# What is a GPA?

> GPA, or grade point average, is the average of your course grades converted to points, weighted by each course's credits. In the US it's usually on a 4.0 scale; Canadian schools use 4.0, 4.33, 9-point, 12-point or percentage scales.

Page: https://textdash.com/glossary/gpa
Updated: 2026-10-31

## How does GPA work?

1. **Each grade becomes points.** For example, on a 4.0 scale an A is 4.0, a B is 3.0 and a C is 2.0.
2. **Points are weighted by credits.** Multiply each course's points by its credits, so a 4-credit course counts more than a 1-credit lab.
3. **Divide by total credits.** Add it all up and divide by the credits you took. Term GPA covers one term; cumulative GPA covers all of them.

## Why GPA matters, and tips to protect it

- It decides academic standing, scholarships and sometimes entry to a major or grad school
- Each school sets its own scale and rules for repeats, W's and pass/fail, so check your registrar's GPA page
- Know what each assignment and exam is worth, and put your effort where the weight is
- Drop or withdraw before the deadline if a course is going badly, after talking to an advisor

## Questions

### Does a W count in my GPA?

Usually not. Most schools leave withdrawals out of the GPA, but check your school's policy.

### What's a good college GPA?

It depends on your goals. Scholarships, majors and grad programs each set their own minimums, so look up the ones you care about.

### Can I raise my GPA quickly?

Early terms have the biggest effect because fewer credits are in the average. Focus on high-credit courses and the heaviest-weighted exams.

## Related

- [Credit hour](https://textdash.com/glossary/credit-hour)
- [Academic probation](https://textdash.com/glossary/academic-probation)
- [Withdrawal deadline (W grade)](https://textdash.com/glossary/withdrawal-deadline)
- [Add/drop deadline](https://textdash.com/glossary/add-drop-deadline)
- [Syllabus](https://textdash.com/glossary/what-is-a-syllabus)
- [Office hours](https://textdash.com/glossary/office-hours)

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