Grading Scale
The standard US grading scale converts percentage scores into letter grades and GPA points. The table below shows every letter grade from A+ to F, its percentage range, GPA equivalent, and what it reflects about academic performance.
Letter Grade Scale Chart
Simple 5-Grade Scale
Many teachers and schools use a simplified scale without plus and minus grades. Here are the standard cutoffs:
What Each Grade Means
- A (90–100%) — Excellent. Strong mastery of the material. Competitive for honors, scholarships, and selective colleges.
- B (80–89%) — Good. Above-average understanding with minor gaps. A solid result at any level.
- C (70–79%) — Average. Meets the basic requirements but leaves room for improvement.
- D (60–69%) — Below average. Minimum passing in most schools, but may not count toward a degree in college.
- F (Below 60%) — Failing. The course requirements were not met. Retaking the course is typically required.
Grading Scale and GPA
Each letter grade maps to a GPA point value on the 4.0 scale. Your GPA is calculated by averaging these point values across all your courses, weighted by credit hours. A grade of C (2.0) is the most common minimum to maintain good academic standing. Most graduate programs require a 3.0 or higher for admission.
Use the GPA scale chart to look up what any GPA value means, or use one of the GPA calculators below to calculate your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage is an A?
An A is typically 93–96%, and an A+ is 97–100%. An A- falls in the 90–92% range. All A grades correspond to a 4.0 GPA on the standard scale.
What is a passing grade?
In most US schools, a D (65% or above) is the minimum passing grade for a course. However, many colleges require a C or higher to count a course toward a degree. Always check your institution's specific requirements.
What letter grade is a 75%?
A 75% is a C, which falls in the 73–76% range on the standard grading scale. It corresponds to a 2.0 GPA and is considered an average performance.
What GPA is a C?
A C corresponds to a 2.0 GPA. A C+ is 2.3 and a C- is 1.7. A 2.0 GPA is considered the minimum acceptable GPA at most colleges and universities.
Do all schools use the same grading scale?
No. While the A–F letter grade system is standard across the US, the exact percentage cutoffs vary by school and teacher. Some schools use 90% for an A, others use 92% or 93%. Always refer to your course syllabus for the exact scale.
What is the difference between weighted and unweighted grades?
An unweighted GPA uses the standard 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty. A weighted GPA gives extra points for advanced courses like AP or IB classes, where an A can be worth 5.0 instead of 4.0, allowing GPAs above 4.0.