Bavarian Formula Converter

Convert International Grades to German Grading System (1.0-5.0)

Modified Bavarian Formula Calculator

Enter Your Grading Information

Maximum Grade (Best Possible) in Your System:

Example: 100 (percentage), 10 (CGPA), 4.0 (US GPA), 20 (French system)

Minimum Passing Grade in Your System:

Example: 40 (percentage), 4 (CGPA), 2.0 (US GPA), 10 (French system)

Your Actual Grade (to be converted):

Your current grade/score in your original grading system

The Modified Bavarian Formula

x = (N_max - N_d) (N_max - N_min) × 3 + 1

Where:

• x = German grade (1.0-5.0 scale)

• N_max = Maximum grade in your system

• N_min = Minimum passing grade in your system

• N_d = Your actual grade

Understanding the Bavarian Formula

The Modified Bavarian Formula is the official method used by German universities to convert international grades into the German grading system (1.0-5.0 scale). It was developed to create a fair, standardized conversion that accounts for different grading scales worldwide, ensuring international students' academic achievements are accurately evaluated.

This formula is stipulated by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK), the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the German states. It's widely used across German universities, particularly in Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia, though individual universities may have additional evaluation criteria.

The formula works by calculating where your grade falls within your system's range and proportionally mapping it to the German 1.0-4.0 passing range (1.0 being best, 4.0 being minimum pass). The multiplication by 3 accounts for the fact that the German passing range spans 3 points (from 1 to 4), then adding 1 shifts the result to the correct German scale.

Step-by-Step Calculation Examples

Example 1: Indian Percentage System

Given Information:

• Maximum grade: 100%

• Minimum passing grade: 40%

• Your grade: 75%

Calculation:

x = [(100 - 75) / (100 - 40)] × 3 + 1

x = [25 / 60] × 3 + 1

x = 0.4167 × 3 + 1

x = 1.25 + 1

x = 2.25 → 2.3 (rounded to German grade)

Result: 75% = 2.3 (Gut - Good)

Example 2: US GPA System

Given Information:

• Maximum grade: 4.0 GPA

• Minimum passing grade: 2.0 GPA

• Your grade: 3.5 GPA

Calculation:

x = [(4.0 - 3.5) / (4.0 - 2.0)] × 3 + 1

x = [0.5 / 2.0] × 3 + 1

x = 0.25 × 3 + 1

x = 0.75 + 1

x = 1.75 → 1.7 (rounded to German grade)

Result: 3.5 US GPA = 1.7 (Gut - Good)

Example 3: UK Degree Classification

Assigning numerical values to UK classifications:

• First Class (1st) = 1

• Upper Second (2:1) = 2

• Lower Second (2:2) = 3

• Third Class (3rd) = 4

For a 2:1 degree (value = 2):

x = [(1 - 2) / (1 - 4)] × 3 + 1

x = [-1 / -3] × 3 + 1

x = 0.333 × 3 + 1

x = 1.0 + 1

x = 2.0 (Gut - Good)

Result: UK 2:1 = 2.0 (Gut - Good)

German Grading Scale Reference

German Grade	German Term	English Translation	Latin Honors
1.0 - 1.5	Sehr gut	Very good	Summa cum laude
1.6 - 2.5	Gut	Good	Magna cum laude
2.6 - 3.5	Befriedigend	Satisfactory	Cum laude
3.6 - 4.0	Ausreichend	Sufficient	Rite
4.1 - 5.0	Nicht ausreichend	Insufficient / Fail	—

Important: In the German system, lower numbers are better! 1.0 is the best grade, while 5.0 is a failing grade. This is inverse to the US GPA system where 4.0 is the best.

Important Facts About the Bavarian Formula

Rounding Rules

German grades typically use 0.3 increments (1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, 2.7, etc.). When the Bavarian Formula produces a result between two German grades, round to the better (lower) grade. For example: 1.6 rounds to 1.7, 2.4 rounds to 2.3, 2.5 rounds to 2.3, and 1.15 rounds to 1.0. This rounding favors the student.

First Orientation Only

The Bavarian Formula provides an initial estimate and is not legally binding. German universities may use additional factors in their evaluation, including grade distribution in your country, institutional reputation, specific course content, and other qualitative factors. Always check with the specific university for their official grade recognition policy.

Letter Grade Conversion

If your grading system uses letter grades without numerical values, assign ascending numbers to each grade level. For example, in an A-F system where D is minimum pass: A=1, B=2, C=3, D=4, E=5, F=6. Then use these numbers in the formula with 1 as N_max and 4 as N_min.

Use Your Overall Grade

The formula should be applied to your overall/cumulative grade or GPA, not individual course grades. For applications, use your current cumulative average or final degree classification. Converting individual courses is not the intended use and may produce misleading results.

Different Systems Have Different Standards

The formula creates mathematical equivalence but cannot account for differing academic rigor, grade inflation/deflation, or cultural grading practices across countries. A 3.5 US GPA and 75% Indian percentage may both convert to similar German grades, but represent different achievement levels due to systemic differences. German universities understand these nuances.

University-Specific Variations

While the Modified Bavarian Formula is standardized, some German universities may use alternative conversion methods or apply the formula differently. For example, some may use grade distributions rather than simple numeric conversion. Always consult the specific university's international office or admission requirements for definitive grade evaluation procedures.

Tips for International Students

Don't convert unless specifically asked: German universities evaluate original transcripts. Only convert grades if the application explicitly requests German grade equivalents.
Provide original documentation: Always submit official transcripts in your original grading system along with any conversions. Universities need to see authentic records.
Understand the target grade: For Master's programs, most German universities require a German grade equivalent of 2.5 or better. Top programs may require 1.5-2.0.
Be accurate with your inputs: Ensure you use the correct maximum and minimum grades from your institution's official grading policy, not assumptions.
Account for weighted averages: If your system uses weighted GPAs, convert your final weighted average, not unweighted grades.
Check uni-assist requirements: Many German universities use uni-assist for international applications, which has its own grade evaluation system.
Consider credential evaluation: For complex cases, use official credential evaluation services like Anabin or have your credentials evaluated by ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education).
Contextualize your grades: In your application, explain your grading system, class rank, or percentile standing to provide additional context.
Remember: Lower is better in Germany: A 1.5 German grade is excellent, while a 3.5 is average. Don't confuse this with US GPA systems.
Seek official guidance: Contact the international office of your target German university for specific grade conversion requirements and procedures.