French Grading System: Understanding the 20-Point Scale
France uses a distinctive 20-point grading scale across all educational levels. This comprehensive guide explains the French grading system, including university grades, the Baccalauréat, and international equivalencies.
Key Takeaways
- 20-point scale used throughout education system
- 10/20 is typically the passing grade
- Grades above 16/20 are rare
- Baccalauréat uses coefficient-weighted scoring
- Different standards for different academic disciplines
The 20-Point Grading Scale
| French Grade | Description | US Grade Equivalent | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-20 | Très Bien (Very Good) | A+ | Exceptional |
| 14-15.9 | Bien (Good) | A | Excellent |
| 12-13.9 | Assez Bien (Quite Good) | B | Good |
| 10-11.9 | Passable (Pass) | C | Satisfactory |
| 8-9.9 | Insuffisant (Insufficient) | D | Below Average |
| 0-7.9 | Très Insuffisant (Very Insufficient) | F | Fail |
Baccalauréat Scoring System
The French Baccalauréat (often called "le bac") uses a coefficient-weighted system. Use our Grade Calculator to compute weighted averages.
| Final Score | Mention (Honors) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 16/20 or higher | Très bien avec félicitations | Highest Honors |
| 14-15.9/20 | Très bien | High Honors |
| 12-13.9/20 | Bien | Honors |
| 10-11.9/20 | Assez bien | Pass with Merit |
| 8-9.9/20 | Rattrapage possible | Oral Exam Opportunity |
| Below 8/20 | Ajourné | Fail |
Higher Education Grading
French universities maintain high standards, and it's rare to achieve perfect scores. Use our Grade Converter to convert between different systems.
Understanding French University Grades
- Grades above 16 are extremely rare
- 10-12 is considered a good performance
- Each semester requires a general average of 10
- Compensation between courses is often possible
International Grade Equivalency
| French Grade | US GPA | ECTS Grade | UK Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-20 | 4.0 | A | First Class |
| 13-14 | 3.7 | B | 2:1 |
| 11-12 | 3.0 | C | 2:2 |
| 10 | 2.0 | D | Third Class |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it rare to get high grades in France?
The French system considers 20/20 as theoretical perfection. Even excellent students typically score between 12 and 16. Grades above 16 are exceptional and usually reserved for truly outstanding work.
How does the Baccalauréat coefficient system work?
Each subject in the Baccalauréat is assigned a coefficient (weight). The final score is calculated by multiplying each subject's grade by its coefficient and dividing by the total of all coefficients. Use our Weighted Grade Calculator for these calculations.
What's considered a good grade in French universities?
In French universities, a grade of 12/20 is considered good, and 14/20 is excellent. Due to the rigorous grading system, even top students rarely achieve grades above 16/20. Check our international grade conversion guide for more context.
How does grade compensation work in French universities?
In most French universities, students can compensate for low grades in some courses with higher grades in others, as long as they achieve an overall average of 10/20 for the semester. However, some core subjects may require a minimum passing grade.