UK to US GPA Converter (2:1 ↔ 3.7, First ↔ 4.0)

Convert between UK degree classifications (First, 2:1, 2:2) and the US 4.0 GPA scale, in either direction. Uses the widely-accepted WES-style mapping.

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UK overall percentage

UK to US GPA conversion

Applying to US graduate school with a UK degree, or trying to compare US transcripts against UK requirements? The two systems don't line up perfectly, but there's a widely-accepted rough conversion between UK percentages / classifications and the US 4.0 GPA scale.

UK class	UK %	Approx US GPA
First-class honours (1st)	70%+	3.7–4.0
Upper second-class (2:1)	60–69%	3.3–3.7
Lower second-class (2:2)	50–59%	2.7–3.3
Third-class honours (3rd)	40–49%	2.0–2.7
Fail	Below 40%	Below 2.0

US GPA to UK class

Coming the other way:

US GPA	Rough UK equivalent
3.85+	Strong First (72%+)
3.7–3.84	First / high 2:1 (68–72%)
3.3–3.69	2:1 (60–68%)
3.0–3.29	High 2:2 (55–60%)
2.7–2.99	2:2 (50–55%)
2.0–2.69	Third (40–50%)

Which conversion service is authoritative?

For official transcript evaluation used in US grad-school applications, the two most widely accepted services are WES (World Education Services) and ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). Both convert UK marks course-by-course rather than using a single overall classification — the results can differ from the rough table above depending on module weightings and grade distributions.

Important caveats

The mapping is not exact. A UK First is genuinely difficult and often maps closer to a US 3.9+, while a low 2:1 may map closer to 3.3. US GPA also depends on grade inflation at your specific institution. If the conversion matters (e.g. for a job application or grad-school threshold), get an official WES/ECE evaluation rather than relying on a rough conversion.

Postgraduate degrees

For UK Master's, the classifications are Distinction (70%+), Merit (60–69%), and Pass (50–59%). US grad schools generally treat Distinction as ~3.7+ and Merit as ~3.3+ GPA. See our UK Masters Calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Is a 2:1 the same as 3.5 GPA?

Roughly. A 2:1 covers 60–69% and typically maps to 3.3–3.7 on the US 4.0 GPA scale. A mid 2:1 (~65%) is often equated to about 3.5.

What US GPA is a First-class degree?

A UK First-class honours (70%+) typically maps to 3.7–4.0 GPA. A high First (75%+) is often treated as 4.0.

Is this conversion officially accepted?

The table gives a widely-used rough conversion. For official use in US graduate applications, get a transcript evaluation from WES or ECE — the recognised services.

How does UK 60% map to US GPA?

60% is the boundary between 2:2 and 2:1, and typically maps to around 3.3 GPA.

What GPA do I need for a UK 2:1 equivalent?

Roughly 3.3–3.7 GPA. A GPA of 3.5 sits comfortably within the 2:1 band.

Rough conversion only. For US grad-school applications, use official WES or ECE evaluations.

UK ↔ US GPA Converter