GradeAtlas | The Global Academic Grading Reference

Overview of the Education System in China

China primarily uses a 0-100 percentage scale, but many universities provide a parallel 4.0 or 5.0 GPA on transcripts. The passing grade is typically 60.

Degree Structure

Undergraduate Degrees

Undergraduate degrees in China typically follow a structured curriculum focused on core competencies and specialized knowledge.

Postgraduate Degrees

Master's and professional degrees provide advanced training and research opportunities for students pursuing specialization.

Grading System in China

Common mapping used for international evaluation:

GPA Conversion Guidance

WES often treats 85-100 as an 'A', and 75-84 as a 'B'. However, some formulas break this down further (e.g., 85-89 = A-, 90-100 = A).

Disclaimer: Conversions are approximate and for informational purposes only.

How China Grades Are Interpreted Internationally

🇺🇸 United States

WES often treats 85-100 as an 'A', and 75-84 as a 'B'. However, some formulas break this down further (e.g., 85-89 = A-, 90-100 = A).

🇪🇺 Europe (ECTS)

Prestigious universities (Project 211/985) often have stricter grading curves. An 80% at Tsinghua or Peking University is evaluated more favorably than an 80% at a tier-2 institution. Always check if your university uses a standard 4.0 or a 5.0 scale.

Interactive Grade Comparison

Want to see how China grades compare to another country? Select a country below to generate a side-by-side conversion table.

Try the China GPA Calculator

Calculate your GPA instantly using the verified China grading scale.

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China's Grading System Reforms in 2026

China is undergoing a major shift in how students are evaluated. While the 100-point scale remains the foundation, top-tier universities are moving toward more holistic systems.

1. Standard Chinese 100-Point System

In China, 60% is the passing mark. However, many Master's programs and scholarships (like CSC) require an average of 80% or higher to remain eligible.

2. University-Specific Reforms

Peking University (PKU): Recently abolished traditional GPA rankings to reduce student burnout, moving toward a Pass/No Pass option for certain electives.
Tsinghua University (THU): Uses a detailed plus/minus system (A+, A, A-). It is known for rigorous bell curves.
Zhejiang University (ZJU): Uses a specific non-linear formula that favors engineering students in the 70–80% range.

Verified Grading Scale for China

Reference table used for the conversion calculator above.

Grade / Mark	GPA Value	Description
A / Excellent	4.0	85 - 100
B / Good	3.0 - 3.9	75 - 84
C / Average	2.0 - 2.9	60 - 74
D / Pass	1.0	60
F / Fail	0.0	Below 60

Common Mistakes Students Make

!Assuming a 5.0 scale maps directly to US 5.0 (Weighted). It usually just means 5.0 is the max.
!Ignoring 'Make-up Exam' marks which may be capped at 60.

Sources & Data Confidence

This guide was compiled using data from verified academic sources. Confidence Level: VERIFIED.

International Education Databases
Direct University Research
GradeAtlas Verification Engine

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert my China grades to a 4.0 GPA?▼

To convert your China grades, simply enter your marks and credits into our verified calculator. We automatically apply the correct weighting and reference tables used by international admissions offices (like WES) to provide your 4.0 equivalent.

Is the China grading system difficult?▼

The difficulty of the China grading system depends on your institution's specific standards. However, many China universities have rigorous standards where achieving the highest marks is competitive compared to global averages.

What is a good GPA in China?▼

A "good" GPA in China generally places you in the top 25% of your class. On a converted US 4.0 scale, a GPA of 3.3 or higher is typically considered strong for international applications.

Is 80% a good average in China?▼

Yes, it is the 'Good' (良好) threshold, required for most competitive Master's programs and scholarships like the CSC.

Do Chinese universities use the 5.0 scale?▼

Yes, many use it internally. You typically subtract 1.0 from the Chinese 5.0 score to get a rough US 4.0 equivalent.

Does attendance affect my grade?▼

Heavily. 'Ordinary Performance' (attendance, participation, homework) can count for 30–50% of your final mark in most Chinese universities.