What is GWA (General Weighted Average)?
GWA stands for General Weighted Average. It is the primary measure of academic performance in Philippine colleges and universities. Unlike a simple average, GWA accounts for the number of credit units per subject — subjects with more units have a greater impact on the final GWA. The formula is:
GWA = Σ(Grade × Units) ÷ Σ(Units).How is GWA calculated?
GWA is calculated using these steps:
- Multiply each subject's final grade by its number of credit units.
- Add up all the resulting products (grade × units).
- Divide the total by the sum of all units.
Example: Grades 1.5 (4 units), 2.0 (3 units), 1.75 (4 units): GWA = (1.5×4 + 2.0×3 + 1.75×4) ÷ 11 = 1.73
Does lower or higher GWA mean better?
In the Philippine grading system, a lower GWA is better. A GWA of 1.00 is the highest possible grade (Excellent), while 5.00 means Failed. This is the opposite of the US GPA system where higher is better.
What is the difference between GWA and GPA?
GWA (Philippines): 1.0–5.0 scale, lower = better.
GPA (USA): 0.0–4.0 scale, higher = better.
To convert approximately: US GPA ≈ 5 − PH GWA. So a GWA of 1.5 ≈ 3.5 GPA.
GPA (USA): 0.0–4.0 scale, higher = better.
To convert approximately: US GPA ≈ 5 − PH GWA. So a GWA of 1.5 ≈ 3.5 GPA.
What is a good GWA in the Philippines?
1.00–1.25 = Excellent, 1.26–1.75 = Very Good (Dean's List), 1.76–2.25 = Good, 2.26–2.75 = Satisfactory, 2.76–3.00 = Passing.
What GWA is needed for Latin honors?
For UP: Summa Cum Laude: GWA ≤ 1.20 | Magna Cum Laude: GWA ≤ 1.45 | Cum Laude: GWA ≤ 1.75.
Requirements vary by university — always verify with your registrar.
Are PE, NSTP, and other non-academic subjects counted in GWA?
In most Philippine universities, subjects like PE, NSTP, HK, SP/Thesis units, and Military Science are excluded from official GWA calculation. However, this varies — check your university's Official Student Handbook.
Is my data saved or sent anywhere?
No. All calculations happen entirely in your browser using JavaScript. No data is sent to any server or stored anywhere. Your grades are completely private.