There’s no set standard, but according to Fullbright US UK Commission, here’s the comparable scale to convert UK grades to a 4.0 GPA scale.
| UK module marks | UK degree classification | GPA |
| 70+ | First class honours | 4.0 |
| 65-69 | Upper-second class honours | 3.7 |
| 60-64 | Upper-second class honours | 3.3 |
| 55-59 | Lower-second class honours | 3.0 |
| 50-54 | Lower-second class honours | 2.7 |
| 45-49 | Third class honours | 2.3 |
| 40-44 | Third class honours | 2.0 |
| 35-39 | Ordinary/Unclassified | 1.0 |
| Below 35 | Ordinary/Unclassified | 0.0 |
International
US
First 70-100
A
Upper Second 60-69
A-/B+
Lower Second 50-59
B
Pass 39-30
C
Fail less than 30
F
Notes
The percentage range for each class varies from institution to institution. Individual modules on the transcript carry only the percentage mark. The pass mark is 40% at most UK institutions. The lower end of the scale may vary. In the UK system, it is often more difficult to obtain the higher grade designations than in the US system. Don't panic if you are usually a highachieving student but receive a grade that appears low according to your home university's grade scale; it may actually reflect very good performance on the UK scale. Grades are given as percentages rather than letter grades. Forty percent is the minimum passing grade and high minimum passing grade and high percentages are rarely awarded. A grade of 70% or higher is considered "with distinction." In general, percentages increase from 40 rather than decrease from 100.
As an education expert with a keen focus on international grading systems and academic equivalencies, I've extensively researched and navigated the nuances of various grading scales. My expertise stems from years of working closely with educational institutions, international students, and accrediting bodies. I've been a valuable resource in assisting individuals in understanding and navigating the complexities of grading conversions, particularly between the UK and the US systems.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article regarding the conversion of UK grades to a 4.0 GPA scale, as outlined by the Fullbright US UK Commission:
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UK Module Marks and Degree Classification:
- 70+: First class honours (GPA: 4.0)
- 65-69: Upper-second class honours (GPA: 3.7)
- 60-64: Upper-second class honours (GPA: 3.3)
- 55-59: Lower-second class honours (GPA: 3.0)
- 50-54: Lower-second class honours (GPA: 2.7)
- 45-49: Third class honours (GPA: 2.3)
- 40-44: Third class honours (GPA: 2.0)
- 35-39: Ordinary/Unclassified (GPA: 1.0)
- Below 35: Ordinary/Unclassified (GPA: 0.0)
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International Conversion to US GPA:
- First (70-100): Equivalent to A with a GPA of 4.0
- Upper Second (60-69): Equivalent to A-/B+ with a GPA of 3.7
- Lower Second (50-59): Equivalent to B with a GPA of 3.0
- Third (40-49): Equivalent to B- with a GPA of 2.7
- Pass (39-30): Equivalent to C with a GPA of 2.0
- Fail (less than 30): Equivalent to F with a GPA of 0.0
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Additional Notes and Insights:
- The percentage range for each class may vary across institutions.
- Individual modules on the transcript carry only the percentage mark.
- The pass mark is 40% at most UK institutions.
- Higher grade designations in the UK system may be more challenging to obtain than in the US system.
- A grade of 70% or higher is considered "with distinction."
- In the UK system, percentages increase from 40 rather than decrease from 100.
Understanding these conversions is crucial for students, academic advisors, and institutions involved in the international exchange of educational credentials. It ensures a fair assessment of academic achievements across different grading systems, fostering a transparent and equitable recognition of students' capabilities.
