For graduate school: most programs require 3.0+, competitive programs expect 3.5+. For employment: many employers use 3.0 as a screening threshold. Cum laude honors typically require 3.5+, magna cum laude 3.7+, and summa cum laude 3.9+. However, GPA requirements vary significantly by institution.

How Do Plus/Minus Grades Affect GPA?

Plus/minus grades create meaningful GPA differences. The gap between B+ (3.33) and B- (2.67) is 0.66 points — significant over multiple courses.

On the standard scale: A/A+ = 4.0, A- = 3.67, B+ = 3.33, B = 3.0, B- = 2.67, C+ = 2.33, C = 2.0, C- = 1.67, D+ = 1.33, D = 1.0, D- = 0.67, F = 0.0. Some institutions don't use plus/minus grading — check your school's specific scale.

Note: This calculator uses the standard US 4.0 GPA scale. Some institutions use different scales (4.3, 5.0, or percentage-based). Always verify your school's specific grading scale and policies. This tool is for estimation purposes only.