GPA Calculator · Practical guide
GPA Calculator with Plus and Minus Grades
Plus and minus grades change your grade points by 0.3 per step — small per class, big across a transcript.
At a glance
The Short Answer
On the standard plus/minus 4.0 scale, each plus or minus moves grade points by 0.3: a B+ is 3.3, a B is 3.0, and a B− is 2.7. An A− earns 3.7, while most schools cap both A and A+ at 4.0.
Interactive tool
GPA Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
| Course | Credits | Grade |
|---|
GPA Results
The Full Plus/Minus Scale
| Letter Grade | Grade Points | Letter Grade | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | C | 2.0 |
| A− | 3.7 | C− | 1.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | D+ | 1.3 |
| B | 3.0 | D | 1.0 |
| B− | 2.7 | D− | 0.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | F | 0.0 |
Some schools award 4.3 for an A+ — the calculator above supports that variant with its 4.3 scale option.
Worked Example With Plus/Minus Grades
A student takes English (3 credits, A = 4.0 → 12.0 points), Calculus (4 credits, B+ = 3.3 → 13.2), Chemistry (3 credits, A− = 3.7 → 11.1), and History (2 credits, B = 3.0 → 6.0). Total: 42.3 quality points over 12 credits, so GPA = 42.3 ÷ 12 = 3.525 ≈ 3.53.
Why the Fractions Matter
Across 15 credits, the difference between straight B's (3.0) and straight B−'s (2.7) is 0.3 GPA points — the distance between meeting and missing many 3.0 scholarship cutoffs. Enter your exact letter grades, including every plus and minus, in the calculator above to see where you really stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an A+ worth more than an A for GPA?
At most schools, no — both are worth 4.0 on the standard scale. A minority of colleges award 4.3 for an A+, which is why this calculator includes a separate 4.3 scale option.
What is a B+ worth in grade points?
A B+ is worth 3.3 grade points on the standard 4.0 scale. In a 3-credit course it contributes 9.9 quality points toward your GPA.
Do all colleges use plus/minus grading?
No. Some use whole letters only, some skip D− or A+, and cutoff percentages differ by school. Always confirm the exact scale in your catalog or syllabus.
How much does one minus cost over a semester?
One step down (say B to B−) subtracts 0.3 grade points per credit. In a 3-credit class within a 15-credit semester, that lowers your term GPA by about 0.06.