If you're a UK student applying to US graduate programmes — or a US student trying to explain your GPA to a UK employer — the two grading systems can be confusing. They work on entirely different scales and philosophies. This guide explains both, shows you how to convert between them, and covers what international employers and admissions teams actually look for.
The UK Degree Classification System
UK undergraduate degrees are classified based on your weighted average percentage across your final years:
| Classification | Percentage |
|---|---|
| First Class (1st) | 70% and above |
| Upper Second (2:1) | 60–69% |
| Lower Second (2:2) | 50–59% |
| Third Class (3rd) | 40–49% |
| Pass / Fail | Below 40% |
Notice that in the UK, getting 70% is considered excellent — a First Class performance. This is very different from the US, where 70% might be considered a C or D.
The US GPA System
US universities use a Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale. Letter grades are assigned to percentage ranges, then converted to grade points:
| Letter Grade | US Percentage | GPA Points |
|---|---|---|
| A / A+ | 90–100% | 4.0 |
| A- | 87–89% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 83–86% | 3.3 |
| B | 80–82% | 3.0 |
| C | 70–79% | 2.0 |
| D | 60–69% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 60% | 0.0 |
In the US system, 70% might be considered a C — satisfactory but not strong. This is why a UK student averaging 65% (a comfortable 2:1) should not assume their performance is equivalent to a 65% US GPA.
UK to US GPA Conversion
There is no universal standard for converting UK degree classifications to GPA. However, these are the approximate equivalencies most commonly used by US admissions offices and international credential evaluators:
| UK Classification | Approximate US GPA Equivalent |
|---|---|
| First Class (70%+) | 3.7 – 4.0 |
| Upper Second / 2:1 (60–69%) | 3.0 – 3.7 |
| Lower Second / 2:2 (50–59%) | 2.3 – 3.0 |
| Third Class (40–49%) | 1.7 – 2.3 |
When applying to US programmes, always clarify that your percentage is on a UK scale — admissions officers at international-facing programmes will understand. Many US universities have specific guidance for UK applicants on their admissions pages.
Calculating GPA From UK Modules
If you need to present a GPA for applications, you can calculate one from your module grades using our GPA Calculator. Convert each UK percentage grade to a US letter grade using the table above, then enter your credits and letter grades to get your GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Calculate your GPA on a 4.0 scale
Enter your course grades and credit hours to get your GPA instantly.
Use the GPA Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Related: UK Grade Boundaries Explained · What Is a Passing Grade Internationally? · How to Calculate Your Weighted Average