Weighted vs unweighted GPA: what is the difference?
5.0A in AP, weighted
The same A is 4.0 unweighted (common +1.0 bonus)
An unweighted GPA scores every class out of 4.0. A weighted GPA adds extra points for Honors, AP and IB classes — commonly 0.5 and 1.0 — so it can go above 4.0.
Weighted grade points = grade points + level bonus
- Unweighted: A = 4.0 in every class; maximum 4.0
- Weighted: Honors commonly +0.5, AP/IB +1.0
- An A in AP = 5.0 weighted, 4.0 unweighted
- Schools choose their own bonuses — or none
- Many colleges recalculate GPA to compare applicants
Same grades, both ways
| Class | Grade | Level | Unweighted | Weighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | B+ | AP | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| English | A− | Honors | 3.7 | 4.2 |
| Pre-Calculus | B | Regular | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Psychology | A | AP | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| French | A− | Regular | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| GPA | 3.54 | 4.04 |
Weighted GPA calculator
Mark each class Regular, Honors, AP, IB or dual enrollment. Bonus points are added for you.
Which one matters?
Both. Your transcript may show one or both, and applications usually ask which scale you are reporting. Because weighting varies, many colleges recalculate an unweighted GPA from your grades.
How to calculate a weighted GPA
Add the level bonus to each class’s grade points, multiply by credits, add up and divide by total credits — the same method as unweighted, with bigger numbers for harder classes.
Converting weighted to unweighted
Take the bonus back out of each weighted class and average again. You cannot do it from the weighted GPA alone, because it depends on how many classes were weighted.
Does every school weight?
No. Some high schools do not weight at all, some weight only AP, and some cap the number of weighted classes. Check your school’s handbook.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 4.0 weighted GPA good?
It depends on the unweighted figure behind it. A 4.0 weighted could be straight As in regular classes or a mix of As and Bs in AP classes.
What is a 3.7 weighted GPA equivalent to?
It depends on how many weighted classes it includes. With none, it is a 3.7 unweighted; with one AP class in six (+1.0), the unweighted GPA is about 3.53.
Is a 4.10 weighted GPA good?
Above 4.0 is only possible with weighted classes, so it reflects a demanding schedule with strong grades. Compare it with your unweighted GPA and your school’s scale.
Do colleges prefer weighted or unweighted GPA?
Neither on its own. Many recalculate a GPA with their own rules and also look at how demanding your classes were.