Letter Grade Calculator

Convert percentage scores to letter grades and GPA points. Choose from standard, strict, or lenient grading scales.

Standard Scale: A (90-100%), B (80-89%), C (70-79%), D (60-69%), F (0-59%); GPA: A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0.0
87.5% on Standard scale = B+ (3.3 GPA points). Same score on Strict scale = B (3.0 GPA). Grading scale choice affects final letter grade.

What percentage is each letter grade?

Standard grading scale: A+ (97-100%), A (93-96%), 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 (below 60%). Note: Scales vary by institution. Some schools use strict scales (A=93+), others lenient (A=88+). Graduate schools often require B (83%) minimum. Always check your school's official grading policy.

How do plus and minus grades affect GPA?

Plus/minus system adds precision: A=4.0, A-=3.7, B+=3.3, B=3.0, B-=2.7, C+=2.3, C=2.0, C-=1.7, D+=1.3, D=1.0, D-=0.7, F=0.0. Note: Most schools don't use A+ (still 4.0), some don't use minus grades. The difference between B+ and B- is 0.6 GPA points - significant over 4 years. An 89.9% (B+) gives better GPA than 87% (B+) or 82.9% (B-). Check if professors round up.

Can I round up my percentage to the next letter grade?

School policy dependent. Some professors round 89.5% to A (90%), others strictly enforce cutoffs (89.9% stays B+). Graduate programs often don't round - 82.99% is B-, not B. Best practice: Don't assume rounding exists. Aim for solid letter grade, not borderline. If close to cutoff, email professor before finals asking for extra credit or grade bump opportunities. Many will help engaged students. One percentage point can change your GPA significantly.

What letter grade do I need to pass a class?

Passing grade varies: Most courses accept D (60-69%) as passing. College prerequisite courses often require C (70%) minimum. Graduate programs require B (80%) or better in all courses. Professional programs (medical, law) often require B+ (87%) in core classes. Dean's List requires A/A- average (3.5+ GPA). Academic probation triggers below C average (2.0 GPA). Check specific course requirements - some require higher grades than general passing.

How do different grading scales compare internationally?

US uses letter grades (A-F) and 4.0 GPA. UK uses classifications: First Class (70%+), Upper Second/2:1 (60-69%), Lower Second/2:2 (50-59%), Third (40-49%), Fail (below 40%). European ECTS: A (top 10%), B (next 25%), C (next 30%), D (next 25%), E (next 10%), F (fail). India uses 10-point CGPA or percentage. When applying internationally, conversions matter - UK 70% equals US A, not C.

What happens if I get an F (failing grade)?

Consequences of F grade: Must retake course (counts in GPA twice at some schools, only retake grade at others), lose credits toward graduation, may trigger academic probation if GPA drops below 2.0, can affect financial aid eligibility, delays graduation if prerequisite. Better options: Withdraw before deadline (W on transcript, doesn't affect GPA), take incomplete (finish later), audit course (no grade/credit). One F in freshman year won't ruin career, but multiple F's suggest serious academic issues.

Do all schools use the same letter grade percentages?

No. Grading scales vary widely: Standard scale (A=90-100%), Strict scale (A=93-100%), Lenient scale (A=88-100%). Graduate schools often use stricter standards. Law schools may curve grades to B average. Medical schools rarely give C's. Community colleges may be more lenient. Individual professors have discretion within school policies. STEM courses often have lower curves (class average = C+) vs humanities (average = B). Always check syllabus for specific course grading scale.