Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA: What's the Difference?
When applying to colleges, you’ll often hear about two different types of GPAs: Weighted and Unweighted. Understanding the difference is crucial for high school students taking AP, IB, or Honors classes.
Unweighted GPA (The Standard)
Unweighted GPA is the classic calculation measured on a scale of 0 to 4.0. It doesn’t care how difficult your classes were; it only looks at the grade you earned.
- A in Gym (PE) = 4.0
- A in AP Physics = 4.0
In an unweighted system, an ‘A’ is always an ‘A’. The maximum possible GPA is 4.0. This system is fair in the sense that 100% is 100%, but it doesn’t reward students who challenge themselves with rigorous coursework.
Weighted GPA (The Challenge)
Weighted GPA takes course difficulty into account. It is typically measured on a scale of 0 to 5.0 (or sometimes even 6.0). It gives “bonus points” for advanced classes.
Typically, the scale shifts like this:
- AP / IB Classes: A = 5.0
- Honors Classes: A = 4.5
- Regular Classes: A = 4.0
So, getting a B (3.0) in an AP class might be calculated as a 4.0 on a weighted scale, acknowledging that a B in college-level physics is roughly equivalent to an A in a standard high school physics class.
Comparison Table
| Grade | Regular Class (Unweighted) | Honors Class (Weighted) | AP/IB Class (Weighted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.0 |
Note: Some schools do not weight grades below a C.
Which One Do Colleges Care About?
The short answer: Both.
Colleges look at your Unweighted GPA to see your raw performance. They look at your Weighted GPA (or simply your transcript) to see your “Rigor of Schedule.”
Admissions officers want to see that you are challenging yourself. A student with a 4.0 Unweighted GPA who only took easy classes might be viewed less favorably by top universities than a student with a 3.8 Unweighted GPA who took 8 AP classes.
Tip for Calculation
Most high schools will list both on your transcript. When using our GPA Calculator, you are typically calculating your Unweighted GPA unless you manually adjust the scale to 5.0 or use a custom setting.