Why AP and Honors classes are weighted
Rigorous courses cover more material and are graded on a tougher curve, so many high schools reward them with bonus GPA points. The most common convention adds 1.0 grade point for AP or IB classes and 0.5 for Honors classes, on top of the standard 4.0-point scale for the letter grade earned.
Weighted GPA can exceed 4.0
A student who earns straight A's in all AP classes can reach close to a 5.0 weighted GPA, since each A already worth 4.0 gains an additional 1.0. This is normal and expected — weighted GPA is designed to recognize course difficulty, not to match the 4.0 unweighted scale.
Turn weighting off to see your unweighted GPA
Use the weighted toggle above the course list. With weighting off, every course counts as a standard 4.0-scale grade regardless of level — this is the number most college applications ask for alongside the weighted figure.
Class rank and GPA
Schools that calculate class rank almost always use weighted GPA, since it accounts for students who chose harder course loads. If your school reports rank, confirm which GPA version (weighted or unweighted) it is based on.
Check your school's exact policy
Weighting conventions vary by district — some cap the bonus, use a 4.5 scale instead of 5.0, or only weight AP and not Honors courses. Use this calculator's standard convention as a close estimate, then confirm the exact figure with your school's registrar or transcript.