How to Calculate GPA

GPA, Grade Point Average is an assessment many universities abroad use to assess the education qualification of international students. The Grade Point Average helps in analysing the average grade score (i.e. the average medium performance of students) in all subjects.

Mostly, GPA is calculated using the following method:

GPA = Total Grade Points/Total Credit Points

Grade points are nothing but the number value assigned according to your performance. Credit points are the points assigned by your lecturer for showing your presence in the class. Mostly it depends on the universities.

So, for example, if you have scored 90+ in Maths, then the number value of 90+ that you have scored will be 4.0, with the Alphabetical value given as A. 

Step-by-Step Guide to GPA Calculation

To help you understand how the Grade Point Average Calculation works, let's take you through examples that can help break things down for you.

Example 1:

Consider you have scored 90+ in 10 of the subjects. Using the US grading system on how they calculate GPA for you.

Grade Points: First, you need to convert your scores in each subject to the corresponding grade points. In the U.S. grading system, letter grades are usually assigned based on the score ranges. Here's a common scale:

• A (90-100) = 4.0
• B (80-89) = 3.0
• C (70-79) = 2.0
• D (60-69) = 1.0
• F (Below 60) = 0

Since you scored 90+ in all your subjects, each subject would be assigned a grade point of 4.0.

Calculate Total Grade Points: Multiply the grade point for each course by the number of credits that course was worth. However, since you haven't mentioned credits, we'll assume each subject is worth the same amount of credits (for simplicity, we'll assume 1 credit per subject).

Total Credits: Add up the total number of credits for all the courses you've taken.

Divide Total Grade Points by Total Credits: To find your GPA, you divide the total grade points by the total credits.

Since you scored above 90 in all 10 subjects, and assuming each subject is worth 1 credit, your calculation would look like this:

• Total Grade Points: 4.0 (grade point per subject) × 10 (subjects) = 40 grade points
• Total Credits: 10 credits (1 per subject)

GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credits = 40 / 10 = 4.0

So, your GPA would be 4.0, which is the highest possible GPA on this grading scale. 

Example 2:

So let us take another example. Of the 10 subjects, you have scored 80+ in 5 subjects. In another 3 subjects, you have scored 70. In the final 2 subjects, you have scored 85. Now calculate the GPA in the same way above.

Scores and Corresponding Grades:

- 80+ scores in 5 subjects (considering this as a B, which is 3.0 grade points).

- 70 scores in 3 subjects (considering this as a C, which is 2.0 grade points).

- 85 scores in 2 subjects (still considered as a B, which is 3.0 grade points).

Calculate Total Grade Points:

- For the 5 subjects with scores of 80+: 5 subjects × 3.0 grade points = 15.0 grade points.

- For the 3 subjects with scores of 70: 3 subjects × 2.0 grade points = 6.0 grade points.

- For the 2 subjects with scores of 85: 2 subjects × 3.0 grade points = 6.0 grade points.

Total Credits: Assuming each subject is worth 1 credit, you have 10 subjects in total.

Calculate GPA:

- Total Grade Points: 15.0 + 6.0 + 6.0 = 27.0 grade points.

- Total Credits: 10 credits.

GPA = Total Grade Points\Total Credits = {27.0}/{10} = 2.7

Thus, your GPA would be 2.7 based on the scores and grade points provided.

What is GPA?

GPA, or Grade Point Average, is a numerical calculation that represents the average performance of a student across all their courses, typically on a scale from 0 to 4. It helps quantify a student's academic achievement, where higher values indicate better grades and thus better performance in their studies.

Here is a grading system that has been adopted by most study-abroad countries for the current year:

GPA Scores and Grading System

GPA Scores and the Grading System have been deemed essential nowadays to understand the average performance of students in an exam. Here's a brief overview of the grading systems and how GPA (or its equivalent) is calculated in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada:

USA

• A (90-100%): 4.0
• B (80-89%): 3.0
• C (70-79%): 2.0
• D (60-69%): 1.0
• F (below 60%): 0.0

GPA is calculated by averaging the grade points obtained in all courses, weighted by credit hours.

UK

The UK does not use a GPA system; instead, it uses degree classifications:

• First-Class Honours (1st): Typically 70% and above
• Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1): 60-69%
• Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2): 50-59%
• Third-Class Honours (3rd): 40-49%
• Fail: Below 40%

Australia

Australia generally uses a 7-point scale for GPA calculations:

• High Distinction (HD): 7 (85-100%)
• Distinction (D): 6 (75-84%)
• Credit (C): 5 (65-74%)
• Pass (P): 4 (50-64%)
• Fail (F): 0 (below 50%)

Canada

Canada's grading system can vary by province and institution but generally follows a scale similar to the U.S.:

• A (80-100%): 4.0
• B (70-79%): 3.0
• C (60-69%): 2.0
• D (50-59%): 1.0
• F (below 50%): 0.0

Canadian institutions may use either a 4.0, 4.33, or 9.0 scale, depending on the specific policies of the institution.

Understanding Good GPA Standards for Academic Success

Understanding good GPA standards is crucial for academic success/progress, as it influences opportunities for further education, scholarships, and employment prospects.

Achieving a high GPA not only opens doors to prestigious programs and career paths but also boosts one's confidence and academic credentials.

Calculating your Grade Point Average is a vital tool for assessing your academic performance, providing a clear metric for educational institutions and potential employers. Understanding how to accurately compute your GPA according to different educational systems ensures you can effectively manage and improve your academic journey. 

Connect with AECC to learn more about the GPA grading system in international universities and start your abroad education journey today.