What is GPA and How is it Calculated?

Yatin Kumar Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

GPA (Grade Point Average) is the numerical representation of a student's academic performance and is an essential metric for universities in USA. Most U.S. universities use a GPA scale of 4.0, with intervals of 0.1 (e.g., 2.5, 3.2, 3.5, etc.) to assess applicants. Your GPA is a key factor in determining your eligibility for admission, especially for international students from countries like India.

Also Check: How to Convert 10 point CGPA to 4 point GPA?

GPA Requirements for U.S. Universities

U.S. universities can be broadly categorized into three types, each with different GPA requirements:

Ivy League Universities: These prestigious schools generally have the highest GPA expectations.
- Minimum GPA: 3.8
- Maximum GPA: 4.0
Public Universities: These institutions are more flexible, though still selective.
- Minimum GPA: 3.5
- Maximum GPA: 3.8
Private Universities: These universities often have more relaxed GPA requirements.
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Maximum GPA: 3.5

Note: While these GPA ranges are general guidelines, specific programs within each university may have their own requirements.

How to Calculate Your GPA?

GPA is calculated based on the grades you earn in each course, along with the number of credit hours for each class. You need to convert your grades into GPA points, then compute a weighted average based on the credit hours for each course.

Here’s an example for Indian students pursuing undergraduate or master’s degrees:

Course	Credit Hours	Grade	Grade Points	Weighted Grade Points (Credit Hours × Grade Points)
Physics	2	B	3.0	2 × 3 = 6
Biology	2	C	2.0	2 × 2 = 4
English	3	A	4.0	3 × 4 = 12

Total Credit Hours: 7
Total Weighted Grade Points: 22

To calculate the GPA:

GPA = Total Weighted Grade Points / Total Credit Hours = 22/7 = 3.14

So, your GPA for this semester would be 3.14.

How to Convert CGPA to GPA?

In India, the CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) system is used, which is based on a 10.0 scale. If you're planning to study abroad, you’ll need to convert your CGPA into the U.S. GPA system. The formula for this conversion is:

GPA=(CGPA/10)×4

For example, if you have a CGPA of 8.0, then: GPA=(8.0/10)×4=3.2

GPA Scale and Grading System

In the U.S., each grade corresponds to a specific number of grade points, as shown below:

Grade	Grade Points	Percentage Equivalent
A	4.0	90-100%
B	3.0	80-89%
C	2.0	70-79%
D	1.0	60-69%
F	0.0	< 60%

Unweighted vs. Weighted GPA

Unweighted GPA: This is the standard GPA calculation, where all courses are treated equally. It uses a 4.0 scale, meaning an "A" in a simple course is treated the same as an "A" in an advanced course.
Weighted GPA: This scale accounts for the difficulty of your courses. For example, an "A" in an honors or Advanced Placement (AP) class might be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0. This system helps to reflect the true difficulty of your academic performance, especially for students in challenging courses.

Cumulative GPA vs. Overall GPA

Cumulative GPA: This GPA reflects your academic performance for a specific period, such as a semester or academic year.
Overall GPA: This GPA takes into account all academic terms, offering a comprehensive view of your academic performance throughout your entire academic career. U.S. universities typically focus on your overall GPA when considering applications from international students.

Also Read: Difference between Cumulative and Overall GPA

Is Your GPA Good Enough?

The goodness of a GPA depends on several factors: your personal academic goals, the university you're applying to, and the program you're interested in. Typically, in the U.S.:

A GPA of 3.0–3.5 is considered good enough for most undergraduate and master’s programs.
A GPA above 3.5 is considered excellent and may be required for more competitive programs, such as those at Ivy League or top-tier universities.

Understanding how GPA works is essential for Indian students looking to pursue undergraduate or master’s degrees in the U.S. Whether you're converting your CGPA to GPA, understanding the differences between weighted and unweighted GPA, or calculating your own GPA for application purposes, this knowledge will help you in your admissions journey.

To help you with your GPA calculation, use the GPA calculator below: