Complete Grading Guide
Master grading systems, GPA calculations, and grade conversions with our comprehensive guide.
Understanding Grading Systems
Grading systems vary across educational institutions, but understanding the basics will help you use our calculator effectively and interpret your academic performance.
Letter Grades
Traditional A-F system used in most US schools
Percentage Grades
Numerical scores from 0-100%
GPA Scale
Grade Point Average on 4.0 or 5.0 scale
Weighted Grades
Different assignments have different importance
Standard Grade Scales
US Letter Grade Scale
| Letter | Percentage | GPA (4.0) | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 97-100% | 4.0 | Exceptional |
| A | 93-96% | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A- | 90-92% | 3.7 | Very Good |
| B+ | 87-89% | 3.3 | Good |
| B | 83-86% | 3.0 | Above Average |
| B- | 80-82% | 2.7 | Good |
| C+ | 77-79% | 2.3 | Average |
| C | 73-76% | 2.0 | Satisfactory |
| C- | 70-72% | 1.7 | Below Average |
| D | 60-69% | 1.0 | Poor |
| F | 0-59% | 0.0 | Failing |
Weighted vs. Unweighted Grades
Unweighted Grades
All assignments count equally toward your final grade.
Example Calculation:
Quiz 1: 85%
Quiz 2: 90%
Final Exam: 80%
Final Grade = (85 + 90 + 80) ÷ 3 = 85%
Weighted Grades
Different assignments have different importance in your final grade.
Example Calculation:
Quizzes (30%): 87.5%
Midterm (30%): 85%
Final Exam (40%): 80%
Final Grade = (87.5×0.3) + (85×0.3) + (80×0.4) = 83.75%
GPA Calculation Guide
How to Calculate GPA
- Convert each letter grade to grade points
- Multiply grade points by credit hours
- Add all grade points earned
- Divide by total credit hours
GPA Calculation Example
| Course | Grade | Credits | Points | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Math 101 | A (4.0) | 3 | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| English 102 | B+ (3.3) | 3 | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| History 201 | B (3.0) | 4 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
| Totals: | 10 | - | 33.9 | |
GPA = 33.9 ÷ 10 = 3.39
Grade Conversion Guide
Letter to Percentage
Use these conversions for our calculator:
- A = 95% (middle of range)
- B = 85% (middle of range)
- C = 75% (middle of range)
- D = 65% (middle of range)
GPA to Percentage
Approximate conversions:
- 4.0 = ~95-100%
- 3.5 = ~87-92%
- 3.0 = ~83-86%
- 2.5 = ~78-82%
- 2.0 = ~73-76%
Common Course Weight Distributions
University Course
Homework
20%
Quizzes
15%
Midterm
25%
Final Exam
30%
Participation
10%
High School Course
Daily Work
25%
Tests & Quizzes
50%
Final Exam
25%
Graduate Course
Research Paper
40%
Presentations
20%
Final Project
30%
Participation
10%
International Grading Systems
UK System
First Class (70-100%)
≈ A
Upper Second (60-69%)
≈ B+/A-
Lower Second (50-59%)
≈ B/B-
Third Class (40-49%)
≈ C+/C
European ECTS
A (Excellent)
≈ A
B (Very Good)
≈ A-/B+
C (Good)
≈ B
D (Satisfactory)
≈ B-/C+
Ready to Calculate Your Final Grade?
Now that you understand grading systems, use our calculator to determine what you need on your final exam.
Calculate Your Grade