UK to US GPA Converter
Convert British Grades to American 4.0 GPA Scale
Grade Converter Tool
Select UK Qualification Type:
GCSE: Numerical grading system (9-1) used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Enter Your UK Grade
Understanding the UK Grading System
The United Kingdom uses different grading systems depending on the educational level. GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) use a numerical 9-1 scale, A-Levels use letter grades (A*-E), and university degrees use classification systems like First Class, Upper Second (2:1), Lower Second (2:2), and Third Class.
Unlike the US where percentages directly correlate with letter grades, the UK system is criterion-referenced and marks-based. A First Class Honours degree (70%+) represents exceptional achievement, while in the US, 70% would typically be a C grade. This fundamental difference makes direct conversion challenging and context-dependent.
UK universities assess students through various methods including essays, exams, dissertations, and coursework. The marking is typically more stringent, with scores above 80% being rare even for outstanding work, especially in humanities and social sciences subjects.
GCSE to US GPA Conversion
Overview
GCSEs use a 9-1 numerical grading system (introduced in 2017) where 9 is the highest grade and 1 is the lowest. Grade 4 is considered a standard pass, equivalent to a C grade in the old system, while Grade 5 is a strong pass. Grade 7 and above are considered excellent performance, roughly equivalent to A grades in the previous A*-G system.
GCSE Important Note: The 9-1 system offers more differentiation at the top end. Grade 9 represents exceptional performance and is awarded to roughly the top 3-4% of students, making it more exclusive than the previous A* grade.
A-Level to US GPA Conversion
Overview
A-Levels (Advanced Level qualifications) are subject-based qualifications taken by students aged 16-18 in the UK. Graded from A* (highest) to E (lowest), with U representing an ungraded/fail result. A-Levels are considered equivalent to the final years of US high school and are highly regarded by American universities.
A-Level Context: US universities highly value A-Level qualifications. Three A-Levels at grades A-B are generally considered equivalent to strong performance in US AP courses and can earn college credit at many American institutions.
UK University Degree to US GPA Conversion
UK Degree Classification System
UK universities use a degree classification system rather than GPA. The classifications are First Class Honours (1st), Upper Second Class (2:1), Lower Second Class (2:2), Third Class (3rd), and Pass/Ordinary degree. This system differs fundamentally from the continuous GPA scale used in the US.
A First Class degree (70%+) represents exceptional achievement and is awarded to roughly 25-30% of UK students, though this varies by institution and subject. The threshold of 70% may seem low compared to US standards, but UK university marking is notoriously stringent, with grades above 80% being extremely rare.
Official Conversion Standards
Different organizations provide slightly varying conversions:
- WES (World Education Services): 1st = A (4.0), 2:1 = A-/B+ (3.3-3.7), 2:2 = B (3.0), 3rd = B- (2.7)
- Fulbright Commission: 1st = A (4.0), 2:1 = A-/B+ (3.33-3.67), 2:2 = B (3.0), 3rd = C+ (2.3)
- NARIC: 1st = 3.7+, 2:1 = 3.2+, 2:2 = 2.6+
Important UK to US Conversion Facts
No Official Universal Conversion
There is no single official conversion table recognized by all US institutions. Each American university may have its own method for evaluating UK qualifications. The conversions provided are approximations based on common practices by credential evaluation services and academic institutions.
Context-Dependent Evaluation
US graduate schools and employers often consider additional context when evaluating UK grades, including the reputation of the awarding institution, the difficulty of the subject (sciences vs. humanities), and the student's class ranking. A 2:1 from Oxford or Cambridge may be weighted more heavily than a First from a less prestigious institution.
UK Grading is More Stringent
UK universities are known for tougher grading standards, particularly at degree level. Marks of 90%+ are exceptionally rare, and even in sciences, scores rarely exceed 85%. This contrasts sharply with US universities where A grades (90%+) are more common. US evaluators familiar with the UK system account for this difference.
Credential Evaluation Services
For official purposes (graduate school admissions, professional licensure), US institutions often require credential evaluation from approved services like WES (World Education Services), ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators), or other NACES-approved organizations. These services provide official GPA conversions and equivalency statements.
Subject-Specific Variations
UK grading standards vary by subject. STEM subjects (Mathematics, Physics, Engineering) tend to have higher average marks than humanities and social sciences. A First in Philosophy (70-75%) might be considered more impressive than a First in Mathematics (75-80%) due to different marking practices across disciplines.
Scottish Qualifications
Scotland uses a different system with Highers and Advanced Highers instead of A-Levels. Scottish degrees also follow a different structure (4-year ordinary degree, 5-year honours). Conversion for Scottish qualifications requires separate consideration, though they generally align with the classifications shown above.
Tips for UK Students Applying to US Universities
- Submit original transcripts: Always provide official UK transcripts rather than self-converted GPAs. US admissions offices are familiar with UK grading and will make appropriate conversions.
- Use credential evaluation services: For graduate school or professional programs, obtain official evaluation from WES, ECE, or other NACES-approved services to provide standardized GPA conversions.
- Provide context in applications: Explain the UK grading system in your personal statement or additional information section, especially if your percentage marks seem low by US standards.
- Highlight your percentile ranking: If available, mention your class rank or percentile standing, as this provides context beyond raw percentage scores.
- Emphasize subject rigor: Note if you've taken particularly challenging subjects or completed extended projects/dissertations, as these aren't always reflected in simple grade conversions.
- Don't inflate your GPA: Use conservative conversion estimates. Overstating your GPA can lead to application rejection or admission rescission if discovered.
- Research specific university requirements: Check whether your target US university has published conversion guidelines for UK qualifications on their admissions website.
- Consider A-Level predictions: If applying during A-Levels, predicted grades carry significant weight with US admissions offices familiar with the UK system.
- Prepare for standardized tests: Strong SAT/ACT or GRE scores can complement UK qualifications and demonstrate readiness for US academic standards.
- Connect with admissions offices: Contact international admissions counselors directly if you have questions about how your UK qualifications will be evaluated.
About the Author
Adam
Co-Founder @ RevisionTown
Math Expert specializing in various curricula including IB, AP, GCSE, IGCSE, and more