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Grade Scale Conversions
Convert between different grading scales and understand international systems.
Grade Scale Conversions Guide
Standard US Grading Scales
Letter Grade to Percentage
| Letter Grade | Percentage Range | 4.0 Scale | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100% | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A | 93-96% | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 | Excellent |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 | Good |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 | Good |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 | Good |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 | Satisfactory |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 | Satisfactory |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 | Satisfactory |
| D+ | 67-69% | 1.3 | Poor |
| D | 60-66% | 1.0 | Poor |
| F | 0-59% | 0.0 | Failing |
International Grading Systems
UK Classification System
- First Class Honours (1st): 70-100% ≈ US A
- Upper Second Class (2:1): 60-69% ≈ US B+
- Lower Second Class (2:2): 50-59% ≈ US B-
- Third Class (3rd): 40-49% ≈ US C
- Fail: 0-39% ≈ US F
European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)
- A: Excellent (top 10%) ≈ US A+/A
- B: Very Good (next 25%) ≈ US A-/B+
- C: Good (next 30%) ≈ US B
- D: Satisfactory (next 25%) ≈ US B-/C+
- E: Sufficient (next 10%) ≈ US C
- F: Fail ≈ US F
German Grading System
- 1.0-1.3: Sehr gut (Very Good) ≈ US A
- 1.7-2.3: Gut (Good) ≈ US B
- 2.7-3.3: Befriedigend (Satisfactory) ≈ US C
- 3.7-4.0: Ausreichend (Sufficient) ≈ US D
- 4.3-5.0: Mangelhaft (Deficient) ≈ US F
Conversion Guidelines
Converting to US 4.0 Scale
- Identify source system: Determine the original grading scale
- Find equivalent range: Match grade to US percentage range
- Apply 4.0 scale: Use standard US grade point values
- Weight by credits: Calculate weighted average if needed
Common Conversion Challenges
- Grade inflation differences: International systems may be more strict
- Course weighting: Different credit systems and course loads
- Pass/fail courses: Treatment varies by institution
- Rounding policies: Some schools round up, others truncate
Tips for Accurate Conversions
- Use official guidelines: Check your institution's conversion policies
- Consult academic advisors: Get professional guidance for important decisions
- Keep original transcripts: Maintain records of all grade conversions
- Understand context: Know when conversions are needed vs. preferred