Quick answer: GPA is the sum of grade points × credit hours divided by the total hours: A (4.75), B+ (4.5), B (4) and A+ (5) on 3, 4, 3 and 2 hours give 54.25 ÷ 12 = 4.52 out of 5.
How it's calculated
Each grade has a point value on the scale you choose. Multiply it by the course's credit hours to get its quality points, add them up and divide by the total hours: GPA = Σ(points × hours) ÷ Σ hours.
Saudi universities use the scale in the unified undergraduate study bylaw: on the 5-point scale A+ = 5, A = 4.75, B+ = 4.5, B = 4, C+ = 3.5, C = 3, D+ = 2.5, D = 2 and F = 1; on the 4-point scale A+ = 4, A = 3.75, B+ = 3.5, B = 3, C+ = 2.5, C = 2, D+ = 1.5, D = 1 and F = 0. The US 4.0 scale uses minus grades (A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3 and so on) and caps A+ at 4.0; some schools and calculators count A+ as 4.3, so check your school's table.
Cumulative GPA = (previous GPA × previous hours + this term's quality points) ÷ (previous hours + this term's hours). A repeated course may replace the old grade at some universities; check your registrar's rules.
Worked examples
- Saudi 5.0 scale: A, B+, B, A+ on 3, 4, 3, 2 hours: (14.25 + 18 + 12 + 10) ÷ 12 = 4.52
- Same grades on the Saudi 4.0 scale: (11.25 + 14 + 9 + 8) ÷ 12 = 3.52
- Previous GPA 4.2 over 30 hours, then the term above: (4.2 × 30 + 54.25) ÷ 42 = 4.29
Saudi grade points
| Grade | Mark | 5-point | 4-point |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 95–100 | 5.00 | 4.00 |
| A | 90–94 | 4.75 | 3.75 |
| B+ | 85–89 | 4.50 | 3.50 |
| B | 80–84 | 4.00 | 3.00 |
| C+ | 75–79 | 3.50 | 2.50 |
| C | 70–74 | 3.00 | 2.00 |
| D+ | 65–69 | 2.50 | 1.50 |
| D | 60–64 | 2.00 | 1.00 |
| F | below 60 | 1.00 | 0.00 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a 5-point GPA to a 4-point GPA?
There is no exact formula, because the two scales give different points to the same grade. The reliable way is to recalculate from your grades on the other scale, which this calculator does when you switch the scale.
What GPA is “Excellent” in Saudi universities?
On the 5-point scale, 4.50 and above is Excellent, 3.75 to under 4.50 Very good, 2.75 to under 3.75 Good and 2.00 to under 2.75 Pass. On the 4-point scale the bands are 3.50, 2.75, 1.75 and 1.00.
Why is F worth 1 on the 5-point scale?
That is how the Saudi bylaw sets the 5-point scale: the lowest grade carries 1 point. It still pulls your GPA down because its hours count in full.
Do I enter all my past courses?
No. Enter this term's courses, then your previous cumulative GPA and the hours it covers; the calculator combines them.
What GPA do I need for honours in Saudi universities?
Under the unified study bylaw, first-class honours usually means a cumulative GPA of 4.75 or more out of 5 (3.75 out of 4), and second-class honours 4.25 up to 4.75 (3.25 up to 3.75). You also can't have failed a course, and you must finish on time. Your university's rules have the final word.
How can I raise my cumulative GPA?
Courses with more credit hours move it the most, and each new term counts for less as your hours add up. Try the grades you're aiming for next term, with your current GPA and hours, and see where you'd land.