Originally Posted by Endymion

That's how it's practiced at almost all institutions of higher learning in America. For example, if you get an A- in Introduction to Philosophy (for 3 credits) and and a B+ in Calculus II (5 credits), we calculate your GPA as follows:

((3.7 * 3.0) + (3.3 * 5.0)) / 8 credits total = 3.45

A 3.45 GPA is Above B+, making it a low A-. You can graduate cum laude from most universities with a 3.45.