5.0 scale conventions
The 5.0 scale is a weighted variant of the standard 4.0 scale. It rewards course difficulty by adding to each grade:
- Regular course: A = 4.0
- Honors course: A = 4.5 (+0.5)
- AP course: A = 5.0 (+1.0)
- IB course: A = 5.0 (+1.0)
Not every school uses 5.0. Some cap at 4.5. Some only weight AP, not honors. UC uses its own rules with an 8-semester cap. Check your school's policy before relying on this number.