How the GPA Scale Converter Works

This GPA scale converter uses standardized conversion formulas to translate between different grading systems. The conversions are based on common academic standards used by most US high schools and colleges. Understanding these conversions is essential when applying to different schools or comparing academic performance.

The core conversion formulas are:

Example: A 3.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale converts to 4.5 on a 5.0 scale (3.6 × 1.25 = 4.5). That same 3.6 GPA equals 90% (3.6 ÷ 4 × 100 = 90%), which typically corresponds to an A- letter grade.

Understanding Different GPA Scales

The 4.0 Scale (Standard Unweighted)

The 4.0 scale is the standard grading system used by most US colleges and universities. It’s an unweighted scale where:

• A = 4.0 quality points
• B = 3.0 quality points
• C = 2.0 quality points
• D = 1.0 quality points
• F = 0.0 quality points

Many schools also use plus/minus grades on the 4.0 scale (A- = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, etc.). This scale treats all courses equally regardless of difficulty.

The 5.0 Scale (Weighted)

The 5.0 scale is a weighted grading system commonly used in high schools to account for course difficulty. On this scale:

• Regular courses: A = 4.0, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.0
• Honors courses: A = 4.5, B = 3.5, C = 2.5, D = 1.5, F = 0.0
• AP/IB courses: A = 5.0, B = 4.0, C = 3.0, D = 2.0, F = 0.0

The 5.0 scale allows students to earn above a 4.0 by taking advanced courses, which can boost class rank and college admissions prospects.

Percentage Scale

The percentage scale assigns numeric values from 0% to 100% based on earned points out of total possible points. Common percentage ranges for letter grades are:

• A: 93-100%
• A-: 90-92%
• B+: 87-89%
• B: 83-86%
• B-: 80-82%
• C+: 77-79%
• C: 73-76%
• C-: 70-72%
• D+: 67-69%
• D: 63-66%
• D-: 60-62%
• F: 0-59%

When GPA Conversion Matters

College Applications

When applying to colleges, you often need to convert between weighted and unweighted GPAs. Most colleges report average admitted student GPAs on a 4.0 scale. If your school uses a 5.0 scale, you’ll need to convert to understand how you compare.

Example: A college reports an average admitted GPA of 3.8. If you have a 4.5 on a 5.0 scale, that converts to 3.6 on a 4.0 scale (4.5 ÷ 1.25 = 3.6), putting you slightly below their average.

Transferring Schools

When transferring between schools that use different grading systems, accurate GPA conversion is essential. Some schools may convert your GPA themselves, but understanding the conversion helps you know what to expect.

Graduate School Applications

Graduate programs often have minimum GPA requirements, typically stated on a 4.0 scale. If your undergraduate school used a different system, you’ll need to convert to determine your eligibility.

International Students

International students applying to US schools must convert their home country grading systems to the US 4.0 scale. This often requires using conversion tables or services, as direct mathematical conversion may not apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 4.0 on a 4.0 scale the same as a 5.0 on a 5.0 scale?

Yes, both represent perfect performance on their respective scales. However, a 5.0 on a 5.0 scale often indicates all As in advanced/AP courses, while a 4.0 on a 4.0 scale could be all As in regular courses.

How do I convert a weighted GPA to unweighted?

To convert weighted GPA (5.0 scale) to unweighted (4.0 scale), divide by 1.25. For example, a 4.5 weighted GPA ÷ 1.25 = 3.6 unweighted GPA. However, some schools may use different conversion methods, so always check specific requirements.

What percentage is a 3.0 GPA?

A 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale typically equals 85% (3.0 ÷ 4 × 100 = 75%, but due to common grading scales, it usually corresponds to 83-86%, or a B letter grade).

Do colleges prefer weighted or unweighted GPA?

Most colleges consider both, but they often recalculate GPA according to their own formulas. They typically look at unweighted GPA for core academic courses to ensure fair comparisons between students from different schools.

How accurate are GPA conversions?

Mathematical conversions between scales are precise, but the interpretation of those conversions can vary. A 3.5 GPA might be considered “good” at one school but “average” at another competitive institution.

Can I have above a 4.0 on a 4.0 scale?

No, the 4.0 scale maxes out at 4.0. If you see a GPA above 4.0, it’s either on a weighted scale (like 5.0) or uses a different system. Some schools report “weighted GPA on 4.0 scale” which can exceed 4.0 through advanced course weighting.

GPA Conversion Tables

4.0 to 5.0 Conversion Table

Percentage to 4.0 Conversion Table

Special Cases and Considerations

International Grade Conversions

International grade conversions often require specialized conversion tables. For example:

• • UK System: First Class Honors (70%+) typically converts to 3.7-4.0 GPA
• • Canadian System: An A (80-100%) typically converts to 3.7-4.0 GPA
• • Australian System: High Distinction (HD) typically converts to 3.7-4.0 GPA

Many US universities require international students to use credential evaluation services like WES or ECE for official conversions.

Plus/Minus Grade Considerations

Schools that use plus/minus grading have more granular GPA calculations. This can affect conversions because:

• An A- (3.7) converts differently than an A (4.0)
• A B+ (3.3) is significantly different from a B- (2.7)
• These differences matter most at GPA thresholds (like 3.5 for Dean’s List)

Weighted GPA Variations

Not all weighted GPAs use the 5.0 scale. Some variations include:

• 4.5 Scale: Honors = 4.5, AP = 5.0, Regular = 4.0
• 6.0 Scale: Used by some competitive high schools
• 100-Point Scale: Weighted percentages instead of GPA

Practical Application Examples

College Application Scenario

You have a 4.3 weighted GPA on a 5.0 scale. The college you’re applying to reports an average admitted GPA of 3.8 on a 4.0 scale. Convert your GPA: 4.3 ÷ 1.25 = 3.44. Your converted GPA is 3.44, which is below their average of 3.8. This indicates you may need stronger other application components (test scores, essays, extracurriculars).

Scholarship Requirement Scenario

A scholarship requires a minimum 3.5 GPA. You have 92% average. Convert: 92% ÷ 100 × 4 = 3.68. Your GPA is 3.68, which meets the 3.5 requirement. You would qualify for this scholarship based on GPA.

Graduate School Scenario

A graduate program requires a 3.0 minimum GPA. Your undergraduate school used letter grades without GPA. You had mostly B+ grades. B+ typically converts to 3.3, which meets the requirement. However, the program may require official conversion through a credential service.

This GPA scale converter uses standard academic conversion formulas. For official GPA calculations and conversions, always consult with your academic institution or the receiving organization’s specific guidelines.