A tool that computes grade point average (GPA) incorporating an A/B grading system allows educational institutions and students to determine academic performance based on a scale where grades between ‘A’ and ‘B’ receive finer distinctions. For example, instead of only ‘A’ and ‘B’ letter grades, the system includes ‘A+’, ‘A’, ‘A-‘, ‘B+’, ‘B’, and ‘B-‘, each with associated numerical values that contribute to the overall GPA calculation.
The significance of such a GPA calculation method lies in its ability to provide a more nuanced representation of academic achievement. Traditional GPA systems may not differentiate between students performing at the higher or lower ends of a letter grade range. The enhanced granularity offered benefits students by accurately reflecting their effort and provides institutions with a more detailed metric for evaluating student progress and awarding scholarships or honors. Historically, the move towards this kind of grading structure stems from a desire to increase the accuracy of academic assessment, moving beyond simpler, less descriptive grading scales.