What Does Unweighted GPA Mean?

An unweighted GPA is a straightforward measure of a student's academic performance, calculated on a standard 0 to 4.0 scale. This system does not consider the difficulty level of the courses taken. Whether a student earns an A in a standard, honors, or Advanced Placement (AP) class, it is always counted as a 4.0 on the unweighted scale. The purpose of the unweighted GPA is to provide a simple average of grades, treating all classes equally.

What Is a Weighted and Unweighted GPA?

Unweighted GPA:

• Calculated on a 0 to 4.0 scale.
  
• Does not factor in course difficulty.
  
• An A in any class equals 4.0, a B equals 3.0, and so on.
  
• Maximum possible GPA is 4.0.
  
  

Weighted GPA:

• Calculated on a scale that typically goes up to 5.0 (or sometimes higher).
  
• Accounts for the rigor of courses by assigning extra points for honors, AP, or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes.
  
• For example, an A in an AP class might be worth 5.0, while an A in a regular class remains 4.0.
  
• This system allows students who take more challenging courses to potentially earn a GPA higher than 4.0.
  
  

How to Calculate Unweighted GPA

Calculating an unweighted GPA is a simple process:

1. Assign Grade Points:
   Convert each letter grade to its corresponding grade point. A common conversion chart is as follows:
   
   

2. Add Grade Points:
   Add up the grade points for all classes.
   
   

3. Divide by Number of Classes:
   Divide the total grade points by the number of classes taken.
   Unweighted GPA=Sum of Grade PointsNumber of Classes\text{Unweighted GPA} = \frac{\text{Sum of Grade Points}}{\text{Number of Classes}}Unweighted GPA=Number of ClassesSum of Grade Points
   For example, if a student has the following grades:
   

• Math: A (4.0)
  
• English: B (3.0)
  
• Science: A- (3.7)
  
• History: B+ (3.3)
  
• Art: A (4.0)
  The sum is 4.0 + 3.0 + 3.7 + 3.3 + 4.0 = 18.0. Divided by 5 classes: 18.0 / 5 = 3.6 unweighted GPA.

Why the Difference Matters

The choice between weighted and unweighted GPA can impact class rankings and college admissions. Unweighted GPAs offer a clear, standardized measure of academic performance, but they do not reflect the challenge of a student's course load. Weighted GPAs reward students for taking more rigorous courses, but grading policies may vary between schools.

In summary, an unweighted GPA is a simple average of your grades on a 4.0 scale, regardless of course difficulty. Weighted GPAs, on the other hand, recognize the extra effort of advanced coursework by allowing for higher scores. Both are important, but understanding how to calculate and interpret your unweighted GPA is essential for tracking academic progress and preparing for college applications.