GWA Calculator with Units (Step-by-Step + Example)
Calculating your General Weighted Average (GWA) in the Philippines can be tricky, especially when subjects have different credit units. For example, a 3-unit subject like Mathematics has more impact on your overall GWA and academic performance than a 1-unit subject such as PE. That’s why using a GWA calculator with units is the most accurate way to compute your grades — and the official system used by most universities in the Philippines.
This guide explains:
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What GWA with units means
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The correct formula for GWA computation
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A step-by-step manual example
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A free GWA calculator for the Philippines 2025, you can use
What is GWA with Units?
General Weighted Average (GWA) is the grade weighted average of all your subjects in senior high school or college. Unlike a simple average, GWA computation considers the number of credit units each subject carries.
👉 Example: A 4-unit science subject affects your GWA more than a 2-unit PE subject.
This method is used by top institutions such as the University of the Philippines (UP), DLSU, UST, PUP, FEU, NU, and CLSU. Schools calculate your GWA to determine eligibility for scholarships, honors, and overall student’s academic performance.
Formula for GWA with Units
The standard formula for the computation of your GWA is:
GWA=∑(Grade×Units) ∑Units\text{GWA} = \frac{\sum (\text{Grade} \times \text{Units})}{\sum \text{Units}}
Where:
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Grade = Final grade in a subject
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Units = Number of credit units assigned
This method avoids human error and ensures accurate results when you calculate your general weighted average.
Example Table
Subject | Grade | Credit Units | Grade × Units |
---|---|---|---|
Mathematics | 1.75 | 3 | 5.25 |
English | 2.00 | 3 | 6.00 |
Science | 1.50 | 4 | 6.00 |
History | 2.25 | 2 | 4.50 |
Computer Science | 1.25 | 3 | 3.75 |
Total | 15 | 25.50 |
Formula:
GWA=Total Grade × UnitsTotal Units\text{GWA} = \frac{\text{Total Grade × Units}}{\text{Total Units}}
Calculation:
GWA=25.5015=1.70\text{GWA} = \frac{25.50}{15} = 1.70
✅ Final GWA = 1.70
Step-by-Step Explanation
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Multiply each subject’s grade by its credit units.
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Example: Math (1.75 × 3 = 5.25).
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Add all the results together.
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(5.25 + 6.00 + 6.00 + 4.50 + 3.75 = 25.50).
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Add the total number of credit units.
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(3 + 3 + 4 + 2 + 3 = 15 units).
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Divide the total grade points by total units.
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25.50 ÷ 15 = 1.70.
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That’s your GWA!
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In this example, the student’s GWA is 1.70.
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Cumulative/multi-term GWA
Do not average term GWAs directly. Instead, add all Grade×Units across all terms, add all units, and then divide.
Example of combining two terms:
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Term 1: total points = 25.50, units = 15
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Term 2: total points = 22.00, units = 12
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Grand total points = 25.50+22.00=47.5025.50 + 22.00 = 47.50
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Grand total units = 15+12=2715 + 12 = 27
Free GWA Calculator Philippines 2025
Manual computation is prone to mistakes. Instead, you can use our free GWA calculator Philippines 2025.
Just enter:
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Subject name
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Number of units
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Final grade
The tool instantly shows your overall GWA and grade weighted average.
👉 Our online GWA calculator is free to use, works across devices, and removes errors. For those without internet access, some schools also provide offline GWA calculators (Excel or manual templates).
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Also available: [GWA to GPA converter] and [GWA to Percentage Calculator] to compare your results with other systems.
Common Mistakes in GWA Computation
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❌ Not multiplying grades by units → Wrong computation.
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❌ Treating all subjects equally → Inaccurate methods of GWA computation.
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❌ Excluding failed grades → Universities still count them in your GWA.
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❌ Using percentage grades directly → Always convert to the Philippine GWA scale.
Practical tips & caveats
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Rounding rules vary: some schools round to two decimals, others truncate. Follow your university’s rule.
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Conversions vary: There is no single universally accepted map from Philippine GWA → US GPA or to percent. For official applications (study abroad, credential evaluation), use a recognized evaluator (WES, ECE) or check the target university’s conversion table.
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Honors & thresholds differ: check your university handbook for exact cutoffs for dean’s list, Latin honors, scholarship eligibility, probation, etc.
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If you want, I can convert your transcript (paste grades + units) into a GWA and show an estimated 4.0-scale GPA—I’ll use the simple conversion method and clearly mark it as an estimate.
FAQs about GWA with Units
Q1: Do all subjects count in GWA?
Yes, unless your school excludes specific courses like NSTP.
Q2: What is a good GWA?
In most Philippine universities, a good GWA is 1.75 or better. A minimum GWA of 1.75–2.0 is often required for Latin honors.
Q3: Can I compute GWA without units?
Yes, but it’s less accurate. Institutions use GWA with units as the official method.
Q4: How does GWA relate to GPA?
If you need to apply abroad, you can convert using our GWA to GPA calculator.
Q5: Can I calculate GWA for multiple semesters?
Yes, simply add all subjects and units together. Our online GWA tool lets you compute for one term or your entire course.
Final Takeaway
Using a GWA calculator with units is the most reliable way to track your academic performance in the Philippines. Whether you’re a senior high school student or in college, computing your grades with units ensures fairness and accuracy.
👉 Try our free GWA calculator Philippines 2025 today and avoid mistakes when you calculate your General Weighted Average.