4.0 vs. 4.3 vs. 4.33 GPA Scales
Compare common GPA scales and understand how A+ grades, plus/minus grades, and school policy affect GPA.
The GPA Scale Controls the Grade Points
A GPA calculator needs a conversion table. That table says how many grade points each letter grade is worth. The most common scale gives A and A+ the same 4.0 value. Some schools give A+ extra value, often using a 4.3 or 4.33 maximum.
Standard 4.0 Scale
On a standard 4.0 scale, A and A+ usually both count as 4.0. An A- is commonly 3.7, B+ is 3.3, B is 3.0, and so on. This scale is simple and common, but it does not reward A+ above A.
4.3 and 4.33 Scales
A 4.3 or 4.33 scale gives A+ more value than A. That can slightly increase GPA for students with A+ grades. The difference is usually small across an entire transcript, but it can matter near cutoffs.
Why You Should Not Guess
The correct scale is the one your school uses. If your transcript says A+ and A both earn 4.0, choose Standard 4.0. If your catalog gives A+ a higher value, choose the matching 4.3 or 4.33 option. When applying elsewhere, follow that institution's instructions for reporting GPA.
Plus and Minus Grades
Plus and minus grades create more precision. A B+ is usually worth more than a B, and a B- is worth less. Some schools do not use plus or minus grades at all. Others use them in course grades but not in GPA calculations. Always check the transcript key or registrar page.
Practical rule
If the estimate is for personal planning, use the scale closest to your school policy. If the estimate is for an application, report the GPA exactly as requested by the application or transcript rule.
Use the Scale Table
Open the GPA Scale page to compare letter grades across the 4.0, 4.3, and 4.33 scales. Then use the same scale in the calculator so your estimate stays consistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 4.0 and a 4.33 GPA scale?
The main difference is how an A+ is counted. On a standard 4.0 scale, A and A+ are usually both worth 4.0. On a 4.3 or 4.33 scale, an A+ earns more than an A, which can slightly raise the GPA of students with A+ grades.
Is an A+ worth more than an A?
Only at schools that use a 4.3 or 4.33 scale. On the common 4.0 scale, both grades carry the same 4.0 value. Check your transcript key or registrar page to see which conversion your school publishes before choosing a scale in a calculator.
Do plus and minus grades affect GPA?
At schools that use them, yes. A B+ is commonly worth 3.3 and a B- less than a B, so pluses and minuses add precision to the average. Some schools do not use plus/minus grades at all, and a few show them on course grades without counting them in GPA, so verify your school's policy.
Which GPA scale should I use in a calculator?
Use the scale your school actually uses. If your transcript counts A+ and A both as 4.0, choose the standard 4.0 scale; if your catalog gives A+ a higher value, choose the matching 4.3 or 4.33 option. When reporting GPA on an application, follow that institution's instructions instead.