What percentage is an A?

An A is typically 93-96% on the standard US grade scale. An A+ is 97-100%, and an A- is 90-92%. However, some schools use slightly different cutoffs — for example, some consider 94%+ as an A. Always check your school's specific grading policy.

What is a passing grade?

In most US schools, a D (60-66%) is the minimum passing grade, but many colleges require a C (73%+) for major courses. For graduate programs, typically a B (83%+) is required. Some schools use a D- (60%) as the absolute minimum pass, while others set the bar at C- (70%).

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Grade Scale Chart

Q: What is a 4.0 GPA scale?

The 4.0 GPA scale is the standard unweighted grading scale used by most US colleges and high schools. An A or A+ equals 4.0, B equals 3.0, C equals 2.0, D equals 1.0, and F equals 0.0. Plus and minus modifiers adjust the value by 0.3 (e.g., B+ = 3.3, B- = 2.7).

Q: What is a weighted 5.0 GPA scale?

The weighted 5.0 scale awards extra GPA points for advanced courses. AP and IB courses get +1.0 (so an A = 5.0 instead of 4.0), and Honors courses get +0.5 (so an A = 4.5). Regular courses remain on the standard 4.0 scale. This system is used by many US high schools to reward students who take harder classes.

The definitive letter grade to GPA to percentage conversion table. Standard 4.0 scale, weighted 5.0 AP/Honors scale, and pass/fail thresholds all in one place.

Quick Percentage Lookup

Letter Grade	Percentage Range	GPA (4.0 Scale)	Description	Status
A+	97 – 100%	4.0	Exceptional	Pass
A	93 – 96%	4.0	Excellent	Pass
A−	90 – 92%	3.7	Very Good	Pass
B+	87 – 89%	3.3	Good	Pass
B	83 – 86%	3.0	Above Average	Pass
B−	80 – 82%	2.7	Satisfactory	Pass
C+	77 – 79%	2.3	Average	Pass
C	73 – 76%	2.0	Satisfactory	Pass
C−	70 – 72%	1.7	Below Average	Pass*
D+	67 – 69%	1.3	Poor	Pass*
D	63 – 66%	1.0	Below Standard	Pass*
D−	60 – 62%	0.7	Barely Passing	Pass*
F	0 – 59%	0.0	Failing	Fail

* D grades are passing in most high schools but may not count toward college major requirements. Many colleges require C (2.0) or higher for major courses.

Letter	Percentage	Regular (4.0)	Honors (+0.5)	AP/IB (+1.0)
A+	97 – 100%	4.0	4.5	5.0
A	93 – 96%	4.0	4.5	5.0
A−	90 – 92%	3.7	4.2	4.7
B+	87 – 89%	3.3	3.8	4.3
B	83 – 86%	3.0	3.5	4.0
B−	80 – 82%	2.7	3.2	3.7
C+	77 – 79%	2.3	2.8	3.3
C	73 – 76%	2.0	2.5	3.0
C−	70 – 72%	1.7	2.2	2.7
D+	67 – 69%	1.3	1.8	2.3
D	63 – 66%	1.0	1.5	2.0
D−	60 – 62%	0.7	1.2	1.7
F	0 – 59%	0.0	0.0	0.0

Understanding US Grade Scales

The United States uses a letter-grade system that maps to a 4.0 GPA scale. Most schools follow the standard scale above, though some institutions may use slightly different percentage cutoffs. Here's what each grade level means for your academic record:

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Dean's List (3.5+)

A GPA of 3.5 or higher (typically B+ average or above) qualifies students for the Dean's List at most colleges. This is a meaningful academic honor that appears on your transcript.

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Cum Laude (3.5–3.7)

Latin honors at graduation: Cum Laude (3.5+), Magna Cum Laude (3.7+), and Summa Cum Laude (3.9+). These vary slightly by institution.

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Academic Probation (<2.0)

Most colleges place students on academic probation if their GPA drops below 2.0 (C average). Students on probation must raise their GPA within a set period or face suspension.

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Graduate School (3.0+)

Graduate programs typically require a minimum 3.0 GPA (B average) for admission and for maintaining enrollment. Some competitive programs expect 3.5+.

Grade Scale FAQ

The 4.0 GPA scale is the standard unweighted grading scale used by most US colleges and high schools. An A or A+ equals 4.0, B equals 3.0, C equals 2.0, D equals 1.0, and F equals 0.0. Plus and minus modifiers adjust the value by 0.3 (e.g., B+ = 3.3, B− = 2.7). Some schools don't distinguish A+ from A, giving both a 4.0.

The weighted 5.0 scale awards extra GPA points for advanced courses. AP and IB courses get +1.0 (so an A = 5.0 instead of 4.0), and Honors courses get +0.5 (so an A = 4.5). Regular courses remain on the standard 4.0 scale. This system is used by many US high schools to reward students who take challenging classes.

An A is typically 93–96% on the standard US grade scale. An A+ is 97–100%, and an A− is 90–92%. However, some schools use different cutoffs — for example, some consider 94%+ as an A. Always check your school's specific grading policy to confirm.

In most US high schools, a D (60–66%) is the minimum passing grade. However, many colleges require a C (73%+) for courses in your major, and graduate programs typically require a B (83%+). Pass/fail thresholds vary by institution, so always verify with your school's registrar.

A C (2.0 GPA) is considered "average" and is technically passing, but it may not meet the requirements for your major, scholarships, or graduate school plans. Most competitive programs and employers look for a B (3.0) average or higher. A single C won't ruin your transcript, but a pattern of C's can limit your options.

Calculate Your Grades

Now that you know the grade scale, calculate your actual grades:

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