The average (GPA) that is calculated each semester is an average score based on numerical values attributed to the letters. Each letter is assigned a numerical value from 0 to 4 or 5 points, depending on the scale used by that particular institution. Schools also check the cumulative average when you write to high school or an undergraduate degree. Unfortunately, there is no universal way to calculate the Grade Point Average (GPA). In fact, the methods of calculating the average vary according to country and institution, since there are those who give extra points for honors and different credits for each unit. Despite these differences and difficulties, this article attempts to describe the foundations for two of the most common methods of calculating the average, so that we can at least offer you an idea of what your case will be.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Simple Average Calculation
Step 1. Find a rating scale, usually four points
Most schools in the United States and some Italian international institutions use a four-point scale where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0. It is called the unweighted average. Other schools use a weighted average, which assigns more credits to subjects that are more complex or that require more hours of study. For example, the International Baccalaureate or degree programs. Students who get the highest grades can end up with an over-the-top average when scored against the 4-point scale.
- In some schools, for example, an A + is worth more than an A, in which case every point counts. For example, a B + is worth 3, 3, a B is worth 3, 0 and a B - is worth 2.7 points.
- If you are not sure which scale your school uses, try asking your teacher or tutor.
Step 2. Collect the most recent assessments by asking your teacher or manager
You may also need to enter into the calculation how much you took in old report cards.
Calculate the final grades for each of the subjects. Intermediate report cards don't count. Only the final grades of the semester or quarter go into your average
Step 3. Record the numerical value for each grade
Note the correct grade next to each grade using the four-point scale. So if you have an A -, calculate a 3, 7; if you have a C +, put a 2, 3.
For easy reference, use this chart to help you assign the correct 4-point scale value
Step 4. For each subject, add up all the values of your grades based on the numbers above
Suppose you have A - in biology, B + in English and B - in economics: you would have 3, 7 + 3, 3 + 2, 7 = 9, 7.
Step 5. Take this total and divide it by the number of courses you are taking (in this case 3)
Use the following rule: 9, 7/3 = 3, 2 = average (GPA) on a scale of 4.
Method 2 of 3: Calculation of the Weighted Average Compared to Credit Hours
Step 1. Determine the number of credits
For some schools, especially college courses, each course has a number of credit hours. Credit hours are 'units' that schools use to measure workload. Generally, credit hours are based on the teaching method, the number of hours spent inside the classroom and those spent studying outside. Find the number of credits assigned to each course you are taking. They should be listed on the report card or on the university study plan.
- Credits differ by degree program and university. Usually, the presence of laboratories increases the number of credits.
- If you can't find credit hours for each of your courses, talk to a tutor or administrator.
Step 2. Assign the appropriate scale value for each letter
Most schools use a four-point scale where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0.
- If your school awards 5 points for higher grades, a weighted average on a scale of 0 - 5 is used.
- If you have A - in a subject, consider it as 3, 7. Match each letter with its scale value and write it next to the grade, decreasing by 0, 3 for each sign (for example B + = 3, 3; B = 3, 0; B - = 2, 7).
Step 3. Calculate the separate scores
To find the mean, you need to do some calculations to determine the different values that affect the overall mean.
- Start multiplying each grade on the scale value by the number of credit hours to get the score. For example, if you took B in a 3-credit subject, you should multiply the B's 3-credit scale value by the 3 credits, yielding 9 points for that subject.
- After that, add up the individual credit values to get the total credits. If you have taken 4 courses with 3 credit hours each, you will have a total of 12 credit hours.
- Add up the number of credits to get the totals.
- At this point, you should have two values: a total score value and a total credit value.
Step 4. Divide your total grade by your total credits
In this example it would be 45.4 / 15.5 = 2.92, the weighted average value.
Method 3 of 3: Calculating the Average Using Excel
Step 1. Set the starting columns
In a column, type the names or codes of the courses you are following. In column B, type the grades you want to convert to the average.
Step 2. For column C, determine the numerical values of the ratings you entered
These numbers will depend on the scale your school uses, the general average or the weighted average.
- Most schools use a four-point scale where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0. If your school awards 5 points for higher-level grades, an average is used weighted on a scale of 0 - 5. You can look at the report card or on the university study plan. If necessary, ask a tutor or an administrator for this information.
- Offset the value of 0, 3 for each symbol (for example B + = 3, 3; B = 3, 0; B - = 2, 7).
Step 3. Write an equal in the first cell of column D
The equal sign looks like this: =. All Excel equations start with an equal sign, so you need to use one every time a new calculation takes place.
Step 4. Enter an opening parenthesis and click on the first value in your column C
You will add C1 to the cell of column D. C1
The function should start like this: "= (C1"
Step 5. Add a “+” sign and click on the second value in your column C
The equation should be "= (C1 + C2…"
Step 6. Continue adding the numbers in column C
Once you've selected all of them, close the parenthesis, as shown here.
Make sure you insert a plus sign between each value in column C. If you don't add a 'plus' sign, you will overwrite the previous value instead of adding it
Step 7. Divide this amount by the number of lessons you are taking
Do this by simply entering a slash and then typing the appropriate number.
- The split bar looks like this: /.
- If you are taking 3 courses, divide by 3. If there are 6, divide by 6. And so on.
Step 8. Press the Enter key
You should get a single number in column D, which is your average final result.
Advice
- Universities often have special tests for those who cannot calculate an average of any kind due to too much time between high school and university admission. Inquire at the faculties of interest for more details.
- Most report cards or scorecards have semiannual, quarterly, or final values listed. Sometimes, they also have the list of cumulative averages by subject.
- Many schools and universities offer online tools for calculating averages, entering grades, credit hours and other additional information.
- Note that some schools do their math with two decimal places, while others only do it with one. With 2 decimal places, an A - rating is 3.77, a B + 3.33; with one decimal an A - is 3, 7, a B + 3, 3. If you don't know which system is used in your school, try both to see what the difference is.
- Some universities also take partial averages into consideration in addition to the final overall one.
