The GWA Formula — Explained

A deep dive into the General Weighted Average formula, with meaning of each term and real examples.
The GWA formula is GWA = Σ(Grade × Units) ÷ Σ(Units). Multiply each subject’s grade by its credit units, add all results, then divide by the total units. This ensures heavier subjects affect the General Weighted Average more strongly than lighter ones.

What is the GWA formula?

The General Weighted Average formula measures academic performance by giving more weight to subjects with more units. It ensures fairness because a 5-unit subject influences your overall standing more than a 1-unit subject.

The GWA equation

Formula: GWA = Σ(Grade × Units) ÷ Σ(Units)

This equation can be broken down into:

  1. Multiply each grade by its units.
  2. Add all products (this is the weighted sum).
  3. Add all units (this is the total units).
  4. Divide the weighted sum by total units.

You Know That?

Some universities round GWA to two decimal places, while others truncate it. That tiny difference can affect your eligibility for honors like Cum Laude or the Dean’s List.

Examples Using the GWA formula

Example 1 — Philippine Scale (1.00–5.00)

SubjectUnitsGradeGrade × Units
Subject A31.755.25
Subject B22.004.00
Subject C31.504.50
Total813.75

GWA = 13.75 ÷ 8 = 1.72

Example 2 — Percentage Scale (0–100)

GWA = (270 + 170 + 352) ÷ 9 = 87.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official GWA formula?

It is Σ(Grade × Units) ÷ Σ(Units), recognized by most universities.

Can I use the GWA formula with percentage grades?

Yes. Multiply percentage grades by units, then divide by total units to get a weighted average.

Does every school use the same GWA formula?

Most do, but some schools exclude minor subjects or apply different rounding rules.

Why do units matter in the GWA computation?

Units represent subject weight. A 5-unit course influences your GWA more than a 1-unit course.