Understanding how international grades translate into the U.S. Grade Point Average (GPA) system can be challenging due to the wide range of grading scales used across the world. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of grade conversion, including a detailed explanation of how different countries’ grading systems compare to the GPA scale used in the U.S. and other countries like Canada and the UK.
Whether you’re applying for college, transferring between universities, or assessing academic credentials, this guide will help you convert grades accurately and confidently.
🌐 Country-Specific Grade Conversion Pages
To make it easier to convert grades for your specific country, select from the list below:
Convert Grades from India
Convert Grades from the UK
Convert Grades from Germany
Convert Grades from France
Convert Grades from China
Convert Grades from Brazil
Convert Grades from Russia
Convert Grades from Japan
Convert Grades from South Korea
Convert Grades from Italy
(More countries available in the dropdown menu.)
🌍 Why Grade Conversion Matters
- Different countries use distinct grading scales, such as percentage-based systems, letter grades, or numerical scales
- Colleges and universities often require a standardized GPA when evaluating international transcripts
- Employers may also request GPA conversions when considering foreign academic qualifications
📚 How the GPA System Works
The U.S. GPA system is based on a 4.0 scale:
| Grade | Percentage Range | GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| A | 90%–100% | 4.0 |
| B | 80%–89% | 3.0 – 3.9 |
| C | 70%–79% | 2.0 – 2.9 |
| D | 60%–69% | 1.0 – 1.9 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
🎯 Challenges with International Grade Conversion
- Different Scales – Some countries use a 1–10 scale, others use percentages, and others use letter grades
- Varying Expectations – A 70% score in the U.S. might be a C, but in some European countries, it would be considered a high score
- Grade Inflation/Deflation – Some systems are more lenient or stricter than others
- Subjective Weighting – Certain countries weigh coursework and exams differently when assigning final grades
🌟 Global Conversion Reference Table
Here’s a general guide to how international grades convert to the U.S. GPA system:
| Country | Grading Scale | U.S. GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| United States | A, B, C, D, F (4.0 scale) | 4.0, 3.0, 2.0, 1.0, 0.0 |
| United Kingdom | First-Class (70%+), Upper Second (60%–69%), Lower Second (50%–59%) | 4.0, 3.3, 2.7 |
| Germany | 1.0 (best) to 5.0 (fail) | 1.0 = 4.0, 2.0 = 3.7, 3.0 = 3.0 |
| India | 10-point scale or percentage | 9–10 = 4.0, 7–8 = 3.5, 5–6 = 2.5 |
| France | 20-point scale | 16–20 = 4.0, 14–15 = 3.5, 12–13 = 3.0 |
| China | 100-point scale | 90–100 = 4.0, 80–89 = 3.0, 70–79 = 2.0 |
| Brazil | 0–10 scale | 9–10 = 4.0, 7–8 = 3.0, 5–6 = 2.0 |
| Russia | 5-point scale | 5 = 4.0, 4 = 3.0, 3 = 2.0 |
🔎 How to Convert International Grades to GPA
Step 1: Understand the Grading Scale
Each country has its own grading scale. Identify the grading scale used in your home country or the country issuing the academic record.
Step 2: Find the Corresponding GPA
Use the table above or select your country from the dropdown menu for a detailed guide on grade-to-GPA conversion.
Step 3: Use a Weighted Average (if applicable)
If your school weighs different types of coursework differently (e.g., exams vs coursework), calculate the weighted average before converting.
Example:
If a student from the UK has the following marks:
- First Class (70%) in 3 classes
- Upper Second (65%) in 2 classes
👉 GPA = (4.0 * 3 + 3.3 * 2) ÷ 5 = 3.72 GPA
Step 4: Apply Additional Adjustments (if necessary)
- If your institution uses a different weight for certain subjects (e.g., lab courses), adjust accordingly
- Some schools may convert differently based on internal policies
Grade Conversion Tools
You can use our automatic grade conversion tool to simplify the process:
👉 Try Our Grade-to-GPA Calculator
Simply enter your grades, select the country, and see the equivalent GPA instantly!
FAQs
How accurate are grade conversions?
Conversions are based on official educational guidelines and may vary slightly by institution. Always double-check with the receiving school or employer.
Can I use a weighted GPA in my application?
Yes, most universities accept weighted GPAs if it’s part of your official transcript.
What if my school uses a different grading system?
Use the general conversion table or contact the institution for clarification.
How do I calculate my GPA if my school uses a percentage-based system?
You can convert your percentage grades to GPA using the table provided in this guide. For example, if your percentage is 85%, that typically converts to a 3.5 GPA in the U.S. system. Be sure to adjust for any rounding rules or weighting used by your school.
My transcript shows both weighted and unweighted GPAs — which one should I use?
If you’re applying to a competitive program, use the weighted GPA if allowed, since it reflects the difficulty of your coursework. However, some schools prefer to see unweighted GPAs, so check the admission requirements carefully.
My school uses a 10-point scale — how do I convert that to a 4.0 GPA?
You can convert a 10-point scale to a 4.0 scale by dividing your score by 10 and multiplying by 4. For example:
- 9.0 out of 10 = (9 ÷ 10) × 4 = 3.6 GPA
Alternatively, use our automatic grade-to-GPA calculator for quick results.
How does the UK degree classification system translate to GPA?
The UK system is classified as:
- First-Class (70%+) = 4.0 GPA
- Upper Second-Class (60%–69%) = 3.3 – 3.7 GPA
- Lower Second-Class (50%–59%) = 2.7 – 3.0 GPA
- Third-Class (40%–49%) = 2.0 – 2.3 GPA
How do I convert my Indian 10-point scale grades to GPA?
The Indian system typically follows this pattern:
- 9–10 = 4.0 GPA
- 7–8 = 3.0 – 3.5 GPA
- 5–6 = 2.0 – 2.5 GPA
Some universities may have different conversion scales, so check their official guidelines if available.
Can I convert grades from an IB (International Baccalaureate) diploma?
Yes, IB grades (on a 1–7 scale) generally convert as follows:
What if my school doesn’t provide a direct GPA equivalent?
If your transcript lists grades in a format that doesn’t directly match a GPA scale, use the percentage-to-GPA conversion chart or check with your school’s registrar for clarification. Some schools provide official conversion guidelines.
How do I handle pass/fail courses in GPA conversion?
Pass/fail courses are typically excluded from GPA calculations unless stated otherwise by the institution. If the course is graded as “P” or “F,” only the failing grade will impact your GPA.
Do U.S. universities accept international GPA conversions directly?
Most U.S. universities accept international GPA conversions, but some may request additional documentation or an official credential evaluation from agencies like WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
What if my grades include distinctions or honors?
If your transcript includes terms like “With Distinction,” “With Honors,” or “Merit,” this usually means you scored within the top range of the scale. Include this information in your application if allowed.
How do I convert French grades on a 20-point scale?
French grades on a 20-point scale convert as follows:
- 16–20 = 4.0 GPA
- 14–15 = 3.5 GPA
- 12–13 = 3.0 GPA
- 10–11 = 2.0 GPA
How do I handle failing grades in GPA calculations?
Failing grades (like “F”) are typically converted as a 0.0 GPA. Some institutions allow students to retake a class and replace the failing grade in the GPA calculation.
How accurate are online GPA conversion calculators?
Online calculators are generally accurate for standard scales, but schools sometimes apply unique grading policies. Always double-check with your school’s registrar or admissions office for the most accurate conversion.
How does the Australian grading system convert to GPA?
Australian universities use the following scale:
- High Distinction (85%–100%) = 4.0 GPA
- Distinction (75%–84%) = 3.7 GPA
- Credit (65%–74%) = 3.0 GPA
- Pass (50%–64%) = 2.0 GPA
How do I convert my Canadian grades to GPA?
Canadian universities use a letter-based system similar to the U.S.:
- A+ or A (90%–100%) = 4.0 GPA
- B+ (80%–89%) = 3.0 – 3.5 GPA
- C+ (70%–79%) = 2.0 – 3.0 GPA
- D+ (60%–69%) = 1.0 – 2.0 GPA
- F (below 60%) = 0.0 GPA
How do universities evaluate converted GPAs?
Universities usually consider more than just GPA when evaluating applications. They may look at:
- Course difficulty (e.g., honors, AP, IB)
- Academic improvement over time
- Extracurricular involvement and recommendations
- National or regional grading standards
How can I improve my converted GPA?
You can’t change past grades, but you can improve your cumulative GPA by:
- Retaking failed or low-scoring courses (if allowed)
- Taking extra credit or weighted courses
- Focusing on high-value coursework that boosts your overall GPA
How does a 5-point or 6-point grading scale convert to a 4.0 GPA?
You’ll need to normalize the 5-point or 6-point scale to a 4.0 scale by dividing your score by the highest possible value and multiplying by 4. For example:
- 5-point scale = (Score ÷ 5) × 4
- 6-point scale = (Score ÷ 6) × 4
What if my country’s grading system isn’t listed?
Use the general percentage-to-GPA chart or consult with your school or an official credential evaluation service like WES or ECE.
Do Ivy League schools have different GPA conversion requirements?
Ivy League and other top-tier schools often have stricter conversion policies and may require an official credential evaluation. Check the specific admissions website for details.