Grade Converter
US GPA to UK Degree Classification: Full Conversion Table
If you’re applying to a UK university from a US transcript (or the other way round), admissions offices usually map your grade using bands like the ones below.
| US GPA (4.0 scale) | US Letter Grade | UK Classification | UK Percentage (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 – 4.0 | A / A+ | First Class Honours | 70%+ |
| 3.3 – 3.6 | A- | Upper Second (2:1) | 60-69% |
| 2.7 – 3.2 | B / B+ | Lower Second (2:2) | 50-59% |
| 2.0 – 2.6 | C / B- | Third Class | 40-49% |
| Below 2.0 | D / F | Fail | Below 40% |
How to Use the Grade Converter
- Enter your grade: Type your GPA (e.g. 3.5) if converting from US, or your classification (e.g. “2:1”) if converting from UK.
- Pick your current system: Choose US (4.0 scale) or UK.
- Pick your target system: Choose the system you need the equivalent for.
- Read the result: The tool instantly shows the equivalent grade band.
Worked Example
Say your US transcript shows a 3.4 GPA. On the table above that falls in the 3.3-3.6 band, which UK universities typically read as an Upper Second (2:1) – the classification most postgraduate courses in the UK ask for as a minimum entry requirement. If your GPA is 3.8, that comfortably clears the 3.7+ band for a First Class equivalent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 3.0 GPA a 2:1 or a 2:2 in the UK system?
A 3.0 GPA usually falls just under the 2:1 threshold (3.3+) and lands in the Lower Second (2:2) band, roughly equivalent to 50-59%. Some universities set the cutoff slightly differently, so always check the specific institution’s published conversion table for admissions decisions.
Do all UK universities use the same US-GPA equivalence?
No. Most follow a similar band structure to the table above, but exact cutoffs can vary by a few decimal points between institutions. Use this calculator for a quick estimate, then confirm the exact requirement on the university’s own admissions page. For official UK degree classification guidance, see the UK government’s degree classification guidance.
Can I convert a percentage grade instead of a GPA?
Yes – use the percentage column in the table above as a quick cross-reference. For example, 65% aligns with an Upper Second (2:1), which in turn maps to roughly a 3.3-3.6 US GPA.
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Planning your finances alongside your studies? Try our College Savings Calculator or check our GPA Calculator for a full grade-point breakdown.