Academic grading systems can vary significantly across different schools, universities, and countries. A student might receive a letter grade (like 'A-' or 'B+'), a percentage score (like 88%), or a Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Translating between these different systems is essential for students applying to institutions with different grading standards, especially for international students. Our Letter Grade Converter is a versatile tool designed to make this translation seamless, providing quick and accurate conversions between the most common grading formats.
How to Use the Letter Grade Converter
Our converter is a dynamic, two-way tool for instant conversions:
- Select "From" and "To" Scales: Use the dropdown menus to choose the grading system you are converting from and the one you are converting to (e.g., from 'Letter' to 'GPA').
- Enter Your Grade: Input your grade into the "From" field. If you've selected 'Letter' grade, a dropdown menu will appear with standard letter grades.
- View the Converted Grade: The calculator will automatically display the equivalent grade on your chosen "To" scale in the result field.
The Grading Scales Explained
This calculator converts between the three most common academic grading systems used in the United States and recognized internationally.
The 4.0 GPA Scale
The 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) scale is the standard in most U.S. colleges and universities. It assigns a numerical value to a letter grade, allowing for the calculation of a weighted average across multiple courses. A higher GPA generally indicates a higher level of academic achievement. Our calculator uses a common GPA conversion where pluses and minuses adjust the value (e.g., a B+ is a 3.3, a B is a 3.0, and a B- is a 2.7).
The Letter Grade System (A-F)
The traditional letter grade system provides a categorical assessment of a student's performance. It's often seen as more descriptive than a simple percentage. A standard interpretation is:
- A: Excellent
- B: Good
- C: Average
- D: Poor / Passing
- F: Failing
The Percentage Scale (0-100)
The percentage scale offers the most granular measure of performance, indicating the proportion of total possible points a student earned. It is often the raw score from which letter grades and GPAs are derived.
Standard Conversion Table
This tool uses a standard conversion table that is representative of many U.S. universities. It is important to note that the exact percentage ranges for a given letter grade can vary slightly from one institution to another. You should always consult your specific school's official grading policy for their exact conversions.
| Letter Grade | GPA (4.0 Scale) | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 | 97-100% |
| A | 4.0 | 93-96% |
| A- | 3.7 | 90-92% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 87-89% |
| B | 3.0 | 83-86% |
| B- | 2.7 | 80-82% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 77-79% |
| ...and so on | ... | ... |
Frequently Asked Questions
My school uses a 4.33 scale for an A+. Is this calculator accurate for me?
This calculator uses a standard 4.0 scale where both an A and an A+ are typically capped at 4.0 GPA points. If your school uses a different system (like a 4.33 or a 5.0 weighted scale), this calculator will still be useful for general conversions, but you should refer to your school's official chart for precise GPA calculations.
Why do I need to convert my grades?
Grade conversion is most often needed when applying to institutions that use a different grading system from the one you are used to. International students applying to U.S. colleges frequently need to convert their grades to the 4.0 GPA scale. Similarly, U.S. students applying abroad may need to convert their GPA to a percentage or a local letter grade system.
How do I convert a GPA from another country, like the 10-point scale in India?
Converting between different international systems can be complex, as there is often no single official formula. Many universities and evaluation services (like WES) use their own proprietary conversion tables. However, a common unofficial method to estimate a conversion from a 10-point Indian CGPA to a 4.0 U.S. GPA is the formula: U.S. GPA = (CGPA / 10) * 4.