Understanding GPA Scales Worldwide
Different countries use different grading scales. Here are the most common ones:
United States
Common Grades: A, B, C, D, F
Range: 0.0 - 4.0
Used by: All US universities, Canada
India
Common Grades: O, A+, A, B+, B, etc.
Range: 0.0 - 10.0
Used by: Most Indian universities
Europe
Common Grades: 1-5 or 1-20
Range: Varies by country
Used by: Germany, France, Italy
United Kingdom
Common Grades: First, 2:1, 2:2, Third
Range: Class-based
Used by: UK, Australia, NZ
4 Main Conversion Methods for Indian CGPA
Direct Conversion (Simple)
Example: 8.5 CGPA ÷ 2.5 = 3.4 GPA
Pros:
- Simple to calculate
- Quick estimation
Cons:
- Not accurate
- Not accepted officially
Percentage-Based Conversion
Example: (85% ÷ 100) × 4 = 3.4 GPA
Pros:
- More accurate
- Widely used
Cons:
- Needs percentage
- Varies by university
WES Conversion Method
Example: 8.5 CGPA = 3.7 GPA (WES)
Pros:
- Official evaluation
- University accepted
Cons:
- Paid service
- Takes time
University-Specific Conversion
Example: Check university website
Pros:
- Most accurate
- Official for that university
Cons:
- Varies greatly
- Hard to find
Official WES GPA Conversion Table
World Education Services (WES) is the most trusted evaluation service for US/Canada admissions.
WES Indian CGPA to US GPA Conversion
| Indian CGPA (10.0 Scale) | Indian Percentage | US GPA (4.0 Scale) | Letter Grade (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 - 10.0 | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A |
| 8.0 - 8.9 | 80% - 89% | 3.7 - 3.9 | A- / B+ |
| 7.0 - 7.9 | 70% - 79% | 3.3 - 3.6 | B |
| 6.0 - 6.9 | 60% - 69% | 3.0 - 3.2 | B- / C+ |
| 5.0 - 5.9 | 50% - 59% | 2.7 - 2.9 | C |
| 4.0 - 4.9 | 40% - 49% | 2.0 - 2.6 | C- / D |
| Below 4.0 | Below 40% | 0.0 - 1.9 | F |
Important WES Notes:
- WES evaluates your entire transcript, not just CGPA
- Course difficulty and credits are considered
- Different Indian universities are evaluated differently
- Official WES evaluation costs $200+ and takes 7-20 days
Country-Specific GPA Requirements
United States
Conversion: WES evaluation required for most universities
Canada
Conversion: Usually B+ equivalent (3.3 GPA)
Germany
Note: Lower score = better grade in Germany
Australia
Note: Uses percentage system, not 4.0 GPA
Interactive GPA Conversion Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your GPA on 4.0 scale:
Top University GPA Requirements
| University | Country | Minimum GPA | Competitive GPA | Conversion Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIT | USA | 3.5 / 4.0 | 3.9+ / 4.0 | WES Required |
| Stanford | USA | 3.7 / 4.0 | 3.9+ / 4.0 | WES Recommended |
| University of Toronto | Canada | 3.0 / 4.0 | 3.5+ / 4.0 | WES or Equivalent |
| ETH Zurich | Switzerland | 5.0 / 6.0 | 5.5+ / 6.0 | Direct Conversion |
| University of Melbourne | Australia | 65% | 75%+ | Percentage Basis |
| University of Oxford | UK | First Class | Distinction | UK NARIC |
Important Tips for International Applications
Transcript Evaluation
Always get official transcript evaluation from WES, ECE, or SpanTran for US/Canada applications.
Check University Websites
Each university may have different conversion methods. Check their international admissions page.
Contact Admissions Office
If unsure, email the admissions office with your marksheet. They'll guide you on conversion.
Holistic Evaluation
Top universities evaluate holistically: SOP, LORs, research, and work experience matter too.