Your Grade Point Average isn't just a number on a transcript. It determines eligibility for honours programs, scholarships, exchange placements, and graduate offers. Yet most students can't explain how their GPA is actually calculated — and many don't check it until it's too late to improve.

This guide covers the formulas behind GPA, WAM and CGPA, explains when each metric matters, and gives you practical strategies to lift your grades. If you just want the number, skip straight to the free GPA calculator.

What Is GPA and Why Does It Matter?

GPA — Grade Point Average — converts your letter grades into a single number on a standardised scale. Universities use it as a quick way to compare academic performance across different subjects and institutions. A strong GPA opens doors: honours programs typically require a 6.0+ (on a 7-point scale) or 3.5+ (on a 4.0 scale), and many employers use GPA as a screening criterion for graduate roles.

How GPA Is Calculated

The basic formula is straightforward:

GPA = Sum of (Grade Points x Credit Points) / Total Credit Points

Example (4.0 scale): You take three units — Marketing (3 credits, grade B = 3.0), Statistics (4 credits, grade A = 4.0), and English (3 credits, grade B+ = 3.3).

GPA = (3.0 x 3 + 4.0 x 4 + 3.3 x 3) / (3 + 4 + 3) = (9 + 16 + 9.9) / 10 = 3.49

Notice that the Statistics unit has more weight because it carries more credit points. This is why doing well in high-credit units has a disproportionate impact on your overall GPA.

GPA vs WAM vs CGPA — When to Use Each

Different universities and countries use different metrics. Here's a quick comparison:

Metric	Full Name	Scale	Used By
GPA	Grade Point Average	4.0 or 7.0	US, Canada, Australia, most international
WAM	Weighted Average Mark	0 – 100	Australian universities (especially Go8)
CGPA	Cumulative GPA	Same as GPA	Refers to GPA across entire degree (all semesters)

WAM uses your raw percentage marks rather than converting to grade points. The formula is similar: WAM = Sum of (Mark x Credit Points) / Total Credit Points. Many Australian universities use WAM for honours entry because it's more granular — the difference between 78% and 82% matters, even though both are a Distinction.

CGPA is simply your GPA calculated across all semesters of your degree to date. Some universities report both a semester GPA and a cumulative GPA on your transcript.

GPA Scale Explained

On a 4.0 scale (US standard): A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0. Most honours and scholarship thresholds sit at 3.5+ (Dean's List) or 3.7+ (summa cum laude).

On a 7.0 scale (common in Australia): HD = 7, D = 6, C = 5, P = 4, F = 0. Honours eligibility typically requires a GPA of 6.0 or above (Distinction average).

5 Practical Tips to Improve Your GPA

Prioritise high-credit units. A 12-credit unit affects your GPA four times more than a 3-credit elective. Allocate study time proportionally.
Target the grade boundary above you. If you're sitting on 73% (Credit), pushing to 75% (Distinction) makes a meaningful GPA difference. Know where the boundaries are.
Use your rubric. Most marks are lost to misreading the brief, not lack of knowledge. Check your work against every criterion before submitting — or use Rubrica to do it for you.
Don't ignore WAM-boosting units. Some electives are known for higher average marks. Strategic unit selection is legitimate academic planning.
Check your GPA regularly. Don't wait until graduation. Track it each semester so you can course-correct early.

Calculate Your GPA Now

Enter your units, grades and credit points to get your GPA, WAM or CGPA instantly.

Try the Free GPA Calculator

Knowing your GPA is the first step. Improving it requires understanding where marks are being lost. If you want feedback on your assignments before you submit, create a free Rubrica account and get rubric-based feedback in minutes.