UK Degree to US GPA
UK degrees don't use GPA — they use classifications: First, 2:1, 2:2, Third. If you're applying to a US graduate program or job that asks for a GPA, here's how each classification converts: First ≈ 3.7–4.0, 2:1 ≈ 3.3–3.7,2:2 ≈ 2.7–3.2, Third ≈ 2.0–2.7.
The conversion table
| UK classification | UK % | US letter | US GPA |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class Honours (1st) | 70–100% | A | 3.7–4.0 |
| Upper Second-Class (2:1) | 60–69% | A− / B+ | 3.3–3.7 |
| Lower Second-Class (2:2) | 50–59% | B | 2.7–3.2 |
| Third-Class Honours (3rd) | 40–49% | B− / C+ | 2.0–2.7 |
| Ordinary pass (no honours) | 35–39% | C | 1.0–2.0 |
| Fail | <35–40% | F | 0.0 |
Where these numbers come from
There's no single official conversion — but the major evaluators and universities agree closely:
- WES (World Education Services) — the evaluator most US universities use: First = A, 2:1 = A−/B+, 2:2 = B, Third = B−, Ordinary pass = C.
- Durham University's North American guide: First = 3.8–4.0, 2:1 = 3.3–3.7, 2:2 = 2.8–3.2, Third = 2.3–2.7.
- Fulbright Commission: First = 4.0 (A), 2:1 = 3.0–3.33 (B+/B), 2:2 = 2.67–3.0 (B/B−), Third = 2.0 (C).
- Oxford (English dept.): treats a US GPA of "about 3.8" as First-equivalent for admissions.
- LSE: treats a US GPA of 3.5+ as 2:1-equivalent for admissions.
When in doubt, use the middle of the range — a 2:1 is safely described as "≈3.5"and a First as "≈3.8–4.0" on applications that let you self-report.
Why the percentages look so different
A UK 65% sounds like a D in the US — but it's a strong 2:1, close to a First. UK marking is much stricter: 70%+ is genuinely exceptional and rare, while US grading clusters around A/B. Roughly:
- UK 70% ≈ US 93–100% (A)
- UK 60–69% ≈ US 87–92% (B+/A−)
- UK 50–59% ≈ US 80–86% (B)
Never convert UK percentages to GPA with a naive formula (percentage ÷ 25 or similar) — always convert via the classification first.
Converting module marks to a GPA
If your transcript lists module percentages rather than a final classification, convert module-by-module:
- Find each module's classification band (70+ = First, 60–69 = 2:1, 50–59 = 2:2, 40–49 = Third).
- Assign the midpoint GPA: First = 4.0, 2:1 = 3.5, 2:2 = 3.0, Third = 2.5 (or use your target institution's table).
- Weight by credits and average: GPA = Σ(credits × points) ÷ Σ credits.
Our free Oxford,Cambridge andUCL GPA calculators do exactly this — enter your module marks and credits and get a US-scale GPA.
What each classification means in practice
- First — top ~20–30% of graduates; expected for competitive PhD programs, Oxbridge postgrad, and elite graduate schemes.
- 2:1 — the standard "good degree"; the minimum for most graduate jobs and most US master's programs (≈3.3 cutoff).
- 2:2 — meets basic degree requirements; many programs accept it with experience or a strong statement.
- Third — a pass; postgraduate study usually requires extra supporting evidence.
For the full breakdown of each classification, see our guides to theFirst-Class degree,2:1 and2:2.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 2:1 degree in GPA terms?+
A 2:1 (Upper Second-Class Honours, 60–69%) typically converts to a US GPA of 3.3–3.7. The most commonly cited equivalences: WES gives a 2:1 an A−/B+ (≈3.3–3.7), Durham University's guide says 3.3–3.7, and many US graduate schools treat a 2:1 as meeting a '3.3 minimum' requirement. A high 2:1 (65%+) often converts closer to 3.7.
Is a First-Class degree a 4.0 GPA?+
Mostly yes. A First (70%+) is generally converted to a 3.7–4.0 US GPA. Oxford's English department treats 'about 3.8' as equivalent to a First; WES converts it to an A (4.0); Durham's guide gives 3.8–4.0. Note the UK scales differently: a 70% average is exceptional in the UK, whereas 70% in the US would be a C−.
What is a 2:2 degree in GPA?+
A 2:2 (Lower Second-Class Honours, 50–59%) typically converts to a US GPA of 2.7–3.2. WES equates it to a B (3.0). Durham's guide says 2.8–3.2. Many US graduate programs with a 3.0 minimum may accept a strong 2:2 (55%+), especially with supporting experience.
What GPA is a Third-Class degree?+
A Third (40–49%) converts to roughly a 2.0–2.7 US GPA. WES equates it to a B−; Durham's guide gives 2.3–2.7. An ordinary (non-honours) pass degree converts lower, around 1.0–2.0.
Why do UK and US percentages mean different things?+
UK degrees are assessed on much stricter scales — 70%+ is exceptional and rare, while in the US a 70% is a low C. UK examiners reserve high marks, so a UK 65% represents work that would earn an A or A− in the US. This is why conversions map UK percentages to much higher-looking US grades than a naive percentage comparison would suggest.
Do US universities officially convert UK degrees?+
There's no single official table. Each institution or credential evaluator (WES, ECE, Scholaro) uses its own conversion, and they mostly agree within ±0.2 GPA. LSE considers a 3.5+ US GPA equivalent to a 2:1 for admissions; Oxford's English department uses ~3.8 for a First. Always check the specific program's stated equivalence if they publish one.