GPA & CGPA Calculator
Calculate your Canadian GPA on the 4.0 or 4.33 scale, convert letter grades to grade points, and compute your cumulative CGPA across all semesters. Works for UofT, UBC, McGill, York, Queen's, Western, and all Canadian universities.
How to Use the Canada GPA & CGPA Calculator
Canadian universities use three different GPA scales — the 4.0, 4.33, and 4.3 scales — depending on the institution. Unlike the US where the 4.0 scale is near-universal, in Canada you need to know which scale your university uses before calculating or comparing GPAs. This calculator supports all three scales and handles semester GPA, cumulative CGPA, and grade conversion in one place.
Canadian University GPA Scales — 4.0 vs 4.33 vs 4.3 Explained
One of the most confusing aspects of the Canadian academic system for students and international applicants is that there is no single national GPA standard. Each university sets its own scale. The three most common scales are the 4.0, 4.33, and 4.3 scales — and a grade of A+ means different things on each one.
| Letter Grade | Percentage | 4.0 Scale UofT · McGill · Queen's | 4.33 Scale UBC · SFU · UCalgary | 4.3 Scale York · TMU · Carleton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90–100% | 4.0 | 4.33 | 4.3 |
| A | 85–89% | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| A- | 80–84% | 3.7 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 77–79% | 3.3 | 3.33 | 3.3 |
| B | 73–76% | 3.0 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| B- | 70–72% | 2.7 | 2.67 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 67–69% | 2.3 | 2.33 | 2.3 |
| C | 63–66% | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| C- | 60–62% | 1.7 | 1.67 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 57–59% | 1.3 | 1.33 | 1.3 |
| D | 50–56% | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| F | Below 50% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
"The key difference between the 4.0 and 4.33 scales is what happens at A+. On the 4.0 scale, A+ and A are both capped at 4.0. On the 4.33 scale, A+ earns 4.33, giving students who excel above the A threshold a measurable advantage in their GPA."
Canadian GPA Formula
GPA = Σ (Grade Points × Credit Hours) ÷ Total Credit Hours
Example on 4.0 scale: Calculus A (4.0) × 3 cr + English B+ (3.3) × 3 cr + Economics A- (3.7) × 3 cr = (12.0 + 9.9 + 11.1) ÷ 9 = GPA 3.67 / 4.0
Which Universities Use Which Scale?
| GPA Scale | Universities Using This Scale |
|---|---|
| 4.0 Scale | University of Toronto, McGill University, Queen's University, Dalhousie University, University of Ottawa, Western University, McMaster University, University of Waterloo, Concordia University |
| 4.33 Scale | University of British Columbia (UBC), Simon Fraser University (SFU), University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of Manitoba, University of Saskatchewan |
| 4.3 Scale | York University, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU / Ryerson), Carleton University, Brock University, Lakehead University |
Always verify your university's scale: Some universities use percentage-based GPAs, letter-grade percentages, or modified scales not listed above. Always check your official academic calendar or student handbook for the exact grading scheme used at your institution.
Canadian GPA Questions — Answered in Plain Language
What is a good GPA in Canada for graduate school?
Most Canadian graduate programmes require a minimum GPA of 3.0 on the 4.0 scale (equivalent to a B average) from your final two years of undergraduate study. Competitive programmes at UofT, UBC, and McGill typically look for 3.5 or higher. Funded research positions and prestigious scholarships like the NSERC or SSHRC often require 3.7 or above. Your GPA is one factor — research experience, letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent are equally important.
How is Canadian CGPA different from semester GPA?
Your semester GPA reflects only the courses taken in a single semester, while your CGPA (Cumulative GPA) is a weighted average of all your semester GPAs across your entire degree, weighted by the number of credit hours in each semester. A semester with more courses (more credit hours) has a larger influence on your CGPA than a lighter semester. This is why performing well in heavy course-load semesters has a bigger impact on your overall CGPA.
Is a 3.7 GPA considered Dean's List in Canada?
Dean's List thresholds vary by university, but generally a GPA of 3.5 to 3.7 or higher on the 4.0 scale qualifies a student for the Dean's List at most Canadian universities. At UofT, the threshold is typically 3.5. At McGill, it is often 3.5 for the Multidisciplinary list and higher for faculty-specific lists. On the 4.33 scale at UBC, Dean's List recognition is typically given to students in the top 20% of their programme or faculty.
Can I use my Canadian GPA to apply to US graduate schools?
Yes — US graduate schools accept Canadian GPAs and are generally familiar with Canadian academic standards. Most US schools will interpret your Canadian GPA directly. However, if you are on the 4.33 scale and your GPA is, say, 3.8 / 4.33, US admissions systems may interpret this lower than it actually is (since many US systems cap at 4.0). In this case, always clarify the scale used on your application and provide your transcript. You can also use our UK Grade to GPA Calculator if you also hold UK qualifications.
Tip for graduate school applications: When applying to Canadian or US graduate programmes, always state your GPA alongside the scale (e.g., "3.82 / 4.33 UBC scale"). Admissions committees appreciate the transparency and it prevents your GPA from being misread.
Does a failing grade (F) permanently hurt my CGPA?
An F (0.0 grade points) is included in your CGPA calculation and significantly lowers your average. However, many Canadian universities allow students to retake failed courses — and some (but not all) schools will replace the original F with the new grade in the CGPA calculation, or show both grades but only count the higher one. Check your university's academic regulations on course retakes — the policy varies significantly between institutions.
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