An unweighted GPA scores every class on the same 4.0 scale regardless of difficulty. A weighted GPA gives extra points for harder courses — Honors, AP, or IB classes count for more than the same letter grade in a regular class, which is why a weighted GPA can go above 4.0 while the unweighted version of the same transcript stays at or below it.
Calculate My Weighted GPAThe Core Difference
Unweighted GPA
Every class counts the same regardless of difficulty. An A is worth 4.0 whether it’s earned in a standard class or an AP class. This is the simpler, more universal number — every school can compare it the same way, since it doesn’t depend on how a specific school weights advanced coursework.
Weighted GPA
Harder courses are worth more. A common convention adds a full point for AP or IB courses (so an A becomes a 5.0) and a half point for Honors courses (so an A becomes a 4.5), though the exact bump varies by school district. This rewards students for taking on more rigorous coursework, but it means weighted GPA can’t be compared directly across schools that weight differently.
Side-by-Side Example
Same transcript, calculated both ways:
| Course | Type | Grade | Unweighted Points | Weighted Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English 11 | Regular | A | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| AP Chemistry | AP | B+ | 3.3 | 4.3 |
| Honors Algebra II | Honors | A- | 3.7 | 4.2 |
| World History | Regular | B | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Weighted GPA: (4.0+4.3+4.2+3.0) ÷ 4 = 3.88
Same four grades, same letter grades — but the weighted number is noticeably higher because two of the four courses were Honors or AP. Neither number is “more correct” than the other; they measure different things, and colleges typically look at both alongside your school profile explaining how your school weights coursework.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which GPA do colleges look at, weighted or unweighted?
Most colleges see both, along with your school profile explaining how your school weights Honors, AP, or IB courses, so admissions officers can compare you fairly against your own school’s grading conventions rather than relying on either number alone.
Can unweighted GPA go above 4.0?
No. Unweighted GPA caps at 4.0 by definition, since every class is scored on the standard scale regardless of difficulty. Only weighted GPA can exceed 4.0.
How much extra credit do AP and Honors classes get?
A common convention adds 1.0 point for AP or IB courses and 0.5 for Honors courses, though the exact bump varies by school district. Always check your own school’s specific weighting policy.
Is a 4.5 GPA weighted or unweighted?
Almost certainly weighted, since unweighted GPA cannot exceed 4.0. A GPA above 4.0 is a strong signal that the school is using a weighted scale.
Should I use weighted or unweighted GPA on a resume or application?
When in doubt, report both and clearly label which is which. Some applications specifically ask for one or the other, so check the specific instructions before submitting.
Calculate Both Numbers at Once
See your weighted and unweighted GPA side by side, with the full math shown.
Go to Weighted GPA Calculator