Calculate the mean, weighted average, or GPA for any set of values — with full breakdown
This tool is for: Students calculating test score averages or GPA · Analysts computing means or weighted metrics · Anyone needing quick summary statistics for a set of numbers
- The arithmetic mean of any set of numbers
- A weighted average when values have different importance
- Your GPA on the standard 4.0 scale from letter grades and credit hours
- Summary statistics including sum, count, min, and max
Formulas Used
Arithmetic Mean
Mean = Σ(values) / count
Where: Mean = The arithmetic average (same as input), Σ(values) = Sum of all values (same as input), count = Number of values (integer)
Source: Standard arithmetic — Khan Academy ✓ Verified
Weighted Average
Weighted Average = Σ(value × weight) / Σ(weight)
Where: Weighted Average = The weight-adjusted mean (same as input), value = Each individual value (varies), weight = The importance or count assigned to each value (varies)
Source: Standard statistics — Khan Academy ✓ Verified
Grade Point Average (GPA)
GPA = Σ(grade_points × credit_hours) / Σ(credit_hours)
Where: GPA = Grade point average on 4.0 scale (points), grade_points = Numeric value of letter grade (A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0) (points), credit_hours = Credit hours for each course (hours)
Source: Standard US academic GPA calculation ✓ Verified
Key Insight
The arithmetic mean is sensitive to outliers. If you have one very high or very low value, it can significantly shift the average. In such cases, the median (middle value) may better represent the typical value in your data set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mean, median, and mode?
The mean is the sum of all values divided by the count — it is the most common average but is sensitive to outliers. The median is the middle value when all numbers are sorted in order — it is more robust to extreme values. The mode is the value that appears most frequently. For symmetric data (like test scores in a large class), all three are similar. For skewed data (like incomes), the median is usually more representative. Use mean for normally distributed data, median for skewed data, and mode when you want the most common value.
When should I use a weighted average instead of a simple average?
Use a weighted average when the values you are averaging have different levels of importance or different sample sizes. Common examples include calculating a course grade when assignments have different point values (a final exam worth 40% matters more than a quiz worth 5%), computing a portfolio return when investments are different sizes, or averaging survey results where some groups have more respondents. If all values are equally important, a simple arithmetic mean gives the same result as a weighted average with equal weights.
How does the GPA scale work?
The standard US GPA scale assigns point values to letter grades: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0. Your GPA is calculated by multiplying each grade's point value by the course's credit hours, summing those products (called quality points), and dividing by total credit hours. For example, an A in a 4-credit course contributes 16 quality points, while a B in a 3-credit course contributes 9. Some institutions use plus/minus grades (A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, etc.), which this calculator does not support — check your institution's specific scale.
About This Calculator
Sources:
- Khan Academy — Statistics and Probability — Arithmetic mean, weighted average definitions and formulas
Limitations:
- Assumes equal weighting for arithmetic mean
- GPA uses standard US 4.0 scale — your institution may differ
- Does not support plus/minus grades (A+, A-, B+, etc.) — convert to your institution's point value manually
- Results are rounded to two decimal places
When to consult a professional: For official academic records, always verify your GPA with your institution's registrar office, as grading scales and policies vary.
This calculator performs standard arithmetic operations for averages and GPA. Results are rounded to two decimal places. For official GPA, always check with your institution's registrar as grading scales may differ.