German grade calculator
Convert a foreign GPA, percentage or grade to the German scale—or calculate a credit-weighted German average.
| Course | Grade | Credits | Weighted points |
|---|
Important: This result is a non-binding estimate, not an official grade evaluation or admission decision. The receiving university, uni-assist or another responsible institution may use programme-specific rules, country guidance, databases, rounding or document checks. Submit the original grades unless instructed otherwise.
What this German grade calculator does
The converter estimates a German equivalent from another numerical scale using the Modified Bavarian Formula. The weighted-average tool combines existing German grades using ECTS or another consistent credit unit. Both show the exact arithmetic, but neither replaces an official evaluation by the responsible institution.
Modified Bavarian Formula
The labels can be confusing when lower numbers are better. Nmax means the best possible grade for this formula, not necessarily the numerically largest value. Enter 1 as the best grade and 4 as the minimum passing grade for a 1-to-4 lower-is-better system.
German grade conversion examples
1 + 3 × (100 − 80) ÷ (100 − 40) = 2.0Estimated German equivalent: 2.0.
1 + 3 × (4.0 − 3.2) ÷ (4.0 − 2.0) = 2.2Estimated German equivalent: 2.2.
1 + 3 × (1 − 2) ÷ (1 − 4) = 2.0The formula works when the scale direction is entered correctly.
An institution may map A+ through E to 1 through 6, then use 1 as best, 5 as minimum pass and the number assigned to the achieved letter.
Common German university grade bands
| German grade | German term | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0–1.5 | Sehr gut | Very good / excellent performance |
| 1.6–2.5 | Gut | Good / well above average |
| 2.6–3.5 | Befriedigend | Satisfactory / average requirements met |
| 3.6–4.0 | Ausreichend | Sufficient / passing |
| Above 4.0 | Nicht ausreichend | Insufficient / failing |
Important: German institutions can use specific permitted grade steps, rounding, truncation and programme thresholds. A calculated band does not show whether you meet an admission requirement.
How the weighted German grade average works
A 10-ECTS course contributes twice as much as a 5-ECTS course. Use only grades that belong in the average under your examination regulations; pass/fail modules, thesis weightings, repeated attempts and excluded modules may be handled separately by your institution.
Check the receiving institution’s rules
TUM describes its online conversion as a reference-only, non-binding estimate and states that the applicable academic and examination regulations govern official conversions. Uni-assist advises using the best possible grade and the minimum grade required to graduate. Country-specific requirements can also affect which threshold is accepted.
German grade calculator FAQs
What is the Modified Bavarian Formula?
It is a linear formula used to estimate a German equivalent from the best possible grade, the minimum passing grade and the achieved grade in another system: 1 + 3 × (best − achieved) ÷ (best − minimum pass).
Is this German grade conversion official?
No. It is a non-binding estimate. The receiving university, uni-assist or another responsible institution determines the official conversion under the applicable regulations and document guidance.
What should I enter as the best possible grade?
Enter the best grade available in the original grading system for the qualification. It may be numerically high, such as 100 or 4.0, or numerically low, such as 1.
What should I enter as the minimum passing grade?
For an overall degree conversion, use the minimum grade required for the degree to be awarded or completed. This may differ from the pass mark for one course or semester. Check official documents or ask the institution.
Does the formula work when lower grades are better?
Yes. For a scale where 1 is best and 4 is the minimum pass, enter 1 as the best grade and 4 as the passing grade. The same formula handles both scale directions.
Can I convert a percentage to a German grade?
Yes, when you know the highest possible percentage, the minimum percentage required to pass the degree and your achieved overall percentage. For example, 80 with 100 best and 40 pass converts to 2.0.
Can I convert a GPA or CGPA to a German grade?
Yes, provided you use the official best grade and minimum degree-passing grade for that GPA system. Do not assume every 4.0, 5.0 or 10.0 scale has the same passing threshold.
How are letter grades converted?
A receiving institution may assign ordered numbers to each letter category. For example, A+ through E can be mapped to 1 through 6 when D is the lowest pass at 5. Confirm the accepted mapping before relying on it.
How is a weighted German grade average calculated?
Multiply each German grade by its credits, add the weighted points and divide by total included credits. All rows must use the same credit unit.
Should failed or pass/fail courses be included in the average?
Only include them when your examination regulations say they contribute numerically. Institutions may exclude pass/fail modules or apply separate rules to failed, repeated, thesis or transferred courses.
Why can an official conversion differ?
Differences can come from country-specific guidance, the accepted passing threshold, permitted German grade steps, rounding or truncation, database values, programme regulations and verification of submitted documents.
Are my grades stored or transmitted?
No. The calculations run in the browser and this plugin does not send or store the values entered into the calculator.