Weighted vs Unweighted GPA: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions students ask is about the difference between weighted and unweighted GPA. Both measure academic performance, but they do so in fundamentally different ways.
Unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA is calculated on a standard 4.0 scale where every A equals 4.0 regardless of course difficulty. This means an A in a standard course and an A in an AP course both receive 4.0 points. Unweighted GPA provides a baseline measure of academic achievement.
Weighted GPA
Weighted GPA accounts for course difficulty by adding extra points for advanced coursework. Honors courses typically add 0.5 points, while AP and IB courses add 1.0 point. This means a student taking challenging courses can earn a GPA above 4.0, potentially reaching 5.0 on some scales.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Unweighted | Weighted |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 4.0 max | 5.0+ max |
| Course difficulty | Not considered | Considered |
| AP/IB bonus | None | +1.0 |
| Honors bonus | None | +0.5 |
Use our weighted GPA calculator to see how your courses translate on a weighted scale.