Confused about the high school GPA scale? You’re not alone.
In 2026, most US high schools use a 4.0 unweighted scale for basic grades, but many also calculate a weighted GPA that goes above 4.0 for AP, Honors, and IB classes.
This guide explains both clearly—with charts, examples, and tips for college applications.
What Is the High School GPA Scale?
The GPA scale is the system schools use to convert letter grades (A, B, C…) into numbers so they can calculate your Grade Point Average (GPA).
There are two main versions in most American high schools in 2026:
- Unweighted GPA — Everyone gets the same points for the same letter grade (max 4.0).
- Weighted GPA — Harder classes (AP, IB, Honors, Dual Enrollment) get extra points (max often 5.0 or higher).
Unweighted GPA Scale 2026 (Standard 4.0 Scale)
This is the most common scale used by colleges when they compare students fairly (many recalculate your GPA using this or a similar version).
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | Unweighted GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 93–100% | 4.0 |
| A- | 90–92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 |
| B- | 80–82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 |
| C- | 70–72% | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 |
| D | 63–66% | 1.0 |
| D- | 60–62% | 0.7 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
Note: Exact percentage cutoffs can vary slightly by school—always check your school’s grading policy.
Weighted GPA Scale 2026 (Bonus Points for Harder Classes)
Weighted GPA rewards students who take challenging courses. Most schools add:
- +0.5 points for Honors, Pre-AP, or advanced classes
- +1.0 point for AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, or college-level courses
| Letter Grade | Unweighted | Honors / Advanced (+0.5) | AP / IB / College-level (+1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
Example: An A in AP Biology = 5.0 weighted points, but only 4.0 unweighted.
Unweighted vs Weighted GPA: Which One Matters More for College?
Colleges look at both — but in different ways:
- Unweighted GPA — Used to compare academic consistency across students and schools.
- Weighted GPA — Shows course rigor (taking harder classes). Admissions officers love seeing high weighted GPAs because it means you challenged yourself.
Many colleges recalculate your GPA using their own system (often unweighted or a standardized weighted version) — so focus on earning strong grades in rigorous courses.
Quick Example: How Weighted GPA Changes Your Number
Scenario (4 classes, 1 credit each):
- AP English: A → 5.0 (weighted) / 4.0 (unweighted)
- Honors Math: B+ → 3.8 (weighted) / 3.3 (unweighted)
- Regular Science: A- → 3.7 (both)
- Regular History: B → 3.0 (both)
Unweighted GPA = (4.0 + 3.3 + 3.7 + 3.0) / 4 = 3.50
Weighted GPA = (5.0 + 3.8 + 3.7 + 3.0) / 4 = 3.88
Difference: Almost half a point higher with weighted classes!
Want to See Your Own GPA Scale in Action?
Use Our Free High School GPA Calculator Now →
Instant weighted & unweighted results, course breakdowns, and college/scholarship suggestions.
Still confused about your GPA scale or how it affects college chances?
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