GradeAtlas | The Global Academic Grading Reference

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has transformed into a regional educational powerhouse, with its top universities consistently climbing global rankings. For students at institutions like King Saud University (KSU) or King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), academic performance is measured through a system that can initially be confusing. Unlike the standardized 4.0 scale found in many countries, Saudi Arabia predominantly uses a 5.0 scale, though some technical and private universities stick to the 4.0 scale. Understanding CGPA calculation in Saudi Arabia is essential in 2026, especially as Vision 2030 drives increased academic competition for prestigious scholarships and high-tier employment in the Kingdom’s expanding sectors. 1. The Two Primary Grading Scales in Saudi Arabia Most government universities in Saudi Arabia follow a 5.0 scale, while specialized and private institutions often adopt the 4.0 scale. The 5.0 Scale (Most Common) This is the standard for major public universities. It offers a more granular view of a student's performance compared to lower-point scales. Letter Grade Percentage Range Grade Points (5.0) Qualitative Description A+ 95 – 100% 5.00 Exceptional A 90 – 94% 4.75 Excellent B+ 85 – 89% 4.50 Superior B 80 – 84% 4.00 Very Good C+ 75 – 79% 3.50 Above Average C 70 – 74% 3.00 Good D+ 65 – 69% 2.50 High Pass D 60 – 64% 2.00 Pass F Below 60% 1.00 Fail The 4.0 Scale (Technical & Private) Institutions like KFUPM and many private colleges use the 4.0 scale to align more closely with international engineering and business standards. 2. How to Calculate Your Saudi CGPA Calculating your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) requires knowing the Credit Hours (units) assigned to each course. The Formula Step-by-Step Example (5.0 Scale) Let’s look at a typical semester for a Business student in Riyadh: Course Credits Letter Grade Points Quality Points Islamic Studies 2 A+ 5.0 10.0 Economics 3 B+ 4.5 13.5 Accounting 4 A 4.75 19.0 English 3 C+ 3.5 10.5 Totals 12 -- -- 53.0 Semester GPA: 3. Graduation Honors (First and Second Honors) Saudi universities award prestigious honors based on a student's final CGPA. These are highly regarded by the Ministry of Education and top employers like Aramco or NEOM. First Class Honors: Typically requires a CGPA of 4.75 – 5.00 (on the 5.0 scale) or 3.75 – 4.00 (on the 4.0 scale). Second Class Honors: Typically requires a CGPA of 4.25 – 4.74 (on the 5.0 scale) or 3.25 – 3.74 (on the 4.0 scale). Important Rule: To qualify for honors in Saudi Arabia, a student must not have failed any course during their degree and must have completed the graduation requirements within the standard timeframe. 4. University-Specific Variations King Saud University (KSU) As one of the oldest and largest, KSU adheres strictly to the 5.0 scale. It is known for its rigorous medical and humanities programs. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) KFUPM is arguably the most rigorous technical school in the region. It uses a 4.0 scale and does not use minus grades (like A- or B-), which makes every percentage point critical. An "A" is a 4.0, and a "B+" is a 3.5. Princess Nourah University (PNU) PNU, the largest women's university in the world, utilizes the standard 5.0 scale and is well-known for providing detailed transcript supplements for international students. 5. Converting Saudi CGPA to 4.0 (International Applications) If you are applying to a university in the USA or Europe, you will likely need to convert your 5.0 Saudi average to a 4.0 equivalent. Quick Conversion Table: | Saudi 5.0 GPA | US 4.0 Equivalent (Approx) | | :--- | :--- | | 5.00 | 4.00 | | 4.50 | 3.60 | | 4.00 | 3.20 | | 3.50 | 2.80 | | 3.00 | 2.40 | 6. Common Pitfalls in Saudi Academics The "Denial" Grade (DN): If your attendance falls below a certain percentage (usually 75%), you will receive a DN grade. This counts as a 0.00 in your GPA calculation and can disqualify you from receiving graduation honors. Preparatory Year Impact: In many Saudi universities, the grades earned during the "Preparatory Year" (PyP) are weighted heavily. A low start here can make it very difficult to reach a First Class Honors standing later. Withdrawal (W): Withdrawing from a course within the deadline results in a "W" on the transcript, which does not affect the GPA. However, withdrawing late may result in a "Withdrawal Fail" (WF), which counts as a 0.00. 7. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Q: Is a 4.0 GPA good in Saudi Arabia? A: It depends on the scale. On a 5.0 scale, a 4.0 is a "Very Good" (B average). On a 4.0 scale (like at KFUPM), it is a perfect score. Q: Can I retake a class to improve my CGPA? A: Yes, most universities allow students to retake courses where they received a low grade. Usually, the new grade replaces the old one in the CGPA calculation, though the original grade remains on the transcript. Q: What is the minimum GPA to stay in university? A: Typically, students must maintain a CGPA of 2.0 out of 5.0 or 1.5 out of 4.0 to avoid academic probation. Calculate Your Saudi CGPA Instantly Whether you are on the 5.0 or 4.0 scale, our 2026 Saudi Calculator is calibrated for KSU, KFUPM, and PNU standards. [Open the Free Saudi CGPA Calculator] Updated for 2026 Academic Regulations • Supports 4.0 & 5.0 Scales • Honors Eligibility Checker