GPA & Grading Glossary
Plain-language definitions of GPA, CGPA, SGPA, quality points, weighted GPA, and other terms used on GradeCalculator (gradcalc.com).
Written by GradeCalculator Editorial Team. Last reviewed September 1, 2026. See our methodology for how we test formulas and cite sources.
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GPA (Grade Point Average)
A numeric summary of course performance. In the US 4.0 system, each letter grade maps to points (often A = 4.0, B = 3.0). Semester GPA averages those points weighted by credit hours. It is a planning figure until your registrar posts an official GPA.
Semester vs cumulative GPA
Semester GPA covers one term. Cumulative GPA combines all completed terms. Use the semester GPA calculator for the current term only; use the cumulative GPA calculator when you already have prior credits and GPA on your transcript.
Quality points
Letter grade points multiplied by credit hours for one course. Example: B+ (3.3) × 3 credits = 9.9 quality points. Semester GPA = sum of quality points ÷ sum of credits.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA
Unweighted GPA treats all courses on the same 4.0 table. Weighted GPA adds bonus points for Honors, AP, or IB courses at schools that use them. Bonuses are policy-specific — see our weighted vs unweighted guide and high school GPA calculator.
CGPA, SGPA, and credit hours (India / Pakistan)
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is an overall average on a 10-point or 4.0 HEC scale. SGPA is the semester equivalent. Credit hours (or credits) weight each course. Converting CGPA to percentage depends on your board or university formula — not one national rule.
Letter grade vs percentage
Percentage is raw score out of 100. Letter grades are bands (A, B+, etc.) mapped from percentage using your school's scale. GradeCalculator lets you pick a scale preset; cut-offs can differ from your syllabus.
Weighted course grade (assignments)
Distinct from weighted GPA: a course average where exams and homework count different percentages (e.g. finals 40%). Use the weighted grade calculator — not the GPA calculator — for that math.
Terms we label as estimates
ATAR estimates, UK degree class predictions, UC/CSU planning GPAs, and cross-country GPA conversions are educational models. They help you plan; they are not official rankings or transcript values. See our disclaimer and methodology pages.