🇵🇭 GWA Calculator
For Filipino Students — Compute your General Weighted Average easily!
| Subject | Grade | Units | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
What is General Weighted Average (GWA) in the Philippines?
General Weighted Average (GWA) represents the overall academic performance of a student across all enrolled subjects. Unlike a simple average, it takes into account the number of units per subject, giving more weight to those that have a higher credit load.
In the Philippine grading system, a GWA close to 1.00 indicates excellent performance, while a GWA closer to 3.00 or higher means average or below-average performance. Most universities follow a 1.00 to 5.00 scale, where 1.00 is the highest grade and 5.00 is a failing mark.
Why GWA Matters So Much
Your GWA isn’t just a number — it reflects consistency, effort, and academic discipline. Universities and employers often use it to evaluate a student’s capability. Here are some key reasons it’s important:
Scholarship eligibility: Maintaining a low (better) GWA can make you eligible for scholarships and tuition discounts.
Honors recognition: Cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude distinctions are all based on GWA thresholds.
Academic standing: A good GWA helps keep you off probation and can qualify you for advanced courses.
Job applications: Many companies in the Philippines still ask for academic transcripts with GWA for entry-level jobs.
Self-assessment: It helps you monitor your progress and set realistic goals for improvement.
The Formula for Computing GWA
The standard formula for computing the General Weighted Average is:
GWA=∑(Grade×Units)∑(Units)\text{GWA} = \frac{\sum (\text{Grade} \times \text{Units})}{\sum (\text{Units})}
In simple terms:
Multiply each subject’s grade by its number of units.
Add all those results together.
Divide by the total number of units.
This gives you your weighted average, which more accurately reflects your academic performance.
Example of Manual GWA Computation
| Subject | Final Grade | Units | Grade × Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 1.25 | 3 | 3.75 |
| English | 1.75 | 3 | 5.25 |
| Filipino | 2.00 | 2 | 4.00 |
| Science | 1.50 | 4 | 6.00 |
| Total | 12 | 19.00 |
GWA=19.0012=1.58\text{GWA} = \frac{19.00}{12} = 1.58
Visual Diagram Explanation (Suggested)
[ Subject A ] → (Grade × Units)
[ Subject B ] → (Grade × Units)
[ Subject C ] → (Grade × Units)
↓
Sum of all (Grade × Units)
↓
Divide by total units = GWA
How to Use the GWA Calculator
Enter your subjects. Type each subject name, your final grade, and the number of units.
Add or remove rows. You can add as many subjects as you want or delete any unnecessary ones.
Automatic computation. The calculator instantly updates your GWA as soon as you type.
Check your result. Your computed GWA will appear below, color-coded according to performance:
🟢 Excellent (1.00–1.50)
🟡 Good (1.51–2.25)
🔴 Needs Improvement (2.26–3.00+)
Reset anytime. Clear all inputs with one click.
This tool is completely responsive, so you can compute your GWA right from your phone or tablet.
Understanding the Philippine Grading Scale
Different universities in the Philippines use slightly different systems, but here’s a general guide:
| Grade | Description | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | Excellent | 97–100% |
| 1.25 | Very Good | 94–96% |
| 1.50 | Good | 91–93% |
| 1.75 | Satisfactory | 88–90% |
| 2.00 | Fair | 85–87% |
| 2.25 | Average | 82–84% |
| 2.50 | Below Average | 79–81% |
| 2.75 | Passing | 76–78% |
| 3.00 | Minimum Passing | 75% |
| 5.00 | Failure | Below 75% |
This conversion table helps you interpret your GWA and understand what your score truly means in percentage or performance terms.
How to Improve Your GWA
Prioritize high-unit subjects. Since they weigh more, performing well in these has a bigger effect.
Plan ahead. Use the calculator early in the semester to see what grades you need to reach your target GWA.
Stay consistent. Avoid huge differences between subjects. Consistency matters more than one extremely high grade.
Focus on understanding. GWA rewards comprehension over memorization.
Ask for help early. If you’re struggling in a subject, talk to your professor or tutor before finals.
Monitor your GWA regularly. After each term, enter your new grades to see how your cumulative average changes.
Cumulative vs. Semester GWA
Semester GWA: The weighted average for one semester only.
Cumulative GWA: The average of all semesters combined.
To compute your cumulative GWA, simply include all subjects and units from previous semesters. The same formula applies -just use the total grades and total units from all terms combined.
Why Use an Online GWA Calculator?
Computing manually can be time-consuming and prone to mistakes. Using a GWA calculator provides several advantages:
Accuracy: Automatic formula ensures exact computation every time.
Speed: Instant results with no need for manual math.
Convenience: Works on mobile, tablet, or desktop.
Saves progress: You can keep your data and update it each semester.
Better planning: Test “what-if” scenarios (e.g., if I get 1.75 in this subject, how will it affect my GWA?).
Smart Tips for Students
Set a target GWA: Know what you need for honors or scholarships.
Don’t ignore small subjects: Even 1-unit subjects can slightly affect your GWA.
Check inclusion rules: Some non-academic courses like PE or NSTP may not count in official computation.
Aim for balance: If you’re strong in one area, maintain that but also lift weaker subjects.
Use your GWA as motivation: Every small improvement counts toward a stronger record.