Grade Calculator – Weighted Average
Calculate your weighted average grade from multiple assignments and their weights.
How Grade Calculations Work
Most grading systems use weighted averages: each assignment category (homework, exams, projects) has a weight reflecting its importance. Your final grade = sum of (category average × category weight).
Example: Homework (20%): 92 average. Midterm (30%): 85. Final (40%): 78. Participation (10%): 95. Final grade = (92×0.20) + (85×0.30) + (78×0.40) + (95×0.10) = 18.4 + 25.5 + 31.2 + 9.5 = 84.6 (B).
GPA Scales and Conversions
US 4.0 scale: A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7, C+ = 2.3, C = 2.0, C− = 1.7, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. Some schools use a weighted GPA where honors/AP classes add 0.5–1.0 points.
International equivalents vary widely. A US B (3.0) roughly corresponds to: UK 2:1 (60–69%), German 2.0–2.3, French 13–14/20, Australian Distinction (75–84%).
What Grade Do I Need on the Final?
To calculate the minimum final exam grade needed: Required final = (Target grade − current weighted total) / final exam weight.
Example: You want a B (80%) overall. Current average (excluding final): 76% on 60% of the grade. You need: (80 − 76×0.60) / 0.40 = (80 − 45.6) / 0.40 = 86%. You need 86% on the final to get a B overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a weighted vs unweighted GPA?
Unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale for all classes. Weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced classes (AP/IB/Honors) — typically up to 5.0. Colleges generally consider both but weight course rigor heavily in admissions.
Can I raise my GPA significantly in one semester?
It depends on how many credits you have completed. Early in college, one great semester has a big impact. By senior year, the effect is much smaller due to the large number of existing credit hours. The formula: New GPA = (old GPA × old credits + new GPA × new credits) / total credits.
What GPA do I need for graduate school?
Varies by program. Competitive PhD programs often expect 3.5+. Most master's programs require a minimum of 3.0. Professional schools (law, medicine) are highly competitive (3.7+ is common for top programs). Research experience and test scores also matter significantly.