How do I calculate my GPA on a 4.0 scale in high school?

I'm a bit confused about converting my grades to the 4.0 GPA scale. Could someone explain how to accurately calculate it for high school? Do weighted classes like AP/IB factor in differently than regular classes?

Certainly! Calculating your GPA on a 4.0 scale means assigning a point value to each grade you receive. Typically, an A is worth 4 points, a B is worth 3 points, a C is worth 2 points, and so on. The cutoffs for "mid" grades (a B+, for example) can vary from school to school, but are unsurprisingly usually somewhere in the middle of the grade and the one above it, so a B+ would be around a 3.33 and a A- a 3.67. To convert your GPA, you'll add up all the points and then divide by the number of classes you've taken.

For weighted classes such as AP or IB, many schools add an extra point to the grade value. So an A in an AP class could be worth 5 points instead of the usual 4. However, this can vary based on your school's policy. Your school might have a specific weighting system and may also use a scale that goes higher than 4.0 for weighted classes. It's best to consult your school's guidelines or your guidance counselor to understand the exact method your school uses.

Once you understand your school's specific system, you'll assign the correct point value to each of your grades, add these points up, and then divide by the number of classes. Ensure to differentiate between regular and weighted classes if your school distinguishes between the two. If you're aiming to calculate your GPA for college applications, keep in mind that some colleges unweight your GPA to evaluate students on a standard scale, or apply their own methodology, such as only including grades in core subjects (math, English, science, social studies, and foreign language).

I hope this helps!