GPA to ATAR Converter
Convert US Grade Point Average to Australian Tertiary Admission Rank
🎓 Interactive GPA to ATAR Calculator
GPA must be between 0.00 and 4.00
📚 Understanding GPA and ATAR
🇺🇸 What is GPA?
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical representation of a student's academic performance used primarily in the United States and Canada. It is calculated on a scale from 0.0 to 4.0, where 4.0 represents the highest achievement (A+ grades) and 0.0 represents failing performance.
GPA is calculated by converting letter grades to numerical values, multiplying by credit hours, summing the totals, and dividing by the total credit hours attempted. It provides a cumulative average of all course grades.
🇦🇺 What is ATAR?
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile ranking system used in Australia that indicates a student's position relative to all students in their age cohort. It ranges from 0.00 to 99.95, with 99.95 representing the top 0.05% of students.
ATAR is not a score but a rank. An ATAR of 85.00 means a student performed better than 85% of their age group. It's calculated by each state's Tertiary Admissions Centre based on scaled subject results.
Key Differences Between GPA and ATAR:
- GPA is an average; ATAR is a percentile rank
- GPA scale: 0.0-4.0; ATAR scale: 0.00-99.95
- GPA measures absolute performance; ATAR measures relative performance
- GPA accumulates across all courses; ATAR based on final year subjects
- GPA is used in North America; ATAR is used in Australia
- Multiple students can have the same GPA; unlimited students can achieve specific ATAR ranks
📊 Complete GPA to ATAR Conversion Table
⚠️ Important: This conversion table is approximate and based on statistical mapping between US GPA and Australian ATAR systems. Different universities may interpret scores differently. The conversion does not account for subject difficulty, scaling factors, or state-specific variations.
🔢 How GPA to ATAR Conversion Works
Converting GPA to ATAR is complex because the two systems measure academic performance differently. GPA is an absolute measure (your average grade), while ATAR is a relative measure (your rank compared to peers). The conversion process involves statistical mapping and percentile analysis.
Conversion Methodology:
Step 1: Percentile Mapping
First, the GPA is converted to a percentile rank using historical US grade distribution data. For example, a 4.0 GPA typically places a student in the top 1% of their cohort.
Step 2: ATAR Distribution Mapping
The percentile rank is then mapped to the Australian ATAR distribution curve. Since ATAR represents percentile rank directly, a student in the top 1% would receive an ATAR of approximately 99.00 or higher.
Step 3: Statistical Adjustment
Adjustments are made for differences in cohort size, subject difficulty scaling, and assessment methods between the two systems. This ensures a fair comparison despite fundamentally different educational structures.
Mathematical Approximation Formula:
Simplified Conversion Formula:
ATAR ≈ (GPA × 24.5) + 1.0
for GPA ≥ 3.0
Example: A GPA of 3.80 would convert to approximately: (3.80 × 24.5) + 1.0 = 94.1 ATAR. This formula provides a rough estimate but should not be considered exact due to the complex nature of both systems.
🗺️ Australian State-by-State ATAR Systems
While ATAR is used nationally across Australia, each state and territory has its own Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) that calculates and issues ATAR scores based on state-specific curricula and scaling methods.
🏛️ NSW & ACT
Centre: Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)
Curriculum: Higher School Certificate (HSC)
Scaling: Subject-specific scaling factors applied to HSC marks with strong emphasis on Mathematics Extension courses
🏛️ Victoria
Centre: Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
Curriculum: Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Scaling: Study scores moderated; English/EAL compulsory plus 10% of 5th and 6th subjects
🏛️ Queensland
Centre: Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
Curriculum: Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Scaling: Internal assessment (75%) and external exams (25%) weighted combination
🏛️ Western Australia
Centre: Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC)
Curriculum: Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)
Scaling: External exams (50%) and school marks (50%) with subject difficulty adjustments
🏛️ South Australia & NT
Centre: South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC)
Curriculum: South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
Scaling: Stage 2 subjects scaled using inter-subject moderation procedures
🏛️ Tasmania
Centre: University of Tasmania (self-governed)
Curriculum: Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE)
Scaling: Uses TASC for certification; ATAR calculated using national scaling procedures
💡 Important Educational Facts
Critical Facts About GPA and ATAR:
📌 GPA Accumulation:
US GPA is calculated cumulatively over all years of high school (grades 9-12), while ATAR in Australia is primarily based on final year performance (Year 12). This fundamental difference makes direct conversion challenging.
📌 Median ATAR:
The median ATAR in Australia is 70.00, meaning 50% of students score above and 50% below this mark. This corresponds to approximately a 2.9-3.1 GPA in the US system.
📌 Elite University Requirements:
Top Australian universities (Group of Eight) typically require ATARs of 95.00+ for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering, equivalent to GPAs of 3.75-4.00. US Ivy League universities generally require GPAs of 3.9+.
📌 Subject Scaling Impact:
In Australia, subjects are scaled differently based on difficulty and candidature strength. Advanced mathematics and sciences typically scale higher than arts subjects. In the US, weighted GPA accounts for course difficulty through AP and Honors courses.
📌 International Recognition:
Both GPA and ATAR are recognized internationally, but universities typically prefer native grading systems. Australian students applying to US universities should report both their ATAR and converted GPA, while US students applying to Australian universities should provide their GPA with course transcripts.
📌 Perfect Scores Rarity:
Only about 0.05% of Australian students achieve an ATAR of 99.95 (approximately 30-50 students per state annually). Similarly, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA across four years of US high school is rare, typically representing the top 1-2% of students.
✅ Tips for Using GPA to ATAR Conversion
- Always Provide Both Scores: When applying internationally, submit both your original GPA and the converted ATAR (or vice versa) to give admissions officers complete context
- Include Course Transcripts: Provide detailed transcripts showing course names, difficulty levels (AP, Honors, etc.), and actual grades to help universities make accurate assessments
- Verify University Requirements: Check specific university conversion policies—many institutions have their own internal conversion formulas
- Highlight Advanced Coursework: Emphasize rigorous courses (AP, IB, Honors) that demonstrate academic challenge, as these may improve your converted score
- Consider Weighted GPA: If applying to Australian universities with a US GPA, specify whether your GPA is weighted or unweighted
- Explain Grade Inflation: If your school has known grade inflation or deflation, include a school profile or counselor letter explaining grading standards
- Use Official Converters: When possible, use university-provided conversion tools or consult admissions offices for guidance
- Don't Rely Solely on Conversion: Remember that holistic admissions consider extracurriculars, essays, recommendations, and standardized tests alongside academic grades
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official GPA to ATAR conversion?
No, there is no official universal conversion formula. Each Australian university has its own method for evaluating international qualifications including US GPA. The conversions provided here are approximations based on statistical analysis and percentile mapping.
Should I use weighted or unweighted GPA for conversion?
Use unweighted GPA (4.0 scale) for the most accurate conversion. Weighted GPAs vary significantly between schools and can exceed 4.0, making them difficult to standardize. However, mention your weighted GPA in applications to demonstrate course rigor.
What ATAR do I need for Australian universities?
Requirements vary by university and program. Generally: Group of Eight universities (elite): 80-99+ ATAR; Other major universities: 65-85 ATAR; Competitive programs (Medicine, Law): 95-99+ ATAR. Check specific course requirements on university websites.
Do Australian universities accept US GPA directly?
Yes, all Australian universities accept US high school transcripts and GPA as valid qualifications. Admissions offices are trained to evaluate international credentials. Some universities may request additional documentation like SAT/ACT scores or subject-specific prerequisite courses.
How accurate is this conversion calculator?
The calculator provides estimates within ±2-3 ATAR points for most students. Accuracy depends on many factors including course rigor, school grading standards, and subject selection. Use it as a general guide rather than an exact prediction.
Can I convert ATAR back to GPA?
Yes, the conversion works both ways. An ATAR of 90.00 roughly converts to a GPA of 3.6-3.7. However, reverse conversions are even less precise because ATAR is a rank while GPA is an average, representing fundamentally different measurement approaches.
What if my school uses a different GPA scale?
Some US schools use 5.0, 6.0, or other GPA scales. Convert your GPA to the standard 4.0 unweighted scale first. Formula: GPA(4.0) = (Your GPA ÷ Your School's Max GPA) × 4.0. For example, a 4.8/6.0 GPA converts to (4.8 ÷ 6.0) × 4.0 = 3.2.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
The GPA to ATAR conversions provided on this page are estimates only and are not endorsed by any official tertiary admissions centre. The conversion is based on statistical analysis, percentile mapping, and historical data comparison between the US and Australian education systems.
ATAR calculations are complex and depend on numerous factors including state-specific scaling methodologies, cohort performance, subject difficulty factors, and examination results that cannot be fully captured by GPA alone.
For official evaluations: Contact the specific university admissions office or your state's Tertiary Admissions Centre (UAC, VTAC, QTAC, TISC, SATAC) for accurate assessment of international qualifications.
This calculator is provided for informational and planning purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for university application decisions.
👨🏫 About the Author
Adam Kumar
Co-Founder @ RevisionTown
Adam is a mathematics education expert specializing in various international curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), GCSE, IGCSE, and more. With extensive experience in curriculum development, international admissions consulting, and student guidance, Adam helps students navigate complex academic systems across different countries and achieve their educational goals.
Through RevisionTown, Adam has assisted thousands of students with grade conversions, university applications, and academic planning for both Australian and international institutions.
📧 Email: info@revisiontown.com
💼 LinkedIn: Connect with Adam