1. What is GPA?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance. It's calculated by averaging the grade points earned in all courses, weighted by the credit hours of each course.

2. How GPA is Calculated

The GPA is calculated using the formula:

Where:

• Grade Points — Typically 0.0 (F) to 4.0 (A)
• Credit Hours — The weight/units of each course

3. Importance of GPA

Details: GPA is crucial for academic standing, scholarship eligibility, graduate school applications, and sometimes employment opportunities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of courses, then for each course select the letter grade and enter the credit hours. The calculator will compute your weighted GPA.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a good GPA?
A: Typically 3.0+ is good, 3.5+ is very good, and 3.7+ is excellent, though standards vary by institution.

Q2: How does +/- grading affect GPA?
A: Plus grades add 0.3 and minus grades subtract 0.3 from the base grade point (except A+ which is still 4.0).

Q3: Do pass/fail courses affect GPA?
A: Typically no, they're usually excluded from GPA calculations.

Q4: How can I improve my GPA?
A: Focus on higher credit hour courses, retake courses with low grades if allowed, and seek academic support.

Q5: Is GPA the only important academic metric?
A: No, course rigor, trends over time, and specific course grades are also important considerations.