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The GPA Scale Explained
Updated 16 April 2026
The complete reference for GPA conversion. Letter grades to percentages to grade points, the weighted 5.0 scale, pass/fail rules, international equivalents, and common institutional variations.
Standard 4.0 Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100% | 4.0 |
| A | 93-96% | 4.0 |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67-69% | 1.3 |
| D | 63-66% | 1.0 |
| D- | 60-62% | 0.7 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
5.0 Weighted Scale
Weighted GPAs add bonus points for AP, IB, and honors courses. This rewards students for taking challenging courses even if their grades are slightly lower.
| Course Level | A+/A | A- | B+ | B |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Course | 4.0 | 3.7 | 3.3 | 3.0 |
| Honors Course | 4.5 | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| AP/IB Course | 5.0 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.0 |
For detailed comparison, see our weighted vs unweighted guide.
Pass/Fail and Special Grades
P (Pass)
No GPA impactCredit is earned but no grade points are assigned. Does not raise or lower GPA. Useful for protecting GPA in elective courses.
F (Fail, in P/F)
Usually no GPA impactMost schools do not count the F in pass/fail toward GPA, but check your institution's policy. Some schools record it as an F for GPA purposes.
W (Withdrawal)
No GPA impactShows on transcript but does not affect GPA. Multiple W's may raise concerns with grad schools and employers, but one or two are common.
I (Incomplete)
Converts to F if not resolvedTemporary grade given when coursework is not finished due to extenuating circumstances. Typically must be completed within one semester. Defaults to F if not resolved.
AU (Audit)
No GPA impactStudent attended class but is not receiving credit. Shows on transcript as AU. Does not affect GPA or credit hours.
CR (Credit)
No GPA impactSimilar to Pass. Credit earned but no grade points assigned. Common for transfer credits and some electives.
Common Institutional Variations
A+ = 4.3 (not 4.0)
Some Canadian universities, a few US schools
Allows GPA to exceed 4.0 on the unweighted scale. Duke, Emory, and some others use this system.
No +/- grades
Some state universities, community colleges
Only whole letter grades (A, B, C, D, F). An A is always 4.0, a B is always 3.0. Simpler but less granular.
12-point scale
Some Canadian universities
A+ = 12, A = 11, A- = 10, down to F = 0. Divide by 3 for approximate 4.0 equivalence.
E instead of F
Some schools (University of Michigan, Rutgers)
E means failing (same as F). Historical convention. Does not change the grade point calculation.
International GPA Equivalents
If you are applying internationally or converting a foreign GPA to the US 4.0 scale, here are the approximate equivalencies. These are guidelines, not exact conversions; always check with the specific program.
United Kingdom
Degree ClassificationsFirst Class (70%+) = ~3.7-4.0, Upper Second 2:1 (60-69%) = ~3.3-3.7, Lower Second 2:2 (50-59%) = ~2.7-3.3, Third (40-49%) = ~2.0-2.7
Canada
Percentage-Based (varies by province)A/A+ (85-100%) = 4.0, A- (80-84%) = 3.7, B+ (77-79%) = 3.3, B (73-76%) = 3.0, C+ (67-72%) = 2.3
Australia
7-Point ScaleHD High Distinction (85-100%) = ~4.0, D Distinction (75-84%) = ~3.5-3.9, C Credit (65-74%) = ~3.0-3.4, P Pass (50-64%) = ~2.0-2.9
India
10-Point CGPA or Percentage9.0+ CGPA = ~3.7-4.0, 8.0-8.9 = ~3.3-3.7, 7.0-7.9 = ~3.0-3.3, 6.0-6.9 = ~2.5-3.0. Divide percentage by 9.5 for approximate CGPA.
GPA vs Class Rank
Class rank shows where your GPA falls relative to your classmates. A 3.5 GPA might be top 10% at one school and top 25% at another, depending on grade inflation and student body.
When rank matters more: State auto-admit programs (Texas top 6% rule), Latin honors at schools that use rank-based cutoffs, and applications to schools that value relative performance over absolute GPA.
Trend: Many high schools have stopped reporting class rank, and many colleges no longer require it. If your school does not rank, your GPA and course rigor speak for themselves.