Chinese Grading System: Understanding Academic Standards
China's education system primarily uses a percentage-based grading scale, with some institutions also adopting letter grades. This guide explains the Chinese grading system across different educational levels and its international equivalencies.
Key Takeaways
- Percentage-based system (0-100)
- 60% typically minimum passing grade
- Different standards for key universities
- Relative grading in some institutions
- Gaokao scoring system for university admission
University Grading Scale
| Percentage | Grade | Chinese | GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | Excellent | 优秀 (Yōuxiù) | 4.0 |
| 80-89 | Good | 良好 (Liánghǎo) | 3.0-3.9 |
| 70-79 | Average | 中等 (Zhōngděng) | 2.0-2.9 |
| 60-69 | Pass | 及格 (Jígé) | 1.0-1.9 |
| 0-59 | Fail | 不及格 (Bùjígé) | 0.0 |
Gaokao Scoring System
The Gaokao (高考) is China's national college entrance examination. Use our Percentage to GPA Calculator to understand score equivalencies.
| Score Range | Level | University Tier |
|---|---|---|
| 750-600 | First Class | Top-tier Universities (985 Project) |
| 599-500 | Second Class | Key Universities (211 Project) |
| 499-400 | Third Class | Regular Universities |
| Below 400 | Not Qualified | Vocational Colleges |
Four-Point Scale System
Some Chinese universities use a 4.0 scale system. Use our GPA Calculator for conversions.
GPA Conversion Scale
- 90-100 = 4.0 (A)
- 85-89 = 3.7 (A-)
- 82-84 = 3.3 (B+)
- 78-81 = 3.0 (B)
- 75-77 = 2.7 (B-)
- 71-74 = 2.3 (C+)
- 66-70 = 2.0 (C)
- 62-65 = 1.7 (C-)
- 60-61 = 1.0 (D)
- Below 60 = 0.0 (F)
International Grade Equivalency
| Chinese Score | US Grade | ECTS Grade | UK Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-100 | A+ | A | First Class |
| 80-89 | A/A- | B | 2:1 |
| 70-79 | B | C | 2:2 |
| 60-69 | C | D/E | Third Class |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Gaokao scoring work?
The Gaokao is scored out of 750 points in most provinces. Each subject contributes to the total score, with Chinese, Mathematics, and English being mandatory. The score determines university admission eligibility and program choices.
What is considered a good grade in Chinese universities?
In Chinese universities, scores above 85% are considered excellent, while anything above 75% is good. Due to the competitive nature of Chinese education, achieving scores above 90% is particularly impressive. Use our Grade Calculator to convert your scores.
How do Chinese university tiers affect grading?
Top-tier universities (985 and 211 Project universities) often have stricter grading standards. The same numerical grade might represent different achievement levels depending on the institution's ranking. Check our international grade conversion guide for more details.
What is the passing grade in China?
The standard passing grade in Chinese education is 60%. However, some programs and universities may set higher requirements for specific courses or overall progression. Many competitive programs require students to maintain an average above 70%.