A maximum belongs to a policy
If every included grade has at most 4.0 points, their positive-credit weighted average cannot exceed 4.0. If an eligible course can earn 5.0 points, the upper bound changes. A school may also cap the final result independently of course values.
The maximum for your schedule can be lower
A theoretical weighted maximum assumes the allowed bonus applies to every included course. A schedule containing regular classes can have a lower attainable maximum even when every grade is an A.
Do not rank different systems by the raw number
A 4.50 weighted GPA and a 4.00 unweighted GPA can describe the same set of A grades. Compare course grades and policy definitions before concluding that one academic record is stronger.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Put the numbers together
Two equal-credit A classes with point values 4 and 5 average 4.50, not 5.00. Both are 4.00 under the example unweighted scale.
Method and limits
These examples use stated mathematical assumptions, not a claim that every institution uses the same policy. Read our methodology or check the available institution-specific profiles. Your transcript is the official record.