Harvard GPA Calculator
Calculate your cumulative GPA using Harvard College 4.0 grading scale and letter grade conversion
Harvard GPA Calculator
Enter Your Course Grades and Credits:
What is Harvard GPA?
The Harvard GPA (Grade Point Average) is a 4.0 scale cumulative measure of academic performance used by Harvard College to assess student achievement. Harvard uses a precise letter grade system where grades are converted to specific grade points, then weighted by course credit hours to produce a comprehensive academic metric.
Harvard's grading scale includes: A (4.0), A− (3.67), B+ (3.33), B (3.0), B− (2.67), C+ (2.33), C (2.0), C− (1.67), D+ (1.33), D (1.0), D− (0.67), and E/F (0.0). Your cumulative GPA is calculated by multiplying each grade's points by course credits, then dividing total grade points by total credits. Admitted Harvard undergraduates average approximately 3.95 GPA, reflecting the exceptional academic standards at the institution.
Harvard does not use weighted GPA. All letter-graded courses, whether introductory or advanced, use the same grade point scale. This ensures consistent, transparent academic measurement across all students. The GPA serves multiple purposes: determining academic standing, eligibility for honors, scholarship consideration, and graduate school applications.
For high school students applying to Harvard, the university recalculates GPAs to a standard 4.0 scale, focusing on core academic courses. This converts varying high school grading systems to a uniform metric for fair comparison across applicants from different educational backgrounds worldwide.
Harvard Grading Formulae
Harvard GPA Formula
GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Course Credits) ÷ Total Credits
Cumulative GPA on 4.0 scale
Harvard Grade Point Scale
Letter Grade to Grade Points Conversion
Course Grade Points Calculation
Course Grade Points = Grade Point Value × Course Credits
Example: A− (3.67) in 4-credit course = 14.68 grade points
How This Calculator Works
This Harvard GPA Calculator implements the official Harvard College grading methodology to convert letter grades to grade points and calculate cumulative GPA.
Calculation Steps
- Input Courses: Enter grade (A through F) and credits (typically 2-4) for each course.
- Convert Grades: Letter grades automatically convert to Harvard grade points (A=4.0, A−=3.67, etc.).
- Calculate Points: Multiplies grade points by course credits for each course.
- Sum and Divide: Adds all grade points, divides by total credits to get cumulative GPA.
- Display Result: Shows GPA on 4.0 scale and interpretation.
Important: This calculator uses standard Harvard methodology. Your official GPA from Harvard's student system is your definitive academic record.
Uses of Harvard GPA
Academic Standing & Honors: GPA determines academic standing eligibility (good standing typically 2.0+), cum laude honors (3.5+), magna cum laude (3.75+), and summa cum laude (3.95+). Honors are crucial recognitions on transcripts and diplomas.
Graduate & Professional School Admissions: GPA is critical for medical school (average 3.9 for admitted), law school (typically 3.7+), business school (usually 3.7+), and PhD programs. Competitive GPAs are essential for admissions to selective programs.
Scholarships & Financial Aid: GPA affects scholarship eligibility, merit-based funding, and fellowship opportunities. High GPA maintains financial aid packages and opens access to restricted scholarships.
Employment & Career Development: Employers, particularly consulting, finance, and tech companies, use GPA in recruiting. Some positions require minimum 3.5 GPA. GPA demonstrates academic rigor and commitment to excellence.
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these steps to calculate your Harvard GPA:
Step 1: Add Your Courses
Click "Add Course" to start entering your courses. The first course row will appear.
Step 2: Enter Grade & Credits
For each course, select the letter grade (A, A−, B+, etc.) and enter course credits (typically 2-4).
Step 3: Add More Courses
Click "Add Course" again to add additional courses. Repeat until you've entered all courses.
Step 4: Calculate & Review
Click "Calculate GPA." Your cumulative GPA displays with total credits and proficiency interpretation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA is needed for Harvard medical school?
Admitted Harvard Medical School students average 3.9 undergraduate GPA. Competitive applicants typically maintain 3.8+ throughout college.
Does Harvard use +/− grades?
Yes, Harvard uses +/− grades: A+, A, A−, B+, B, B−, C+, C, C−, D+, D, D−, E. Plus/minus grades allow precise GPA calculation.
What GPA qualifies for cum laude?
Cum laude honors at Harvard typically require 3.5+ GPA, magna cum laude requires 3.75+, and summa cum laude requires 3.95+.
Does Harvard include pass/fail in GPA?
Harvard limits pass/fail courses. Most coursework must be letter graded. Pass/fail courses don't negatively impact GPA if passed.
What is an A+ grade at Harvard?
Harvard's A+ is graded as 4.0 (same as A). Both receive full 4.0 grade points. A− is 3.67, distinguishing excellent from outstanding performance.
Official Sources & References
This calculator uses methodology from official Harvard College sources:
-
Harvard College Grading System
Official GPA and Grading Information -
Harvard College Academic Records
Harvard College Registrar Office -
Harvard College Official Website
Harvard College Home
About the Author
This calculator was developed by Adam, an educational technology specialist dedicated to creating accurate, accessible tools for students and academic advisors worldwide.
Visit Author Profile