How the Penn State Grading System Works
Penn State uses a 4.0 scale with intermediate grades.
Standard 4.0 Cap
Like the vast majority of American universities, Penn State caps grades at a 4.0. This means that even if you earn an A+ in a course, it will carry the exact same mathematical weight (4.0 grade points) as a standard A. Focus your efforts on maintaining A's across the board rather than killing yourself for the A+.
Admissions Requirements & Target GPA
If you are a high school student applying to Penn State, you should be aware that their admissions committee looks at both your weighted and unweighted GPA. While the exact incoming freshman average changes yearly, competitive applicants typically aim for the highest possible percentiles.
We recommend cross-referencing your calculated high school GPA with the official Penn State Admissions guidelines to see how your academic profile compares to their most recently admitted class profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Penn State use a plus/minus grading system?
Yes. Penn State utilizes a granular plus/minus grading system, which means your professors can award nuanced grades like A- or B+. You can view the exact mathematical weights of each letter grade in the official scale chart below.
How do I calculate my major GPA vs my cumulative GPA?
Your major GPA only includes courses required for your specific degree program, while your cumulative GPA includes every single course you have taken at Penn State. To calculate your cumulative GPA accurately across multiple semesters, you should use our Cumulative GPA Calculator.
What do I need on my final exam to pass?
If you are struggling in a class and need to know exactly what score to get on your upcoming final to maintain a certain letter grade, plug your current percentage into our Final Grade Calculator.
Is Penn State grading different from high school?
Yes. University grading is entirely credit-based. If you want to calculate a standard unweighted or weighted high school GPA, please use our High School GPA Calculator instead.
Official Penn State Grading Scale
Disclaimer: This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Penn State University. Please refer to official university transcripts for certified records.