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UK degree classification to GPA

See how a UK First, 2:1, 2:2 or Third compares with a US GPA on the 4.0 scale, according to published university equivalence tables, and why there is no official conversion.

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How institutions read it

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Usual marks for this class60–69%
University of Washington Graduate School3.5–3.7
University of Cambridge (US applicants)3.5
Fulbright Commission (US–UK)advises not to convert

Read these as how two universities compare the systems, not as an official conversion.

UK degree class to GPA table

show
UK classUsual marksUniv. of WashingtonCambridge
First-class honours (First)70% and above4.03.7
Upper second-class (2:1)60–69%3.5–3.73.5
Lower second-class (2:2)50–59%3.0—
Third-class honours (Third)40–49%2.0–2.5—

University of Washington Graduate School reads UK marks 70–100 as A (4.0), 65–69 as A− (3.7), 60–64 as B+ (3.5), 50–59 as B (3.0), 45–49 as C+ (2.5), 40–44 as C (2.0). Cambridge lists the US GPA it treats as equal to a UK class for US applicants.

UK universities award a degree class, not a grade point average. US universities, employers and visa forms often ask for a GPA, so graduates need to compare the two. The Fulbright Commission, which advises on studying in the US, is clear: “it is not possible to convert a UK degree class into a GPA. As advisors, we recommend not trying to convert your scores.” What you can do is show how universities compare them in their own published tables.

How it is compared

  • The University of Washington Graduate School converts UK percentage marks to US grades: 70% and above is an A (4.0), 60–69% an A− or B+ (3.7 or 3.5), 50–59% a B (3.0), 40–49% a C or C+ (2.0 or 2.5).
  • The University of Cambridge, going the other way, treats a US GPA of 3.5 as a 2:1, 3.6 as a high 2:1 and 3.7 as a First.
  • The range shown combines the two tables.

Example

A 2:1 comes out at 3.5 to 3.7: 3.5 to 3.7 by the University of Washington table and 3.5 by Cambridge. A First is 3.7 to 4.0. For a GPA from US-style course grades, use the GPA calculator.

What to put on an application

Give your degree class and, if asked, your overall percentage. Many US universities ask for a credential evaluation (for example by WES) or convert your transcript themselves. Do not present an estimate as an official GPA.

Frequently asked questions

How to convert UK degree to GPA?

There is no official conversion, and the Fulbright Commission advises not to try. Published university tables put a First at about 3.7 to 4.0, a 2:1 at 3.5 to 3.7, a 2:2 at about 3.0 and a Third at 2.0 to 2.5.

What is a 2.1 UK GPA equivalent to?

About 3.5 to 3.7 on the US 4.0 scale: 3.5 to 3.7 by the University of Washington Graduate School table, and 3.5 by the University of Cambridge.

What is a 4.0 GPA in the UK?

A First. The University of Washington reads UK marks of 70% and above as 4.0, and Cambridge already treats a US GPA of 3.7 as equal to a First.

What is a 2.7 GPA in the UK?

Below a 2:2 on these tables: the University of Washington reads a 2:2 (50–59%) as 3.0 and a Third (40–49%) as 2.0 to 2.5, so 2.7 falls between a Third and a 2:2.

Sources

  1. Fulbright Commission: EducationUSA graduate study, step 1
  2. University of Washington Graduate School: Computing grade point averages for international applicants
  3. University of Cambridge Postgraduate Admissions: International qualifications (USA)

By Calcelate Team. Formula from the sources above.

  1. 2026-10-06 · Formula and texts checked