Article · Step-by-step
How to Compute GWA (and Grades) in College
The GWA formula, worked step by step with a real example — for college and SHS, semester or cumulative. No spreadsheet needed.
The GWA formula
GWA = Σ(Grade × Units) ÷ Total Units
Every subject counts according to its units. A 3-unit subject affects your GWA three times as much as a 1-unit subject — that is why it is called a weighted average.
Step-by-step: how to compute GWA
- List every subject with its grade and its units (from your grade slip or TOR).
- Multiply each grade by its units. Example: 1.25 × 3 units = 3.75.
- Add all the results together.
- Add all the units together.
- Divide the first total by the second. The result is your GWA, usually rounded to two decimals.
Worked example
| Subject | Grade | Units | Grade × Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Math | 1.25 | 3 | 3.75 |
| English | 2.00 | 3 | 6.00 |
| PE | 1.50 | 2 | 3.00 |
| Total | 8 | 12.75 |
GWA = 12.75 ÷ 8 = 1.59. That is a very good GWA — inside the usual Cum Laude range (1.75 or better).
Cumulative GWA
For a cumulative GWA across semesters, do the same calculation with all subjects from all semesters together — do not average the semester GWAs, because semesters with more units should count more. Or compute it semester by semester and keep a running total of grade × units and units.
Shortcut: use the GWA Calculator — enter your subjects once and it shows your GWA, total units and honors range instantly. Then compare it with the GWA on your grade slip.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Multiply each grade by its units, add the results, and divide by your total units. Formula: GWA = sum(grade × units) ÷ total units. The calculator on the homepage does this for you.
The same way as in college: grade × units for each subject, added up, divided by total units. SHS subjects also carry units (or weights) — use the weights your school gives each subject.
For a simple average, add all your grades and divide by the number of subjects. For a weighted average (GWA), weight each grade by its units first — that is the number your school actually uses.
GWA = sum of (grade × units) ÷ total units. Example: grades 1.25 (3 units) and 2.00 (3 units) give (3.75 + 6.00) ÷ 6 = 1.63.
Include the 5.00 grade and its units in the same formula — it counts like any other grade, and because 5.00 is the highest number it pulls your GWA up (worse) the most. Retaking the subject and passing it replaces its effect in later semesters depending on your school's rules.
Not accurately. Units are the weights — without them you can only compute a simple average, which is not your GWA. Your grade slip or TOR lists the units for every subject.