Short answer. The unweighted GPA uses the plain 4.0 scale. The weighted GPA adds bonus points for harder classes, so the two numbers differ. Colleges often look at both.
The difference in one minute
Unweighted GPA uses the plain 4.0 scale. It shows your grades only.
Weighted GPA adds bonus points for honors, AP and IB classes. It can go above 4.0. It shows your grades and how hard the classes were.
Neither one is the "real" GPA. Schools pick one for rank and honors, and colleges often recompute their own.
Worked example
Example. A student takes four 1-credit classes: Honors English A, Algebra II B+, AP Chemistry B and History A-.
Unweighted GPA: 3.50. Weighted GPA: 3.88. The gap is 0.38.
Questions
Can a weighted GPA be above 4.0?
Yes. With a 1.0 bonus for AP, a straight-A student in all AP classes gets 5.0.
Which one should I put on applications?
Use the one your school reports on your transcript. Do not change it. Colleges read the transcript.
Does a weighted GPA change my class rank?
At many schools, yes, because rank uses the weighted GPA. Ask your counselor which one your school uses.
Last checked by the StudyCount team.