Formula Used
Quality points: credits × grade points.
Term GPA: total quality points ÷ total included GPA credits.
Cumulative GPA: current quality points plus new quality points, divided by current credits plus new included credits.
Target required average: required future points ÷ remaining planned credits.
The plus minus method uses values such as A- = 3.7 and B+ = 3.3. The plain method removes symbols and uses A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, and F = 0.0.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose the A+ policy used by your college.
- Enter your current credits and GPA if you want cumulative results.
- Add each course with credits, grade, adjustment, and status.
- Use exclude for audits, pass fail classes, or replaced repeat attempts.
- Enter a target GPA and remaining credits for planning.
- Press calculate to see the result above the form.
- Download the CSV or PDF summary for records.
Example Data Table
| Course |
Credits |
Grade |
Plus Minus Points |
Plain Points |
Main Effect |
| English Composition |
3 |
A- |
3.7 |
4.0 |
Plus minus lowers this course value. |
| College Algebra |
4 |
B+ |
3.3 |
3.0 |
Plus minus raises this course value. |
| Biology Lab |
1 |
A |
4.0 |
4.0 |
No change between methods. |
| History Seminar |
3 |
B- |
2.7 |
3.0 |
Plus minus lowers this course value. |
Do Colleges Calculate Plus Minus Grading?
Many colleges use plus minus grading. Some colleges do not. The policy depends on the institution, department, course level, and transcript system. A plus minus scale gives more detail than a plain letter scale. It can reward stronger work inside the same letter band. It can also lower a grade slightly when the minus mark is used.
Why the Policy Matters
A small symbol can change a GPA. An A minus is often worth 3.7, not 4.0. A B plus may be worth 3.3, not 3.0. Over many credits, these differences matter. They can affect honors status, scholarships, athletic eligibility, transfer reviews, and graduate school planning. Students should always read the official catalog before making academic decisions.
How This Calculator Helps
This calculator compares two common methods. The first method uses plus minus grade points. The second method removes the plus and minus signs. It then compares both weighted averages. You can enter credits, grades, marks, repeated course settings, and grade weight adjustments. The result shows total credits, quality points, GPA difference, and the grades needed for a target GPA.
Using Results Wisely
The result is an estimate. It is not an official transcript calculation. Colleges may exclude remedial classes, pass fail classes, audited classes, withdrawals, or repeated attempts. Some programs use stricter rules than the main college. Some colleges cap A plus at 4.0, while others allow 4.3. That is why this tool lets you choose the A plus policy.
Better Grade Planning
Use the chart to see which courses influence your average most. High credit courses create a larger GPA change. Low credit courses create a smaller change. Try several scenarios before registration, withdrawal, or repeat decisions. Save the CSV file for records. Download the PDF summary for advising meetings. With careful planning, plus minus grading becomes easier to understand and easier to manage. Ask the registrar when rules seem unclear. Ask advisors before dropping a course. Compare both grading methods each term. Keep old syllabi and final grade reports. Good records help when credits transfer, repeats post late, or programs audit progress later online safely.
FAQs
1. Do colleges calculate plus minus grading?
Many colleges do calculate plus minus grades. Others use plain letter grades only. The official answer depends on the school catalog, registrar policy, and sometimes the department.
2. Does an A minus lower GPA?
Usually yes. On many scales, an A minus is 3.7 instead of 4.0. That lower point value can reduce GPA, especially in high credit courses.
3. Can a B plus raise GPA?
It can help when compared with a plain B. A B plus is often 3.3, while a plain B is usually 3.0. Credits decide the size of the effect.
4. Do all colleges count A plus as 4.3?
No. Some colleges cap A plus at 4.0. Others award 4.3. Some do not use A plus at all. Always check your official grading scale.
5. Are pass fail courses included?
Pass fail courses are often excluded from GPA when passed. A failing mark may count at some schools. This depends on local academic policy.
6. Do repeated courses change GPA?
They can. Some colleges replace the old grade. Some average both attempts. Others keep both on the transcript but count only one in GPA.
7. Is this calculator official?
No. It is a planning tool. Use it to estimate outcomes, then compare the result with your registrar, catalog, degree audit, or advisor.
8. Why do credits matter?
Credits weight each grade. A four credit B plus affects GPA more than a one credit A minus. More credits create more quality points.