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 |