GradLedgerQuick answer: A homeschool GPA is the sum of (grade points × credits) divided by the total credits of graded courses. On the standard 4.0 scale A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0 and F = 0. For a weighted GPA, add 0.5 to passing grades in honors courses and 1.0 in AP or dual-enrollment courses before multiplying.
How to calculate a homeschool GPA
- Convert each grade to points. Use your grading scale: A = 4.0, A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, and so on (table below). Percentages convert to a letter first.
- Multiply by credits. A full-year course is usually 1.0 credit and a semester 0.5. Grade points × credits = quality points.
- Add the quality points and the credits. Include only graded courses. Leave out pass/fail and in-progress courses.
- Divide. Total quality points ÷ total graded credits = GPA. Round the same way every time; GradLedger rounds half up to 2 decimals (or 3 if you choose).
- For a weighted GPA, add the weight (for example +0.5 Honors, +1.0 AP) to each passing grade's points before multiplying, then divide by the same credits.
Worked example
A 9th grader with one honors course and a pass/fail PE class:
| Course | Grade | Grade points | Credits | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English 9 | A | 4.0 | 1.0 | 4.0 |
| Algebra 1 | B+ | 3.3 | 1.0 | 3.3 |
| Biology (Honors) | A- | 3.7 (+0.5 = 4.2 weighted) | 1.0 | 3.7 (4.2 weighted) |
| World History | B | 3.0 | 1.0 | 3.0 |
| Spanish 1 | A | 4.0 | 1.0 | 4.0 |
| Art | A | 4.0 | 0.5 | 2.0 |
| Physical Education | P | — | 0.5 | Not in GPA (credit still earned) |
| Total (graded courses) | 5.5 | 20.0 (20.5 weighted) |
Unweighted GPA = 20.0 ÷ 5.5 = 3.636 → 3.64
Weighted GPA = 20.5 ÷ 5.5 = 3.727 → 3.73
This is the example loaded in the calculator above, so you can check each number in the "Show the math" table.
Grade points on the 4.0 scale
This is a common plus/minus scale; schools differ slightly at the edges (some start D at 65, for example). If you don't give plus or minus grades, use only A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0 (untick plus/minus in the calculator).
| Letter | Percent (10-point scale) | Grade points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97–100 | 4.0 |
| A | 93–96 | 4.0 |
| A- | 90–92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86 | 3.0 |
| B- | 80–82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76 | 2.0 |
| C- | 70–72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69 | 1.3 |
| D | 63–66 | 1.0 |
| D- | 60–62 | 0.7 |
| F | below 60 | 0.0 |
Some families use a stricter 7-point percentage scale instead: A 93–100, B 85–92, C 77–84, D 70–76, F below 70. Some schools count A+ as 4.3; many cap it at 4.0. Whichever you use, print the scale on the transcript. GradLedger adds it automatically.
Weighted vs unweighted GPA
| Unweighted GPA | Weighted GPA | |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | 0 to 4.0 | Can go above 4.0 |
| Honors course, grade A | 4.0 | 4.5 (with +0.5) |
| AP or dual-enrollment course, grade B | 3.0 | 4.0 (with +1.0) |
| Best for | Comparing students fairly | Showing the rigor of harder courses |
Many colleges recalculate GPA their own way, so show both and explain your weighting. Weight a course only when it really was more demanding. Note that the College Board asks schools to authorize a course through its AP Course Audit before labeling it "AP" on a transcript. If your student took an AP exam after a home course, many families label the course Honors and list the exam score separately. (GradLedger isn't affiliated with the College Board.)
Yearly and cumulative GPA
A transcript usually shows a GPA for each school year and a cumulative GPA for all years together. The cumulative GPA is not the average of the yearly GPAs: it is total quality points divided by total graded credits, so a year with more credits counts for more. The full transcript generator calculates both for you.
Related free tools
- Dated lesson plan book: plan each week's lessons on real calendar dates.
- Printable teacher planner 2027–2028: a dated year planner that works for homeschool too.
Frequently asked questions
What GPA scale should a homeschool transcript use?
The 4.0 scale is the most widely understood: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0, with plus/minus steps of about 0.3. Print the scale on the transcript so readers know exactly how grades convert.
Do pass/fail courses count in GPA?
No. A course graded P earns its credits but isn't included in the GPA. An F does count: it adds credits to the divisor and zero grade points.
How do I convert a percentage grade to GPA?
Convert the percentage to a letter with your scale (on a 10-point scale 93 to 96 is an A, 90 to 92 an A-) and then use that letter's grade points. The calculator accepts percentages directly.
Is 89.5 an A- or a B+?
The calculator compares the number you type with the scale exactly, so 89.5 is a B+ on the 10-point scale. If your policy is to round to the nearest whole percent, enter the rounded number (90).
Can a weighted GPA be higher than 4.0?
Yes. With +1.0 for AP or dual enrollment, an A in those courses counts as 5.0, so a weighted GPA can go above 4.0. The unweighted GPA always stays between 0 and 4.0.
More homeschool record tools
Last updated · Written by the Rooh Sites team. GradLedger is general information and a record-keeping tool, not legal advice. Homeschool laws and college requirements vary; check your state's rules and each college's admissions requirements.