A GPA (Grade Point Average) calculator is a tool used to calculate a student's overall academic performance by converting individual course grades into a standardized GPA scale and averaging them, often factoring in course credits and weights. Here is how a typical GPA calculator works:

• You input your letter grades or percentage grades for each course.
• You enter the number of credits associated with each course (default may be 1 if unknown).
• The calculator converts letter grades (e.g., A, B, C) to numerical points (e.g., A=4.0, B=3.0 on a 4.0 scale).
• It sums the total grade points weighted by credits.
• Divides by the total number of credits to get your GPA.
• Some calculators also allow entry of weighted grades for honors, AP, or advanced classes, which add extra points to reflect course difficulty.

For example, an unweighted GPA uses a 4.0 scale where A=4.0, B=3.0, etc., while a weighted GPA assigns additional points like A=5.0 for an AP course. Many online GPA calculators also support multiple semesters and cumulative GPA tracking, allowing you to monitor your academic progress over time. If desired, step-by-step instructions, grade scales, and options for customization (e.g., semesters, weighted/unweighted) are available on various calculator sites.