Three terms, three different jobs
A grade is the mark you receive. Grade points are the numeric value your school assigns to that grade. Quality points are grade points multiplied by the course’s GPA credits.
Why the scale matters
A number without its scale is incomplete. A weighted high school GPA and a college semester GPA may count different courses and use different grade values. Compare them only when the underlying rules match.
Where to find your official GPA
Check your transcript or academic record. Look for the calculation scope, grading scale, and GPA credits. This site estimates a result from the information you enter; it does not access your school record.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE
Put the numbers together
On our example scale, an A in a 3-credit course earns 4 × 3 = 12 quality points. If that is the only counted course, 12 ÷ 3 = 4.00 GPA.
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.