What is a good GPA?
3.0= B average
On the standard 4.0 scale
There is no single cut-off. On the 4.0 scale a 3.0 is a B average and a 3.5 sits between a B+ and an A−. Whether a GPA is good depends on what it is for: every college, program and scholarship sets its own bar.
Letter average ≈ the grade whose points are closest to your GPA
- 4.0 = straight As (unweighted maximum)
- 3.7 = A− average
- 3.5 = halfway between B+ and A−
- 3.0 = B average
- 2.0 = C average
What each GPA means
| GPA | Closest letter | In words |
|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | A | Straight As |
| 3.7 | A− | Mostly As |
| 3.5 | A−/B+ | As and Bs |
| 3.3 | B+ | Mostly Bs, some As |
| 3.0 | B | B average |
| 2.7 | B− | Bs and Cs |
| 2.5 | C+/B− | Bs and Cs |
| 2.0 | C | C average |
College GPA calculator
Letter grade and credit hours for each class. Your GPA updates as you type.
Good for what?
A GPA is good relative to a requirement. Find the published minimum for the program, scholarship or honor you want, and compare with the same scale — weighted with weighted, unweighted with unweighted.
Weighted GPAs read higher
A weighted GPA includes bonuses for Honors and AP classes, so a 3.8 weighted may be a 3.4 unweighted. Always say which one you mean.
The trend matters too
A GPA that rises term by term tells a different story from one that falls, even at the same number. Your transcript shows both.
Raising it
Early on, one strong term moves your GPA a lot; later it moves less. The raise GPA calculator shows exactly what you need.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 3.5 GPA good?
A 3.5 is halfway between a B+ and an A− on the 4.0 scale: mostly As and Bs. It meets any requirement set at 3.5 or below.
Is a 3.0 GPA good?
A 3.0 is a straight B average. Many programs that publish a minimum set it at or below 3.0, but check the one you are applying to.
What is a bad GPA?
Below 2.0 is below a C average. Many colleges place students below 2.0 on academic probation; your school’s catalog has the exact rule.
Is a 3.7 GPA an A or a B?
A 3.7 is an A−.