Grading Scale Chart: Letter Grades to GPA Conversion
Quick Reference: Standard Grading Scale
A
4.0 GPA
93-100%
B
3.0 GPA
83-86%
C
2.0 GPA
73-76%
Standard 4.0 GPA Scale Chart
The 4.0 grading scale is the most widely used system in U.S. high schools and colleges. This unweighted scale treats all courses equally, regardless of difficulty.
| Letter Grade | GPA (4.0 Scale) | Percentage Range | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / A | 4.0 | 93-100% | Excellent / Outstanding |
| A- | 3.7 | 90-92% | Very Good |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87-89% | Good |
| B | 3.0 | 83-86% | Good / Above Average |
| B- | 2.7 | 80-82% | Above Average |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77-79% | Average |
| C | 2.0 | 73-76% | Average / Satisfactory |
| C- | 1.7 | 70-72% | Below Average |
| D+ | 1.3 | 67-69% | Poor |
| D | 1.0 | 65-66% | Poor / Passing |
| F | 0.0 | Below 65% | Failing |
⚠️ Important: Percentage ranges may vary slightly by institution. Some schools use a 10-point scale (A=90-100%, B=80-89%, etc.), while others use 7-point ranges as shown above.
💡 Tip: Always verify your school's official grading scale in the student handbook or registrar's office.
Weighted 5.0 GPA Scale Chart
The 5.0 grading scale rewards students for taking honors, AP (Advanced Placement), or IB (International Baccalaureate) courses by adding bonus points. This weighted scale shows academic rigor.
| Letter Grade | Regular Courses | Honors Courses | AP/IB Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 4.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| A- | 3.7 | 4.2 | 4.7 |
| B+ | 3.3 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
| B | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| B- | 2.7 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| C+ | 2.3 | 2.8 | 3.3 |
| C | 2.0 | 2.5 | 3.0 |
| D | 1.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 |
| F | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Weighted GPA Notes:
- Honors courses typically add +0.5 points to your GPA
- AP/IB courses typically add +1.0 point to your GPA
- Some schools cap weighted GPA at 4.5 or 5.0, even with all AP courses
- Colleges often recalculate GPA using their own weighting systems
- Maximum achievable GPA with all AP courses = 5.0
International Grading Scale Comparison
Different countries use unique grading systems. Here's how they compare to the U.S. 4.0 scale:
🇬🇧 United Kingdom — Degree Classifications
| UK Classification | Percentage | US GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours (1st) | 70-100% | 3.7-4.0 |
| Upper Second Class (2:1) | 60-69% | 3.3-3.6 |
| Lower Second Class (2:2) | 50-59% | 3.0-3.2 |
| Third Class Honours (3rd) | 40-49% | 2.0-2.9 |
🇩🇪 Germany — 1.0 to 5.0 Scale (Reversed)
| German Grade | Meaning | US GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0-1.5 | Sehr gut (Very Good) | 4.0 |
| 1.6-2.5 | Gut (Good) | 3.0-3.9 |
| 2.6-3.5 | Befriedigend (Satisfactory) | 2.0-2.9 |
| 3.6-4.0 | Ausreichend (Sufficient) | 1.0-1.9 |
| 5.0 | Nicht ausreichend (Fail) | 0.0 |
🇮🇳 India — CGPA on 10-Point Scale
| India CGPA | Percentage | US GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0-10.0 | 90-100% | 4.0 |
| 8.0-8.9 | 80-89% | 3.7-3.9 |
| 7.0-7.9 | 70-79% | 3.3-3.6 |
| 6.0-6.9 | 60-69% | 3.0-3.2 |
| Below 6.0 | Below 60% | Below 3.0 |
🇦🇺 Australia — GPA on 7.0 Scale
| Australia GPA | Grade | US GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0-7.0 | High Distinction (HD) | 4.0 |
| 5.0-5.9 | Distinction (D) | 3.5-3.9 |
| 4.0-4.9 | Credit (C) | 3.0-3.4 |
| 3.0-3.9 | Pass (P) | 2.0-2.9 |
| Below 3.0 | Fail (F) | Below 2.0 |
How to Use These Grading Scale Charts
1️⃣ Find Your Letter Grade
Locate the letter grade you received in the course (A, B+, C, etc.) in the grading scale chart.
2️⃣ Check the GPA Points
Read across to see the corresponding GPA point value. For weighted scales, use the appropriate column (Regular, Honors, or AP/IB).
3️⃣ Multiply by Credit Hours
Multiply the GPA points by the course's credit hours to get "quality points." Example: B+ (3.3) in a 4-credit course = 3.3 × 4 = 13.2 quality points.
4️⃣ Calculate Your GPA
Sum all quality points from all courses, then divide by total credit hours. This gives you your GPA. Or use our calculator to do it instantly!
Frequently Asked Questions About Grading Scales
What is a grading scale chart?
A grading scale chart is a reference table that shows how letter grades (A, B, C, D, F), percentages, and GPA points correspond to each other. It provides a standardized way to convert between different grading formats, helping students, teachers, and administrators understand academic performance across systems.
How do I convert letter grades to GPA?
To convert letter grades to GPA: Use the standard 4.0 scale where A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, C-=1.7, D+=1.3, D=1.0, F=0.0. Multiply each grade point by course credits, sum them, then divide by total credits to get your GPA. Our calculator automates this process for you.
What is the difference between 4.0 and 5.0 grading scale?
The 4.0 scale is unweighted (all courses equal, max 4.0), while the 5.0 scale is weighted giving bonus points to honors/AP/IB courses. On 4.0 scale: A=4.0 in all courses. On 5.0 scale: Regular A=4.0, Honors/AP A=5.0. The 5.0 scale rewards taking more challenging courses and shows academic rigor to colleges.
What percentage is each letter grade?
Standard percentage ranges: A (93-100%), A- (90-92%), B+ (87-89%), B (83-86%), B- (80-82%), C+ (77-79%), C (73-76%), C- (70-72%), D+ (67-69%), D (65-66%), F (below 65%). Note: Exact ranges vary by institution; some schools use 90-100% for all A grades. Always check your school's specific grading policy.
Do all schools use the same grading scale?
No, grading scales vary by institution and country. Most U.S. schools use 4.0 scale, but some use 4.3 (A+=4.3), 5.0 (weighted), or percentage-only systems. International systems differ significantly: UK uses degree classifications, Germany uses 1.0-5.0 (reversed), India uses CGPA on 10-point scale. Always check your school's specific grading policy and use conversion tools when applying internationally.
Key Takeaways: Grading Scale Charts
- ✓4.0 scale is standard in U.S. high schools and colleges (unweighted)
- ✓5.0 scale rewards honors/AP courses with bonus points (weighted)
- ✓A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0 on standard 4.0 scale
- ✓Percentage ranges vary by school (check your institution's policy)
- ✓International scales differ greatly — UK, Germany, India, Australia use unique systems
- ✓Use our calculators to convert grades to GPA instantly and accurately