What is a GWA Calculator?

A General Weighted Average (GWA) Calculator is a specialized digital tool that computes your overall academic average based on your grades and the corresponding credit units for each course. Unlike a simple average that treats all courses equally, the GWA accounts for the varying importance and difficulty of different subjects through their assigned credit values .

In practical terms, this means that a 3-unit major course will have a greater impact on your final average than a 1-unit elective. This weighted approach provides a more accurate representation of your academic performance across your entire curriculum .

The GWA system is particularly prominent in Philippine educational institutions, while other countries may use similar weighted systems like GPA (Grade Point Average) with different calculation methods .

How to Use the GWA Calculator

1. Select Your Grading System: Choose the appropriate grading scale used by your institution. Our calculator supports multiple systems:
   • Standard 1.00-5.00 scale (common in Philippine universities)
   • 4.00-1.00 scale
   • Letter grade systems (both comprehensive and simplified versions)
2. Input Your Course Information: For each course, you’ll need to provide:
   • The grade you earned
   • The number of credit units assigned to the course
3. Add or Remove Courses: Use the “+ Add Course” button to include all your relevant courses. The “Remove” function lets you delete any entries if needed.
4. View Your Results.

For optimal accuracy, double-check that you’ve entered all courses and their correct unit values before relying on the calculated GWA.

The GWA Formula

GWA = Σ(Grade × Units) / ΣUnits

In this equation:

• Σ(Grade × Units) represents the sum of each course’s grade multiplied by its credit units.
• ΣUnits is the total number of credit units across all courses.

Calculation Example

Consider this sample semester:

Course	Grade	Units	Grade × Units
Mathematics	1.50	4	6.00
Literature	2.00	3	6.00
Science	1.75	5	8.75
Totals		12	20.75

GWA = 20.75 ÷ 12 = 1.73

This demonstrates how courses with more units (like Science with 5 units) have a greater influence on your final average.

Key Parameters Explained

• Grades: Numerical or letter representations of your academic performance in each course. Lower numerical values typically indicate better performance in the 1.00-5.00 system.
• Credit Units: Numerical values representing the weight or importance of each course, usually corresponding to weekly class hours. Major courses typically carry more units than electives.
• Grading Systems: Different institutions use various scales:
  • 1.00-5.00 System: 1.00 represents excellence, 3.00 is typically the passing mark, and 5.00 indicates failure.
  • 4.00-1.00 System: 4.00 is the highest possible grade, with 1.00 representing minimal passing performance.
  • Letter Grade Systems: Letters (A-F) with corresponding numerical equivalents.

FAQ

How often should I calculate my GWA?

Calculate your GWA at the end of each semester to track your academic progress. Mid-semester estimates can help guide your study priorities.

What’s the difference between GWA and GPA?

While both measure academic performance, GWA is calculated using course units as weights, while GPA typically uses a fixed point system for each grade without unit consideration.

Are all courses included in GWA calculation?

Most academic courses are included, but institutions may exclude non-academic courses like physical education or NSTP. Consult your specific academic regulations.

Can I use this calculator for multiple semesters?

For semester-specific GWAs, calculate each term separately. For cumulative GWA across multiple semesters, include all relevant courses in a single calculation.