About the Grade Converter (German scale, US letter & GPA)
Convert a grade from another country's system into the German grade scale with the official formula German universities use for admissions, or turn a percentage into a US letter grade and grade points.
Each conversion shows the formula and the scale it is based on, because universities and schools often publish their own tables. Use the result as a guide and check the institution's official conversion before you apply.
How it works
German universities convert foreign grades with the 'modified Bavarian formula', agreed by the Standing Conference of Education Ministers (KMK) in 1991 and still used today. It places your grade on the German scale from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (lowest pass) according to where it sits between the best possible grade and the lowest passing grade in your system.
The formula works whether higher numbers are better (as in a 0–10 or percentage system) or lower numbers are better (as in some European systems). The KMK rule keeps one decimal place and cuts off the rest instead of rounding, so 2.77 becomes 2.7.
For US grades, the percentage is placed in the common 10-point bands written into Florida law (A from 90, B from 80 and so on), and the letter is turned into grade points on the standard 4.0 scale used by the College Board.
German grade x = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin) Nmax = best possible grade, Nmin = lowest passing grade, Nd = your grade
Assumptions and limits
- The formula is for passing grades only. Universities may use specific best and pass marks for your country or institution (often from the anabin database), which can change the result.
- US letter grades and plus/minus cut-offs vary by school; the 10-point scale here is a common one, not the only one.
- Conversions for other systems, such as UK degree classes, Indian CGPA or Australian GPA, aren't included because no single official conversion could be confirmed.
Worked examples
A GPA of 3.3 on a US 4.0 scale
With 4.0 as the best grade and 1.0 as the lowest pass, x = 1 + 3 × (4.0 − 3.3) ÷ 3.0 = 1.7, a 'gut' (good) on the German scale.
14 out of 20 in France
With 20 as the best and 10 as the pass mark, x = 1 + 3 × 6 ÷ 10 = 2.8. A university may use different best and pass marks for French grades, so check its own conversion.
87% at a US school
87% is in the 80–89 band, a B, worth 3.0 grade points on the 4.0 scale.
The German grade scale
Bands for averages as used in typical German university examination regulations; check your university's rules. Individual exam grades use steps such as 1.0, 1.3, 1.7.
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1.0 – 1.5 | sehr gut (very good) |
| 1.6 – 2.5 | gut (good) |
| 2.6 – 3.5 | befriedigend (satisfactory) |
| 3.6 – 4.0 | ausreichend (sufficient, lowest pass) |
How to use the Grade Converter (German scale, US letter & GPA)
- Choose a conversion. To the German scale, or percentage to US letter and GPA.
- Enter the scale and your grade. Best possible grade, lowest pass and your grade.
- Check the working. Then confirm with the institution's official conversion.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert my grades to the German system?
Use the modified Bavarian formula: 1 + 3 × (best grade − your grade) ÷ (best grade − lowest pass). Enter the three numbers above and the converter does the arithmetic and shows each step.
Why is my result cut off instead of rounded?
The KMK agreement says the converted grade keeps one decimal place without rounding. So 2.77 becomes 2.7, not 2.8. Because lower German grades are better, cutting off the extra digits slightly favours applicants.
Which best and pass marks should I use?
Use the official scale on your certificate. If a university lists specific values for your country or school, use theirs: many rely on the anabin database, and their figures take priority.
Is a B always 3.0 grade points?
On the standard unweighted 4.0 scale used by the College Board, yes. Schools that use plus and minus grades give a B+ about 3.3 and a B− about 2.7, and weighted scales add points for advanced classes.
Can I convert UK or Indian grades here?
Not yet. Those systems have several conversions in use and we couldn't confirm a single official one, so rather than guess, they're left out. The German formula can still be used with any scale's best and pass marks.
Sources
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