Grades & exams / Studying abroad
German Grade Converter (Modified Bavarian Formula)
Convert a foreign grade, percentage, or GPA to the German scale from 1.0 to 4.0 with the modified Bavarian formula that German universities use for applications, given the best possible grade and the lowest pass in your system.
German Grade Converter (Modified Bavarian Formula): The formula is 1 + 3 × (best grade − your grade) ÷ (best grade − lowest pass). With 85% where 100 is the best and 60 the lowest pass, that is 1 + 3 × 15 ÷ 40 = 2.125, gut. A US GPA of 3.3, with 4.0 the best and 1.0 the lowest pass, gives 1.7. Runs 100% locally in your browser with zero server file uploads.
- Category
- School & study tools
- Runs
- In your browser
- Cost
- Free · no sign-up
- Availability
- Ready to use
Runs entirely in your browser
| Your grade | German grade |
|---|---|
| 100 | 1 |
| 96 | 1.3 |
| 90 | 1.8 |
| 80 | 2.5 |
| 70 | 3.3 |
| 60 | 4 |
German universities convert foreign grades with the modified Bavarian formula: German grade = 1 + 3 × (best grade − your grade) ÷ (best grade − lowest pass). The best grade becomes 1.0 and the lowest pass 4.0; in Germany 1 is the best and 4 the lowest pass. It works for scales in either direction, such as percentages or a US GPA with 4.0 best and 1.0 as the lowest pass. Each university applies its own rules on rounding and on which grade counts as the lowest pass.
The German scale
1.0 to 1.5 is sehr gut (very good), 1.6 to 2.5 gut (good), 2.6 to 3.5 befriedigend (satisfactory), 3.6 to 4.0 ausreichend (sufficient), and above 4.0 nicht ausreichend (fail).
Averages
To work out an average of German grades, weighted by credits or not, use the Notenrechner.
How to use it
- Enter your grade or average.
- Enter the best possible grade and the lowest passing grade in your system.
- Read the German grade and its name.
Privacy & limitations
Everything is calculated in your browser.
Related tools
Frequently asked questions
Why is a lower German grade better?
In Germany 1 (sehr gut) is the best grade and 4 (ausreichend) the lowest pass; 5 is a fail. The formula maps your best grade to 1.0 and your lowest pass to 4.0.
Which lowest pass should I use?
The one in your country's or university's grading rules, such as 50 or 60%, or D for a US GPA. The university you apply to may set it from its own information, so your result can differ slightly.
Is the result binding?
No: universities and uni-assist make their own conversion, and some use a different formula for certain countries.
Free tool · runs in your browser · no account required