Letter Grade Scale

The most widely used letter grade scale in US schools runs from A+ (97–100%) at the top to F (below 60%) at the bottom. Each letter grade corresponds to a percentage range and a GPA point value on a 4.0 scale.

Both A and A+ correspond to a 4.0 GPA. An A− is 3.7. The exact mapping depends on whether your school uses plus/minus grading, but the standard 4.0 scale is the most common in US colleges.

No. Some schools use a 10-point scale where A is 90–100 and B is 80–89 with no plus/minus. Others use a 7-point scale or different GPA points. Always check your specific school's grading policy.

In most US schools, a D (60–69%) is the minimum passing grade for a course. However, some programs require a C (73%+) or higher to count toward the major. Graduate programs often require a B minimum.

A C is average by the standard definition — 73–76% and a 2.0 GPA. Whether it is "bad" depends on context: the course difficulty, your major requirements, and your overall GPA goals.

A B+ is typically worth 3.3 grade points on a 4.0 scale. This falls between a B (3.0) and an A− (3.7).

Find where your percentage falls in the table above. For example, 88% falls in the 87–89% range, which corresponds to a B+.

Your GPA is calculated by multiplying each course's grade points by its credit hours, summing those quality points, and dividing by total credit hours. Higher letter grades produce higher GPA values. Use the GPA calculator to estimate your GPA precisely.