Convert international grades to US 4.0 GPA scale for college and university applications. Support for multiple grading systems including UK, European, Indian, and other international standards.
International Grade Conversion Guide
Understanding international grade conversions for US applications:
- UK System: First Class = 3.7-4.0, Upper Second = 3.3-3.7, Lower Second = 2.7-3.3
- European ECTS: A = 4.0, B = 3.7, C = 3.0, D = 2.3, E = 2.0
- German System: 1.0-1.5 = 4.0, 1.6-2.5 = 3.0-3.9, 2.6-3.5 = 2.0-2.9
- Indian System: 90%+ = 4.0, 80-89% = 3.7, 70-79% = 3.3, 60-69% = 3.0
US GPA Scale (4.0 System)
A (4.0): Excellent - 90-100%
B (3.0): Good - 80-89%
C (2.0): Satisfactory - 70-79%
D (1.0): Pass - 60-69%
Conversion Considerations
Important factors in international grade conversion:
- Grade inflation differs significantly between countries and institutions
- Some systems are more stringent (UK, German) vs. others (US, Canadian)
- Course rigor and academic level affect conversion accuracy
- Professional evaluation services may be required for official applications
- Graduate vs. undergraduate grading standards vary globally
- Consider using WES, ECE, or other credential evaluation services
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert my international grades to US GPA?
International grade conversion depends on your country's system. Generally, find the percentage equivalent of your grades, then convert using standard scales: 97-100% = 4.0, 93-96% = 3.7, 90-92% = 3.3, 87-89% = 3.0, etc. Different countries use varying scales—UK first class = 3.7-4.0, German 1.0-1.5 = 3.7-4.0, French 16-20 = 3.7-4.0. Always check with specific universities as they may have preferred conversion methods.
Do US colleges accept international transcripts or require official conversion?
Most US colleges accept international transcripts but may require credential evaluation from agencies like WES, ECE, or AACRAO. Some schools do internal evaluations. Graduate programs often require official evaluations, while undergraduate admissions may be more flexible. Submit original transcripts in native language plus certified English translations. Contact admissions offices early to understand specific requirements and processing times.
How accurate are online GPA conversion calculators?
Online calculators provide estimates but may not reflect individual university policies. Each institution may use different conversion standards, and some consider grade inflation/deflation in specific countries. Use calculators for initial estimates, but always verify with target schools. Professional credential evaluation services provide more accurate, official conversions that universities trust for admissions decisions.
What if my country's grading system doesn't match US standards?
Many countries use pass/fail, narrative evaluations, or unique scales that don't directly translate. In these cases, provide detailed explanations of your system, class rank, and institutional grading policies. Some universities have experience with specific international systems. Consider getting professional credential evaluation that explains your grades in US context.
Should I convert individual course grades or overall GPA?
Convert both individual courses and overall GPA when possible. US schools often recalculate GPA using their own weighting systems for core subjects. Provide course-by-course conversions for transparency. Some programs weight sciences differently than humanities, so detailed conversion helps admissions committees understand your academic strengths across different subject areas.