Understanding how to calculate GWA in college is essential for every Filipino student. Whether you are aiming for Latin Honors, applying for scholarships, or simply tracking your academic standing, knowing the formula for your General Weighted Average (GWA) is the first step.
In this guide, we will teach you how to calculate GWA in math terms, explain what is units in GWA, and show you how to compute GWA from 1st year to 4th year.
What is GWA?
GWA stands for General Weighted Average. It is the representation of your overall scholastic standing. Unlike a simple average where you just add up grades and divide by the number of subjects, a weighted average takes into account the "weight" or credit units of each subject.
This means that a grade in a 5-unit major subject affects your GWA much more than a grade in a 2-unit minor subject.
The Formula: How to Calculate GWA in Math
The standard formula used by most universities in the Philippines (like UP, PUP, UST, etc.) is:
GWA = Total Grade Points / Total Units
Where:
- Grade Points = Subject Grade × Number of Units
- Total Grade Points = Sum of all Grade Points
- Total Units = Sum of all Credit Units
Step-by-Step Example
Let's say you are taking 4 subjects this semester. Here is how to calculate GWA in college manually:
| Subject | Grade | Units | Calculation (Grade × Units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 1.75 | 3.0 | 1.75 × 3 = 5.25 |
| Science | 1.25 | 5.0 | 1.25 × 5 = 6.25 |
| History | 2.00 | 3.0 | 2.00 × 3 = 6.00 |
| P.E. | 1.00 | 2.0 | 1.00 × 2 = 2.00 |
| TOTAL | - | 13.0 | 19.50 |
Now, apply the formula:
GWA = 19.50 / 13.0 = 1.50
So, your GWA for this semester is 1.50.
How to Compute GWA from 1st Year to 4th Year
Many students ask how to compute GWA from 1st year to 4th year to check if they are eligible for graduation honors. The process is the same, but you include ALL subjects you have taken from your first semester up to your final semester.
- List down every single subject taken from 1st Year, 1st Sem to 4th Year, 2nd Sem.
- Multiply every grade by its corresponding unit.
- Add up ALL the products (Total Grade Points).
- Add up ALL the units (Total Units).
- Divide the Total Grade Points by the Total Units.
Note: Do not just average your GWAs per semester. You must calculate it cumulatively using the units to get the accurate result.
How to Calculate GWA in SHS
For Senior High School (SHS), the concept of how to calculate GWA in SHS is very similar to college, but the grading scale is often different (0-100 instead of 1.0-5.0).
- Quarterly Grades: Average of written work, performance tasks, and quarterly assessment.
- Semestral Grade: Average of the two quarterly grades.
- General Average: Sum of (Semestral Grade × Units) divided by Total Units.
How to Calculate GWA for Latin Honors
To know how to calculate GWA for Latin Honors, you simply compute your cumulative GWA from 1st year to 4th year. Then, compare it to your university's cut-off.
Common standards (e.g., UP System):
- Summa Cum Laude: 1.20 or better
- Magna Cum Laude: 1.45 or better
- Cum Laude: 1.75 or better
Check our Latin Honors Guide for specific cut-offs per university.
Manual Calculation vs. GWA Calculator App
While knowing the manual computation is good, it is prone to human error, especially when adding up 4 years worth of grades.
- GWA Calculator Excel: Good for offline tracking, but requires you to set up formulas.
- GWA Calculator App / Online: The best option for speed and accuracy. Our GWA Calculator Philippines does all the math for you instantly.