UNSW Sydney WAM Calculator
Calculate your UNSW Weighted Average Mark (WAM) from your percentage marks and Units of Credit (UOC). UNSW does not use GPA — WAM is the only official academic measure. Enter each course's mark (0–100) and UOC; the WAM updates as you type.
Calculate your WAM
Enter your marks (0-100) and credit points for each course — the WAM updates as you type.
| Course | Mark (0-100) | Credit Points |
|---|
About the UNSW Grading System
UNSW uses WAM (Weighted Average Mark) as its primary academic measure. UNSW does not issue a GPA. Your transcript shows WAM only — calculated from your actual percentage marks weighted by Units of Credit (UOC). Most UNSW courses are 6 UOC.
Compared to other Australian universities, UNSW follows the standard 85% High Distinction threshold (not Monash's 80%). The grade bands below are the official ones used by all UNSW faculties. Compare with the US grading guide or the general percentage-to-GPA conversion if you need a GPA for an external application.
| Grade | Mark Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HD | 85–100 | High Distinction |
| D | 75–84 | Distinction |
| CR | 65–74 | Credit |
| P | 50–64 | Pass |
| F | 0–49 | Fail |
| FL | 0–44 | Fail Low |
| NC | — | Not Completed |
Source: UNSW — Grades, Results & Academic Standing Guide. FL is recorded separately from F in some faculties; both contribute 0 UOC towards your WAM denominator.
How to calculate your UNSW WAM
The WAM is a credit-weighted average of your percentage marks:
WAM = Σ (mark × UOC) ÷ Σ UOC
Each course contributes mark × UOC to the numerator. For example, a 6 UOC course scored 78 contributes 468; a 3 UOC course scored 92 contributes 276. UNSW's WAM treats all marks equally regardless of year level — unlike Monash, which weights first-year courses at 0.5. Withdrawn courses (without penalty) and non-graded courses (e.g., audited units) are excluded from both numerator and denominator.
WAM thresholds at UNSW
UNSW's main academic thresholds based on cumulative WAM:
- First Class Honours (H1) — WAM 80+ in the honours year (typically 85+ across all years for many faculties)
- Second Class Honours Division 1 (H2.1) — WAM 75–79
- Second Class Honours Division 2 (H2.2) — WAM 70–74
- Good academic standing — WAM 50+
- Conditional standing / show cause — WAM below 50
Each UNSW faculty also calculates a Faculty WAM for Honours, Medals, and prizes — this may use different course selection rules. Always check the faculty handbook for the specific calculation.
Other Australian university calculators
Most Australian universities use WAM rather than GPA. Compare with:
- University of Sydney — also WAM-only, but with USyd's HD/DI/CR/PS grade codes
- Monash — 4.0 GPA + WAM, HD at 80%
- University of Melbourne — 7.0 GPA (H1/H2A/H2B) + WAM
- UQ — 7.0 numbered grades
Browse all 25 university GPA & WAM calculators or convert any system on the international GPA converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UNSW use GPA?+
No. UNSW uses WAM (Weighted Average Mark) as the primary academic measure. The university does not officially calculate a GPA. If you need a GPA for an external application, contact the requesting organization for their conversion formula.
How to calculate WAM UNSW?+
WAM = sum of (mark × UOC) ÷ total UOC. For each course, multiply your percentage mark by the course's Units of Credit, then divide by the total UOC attempted. Most UNSW courses are 6 UOC. The calculator above does this automatically — just enter your mark and credit for each course.
What are the grade bands at UNSW?+
UNSW uses: HD (High Distinction, 85-100%), D (Distinction, 75-84%), CR (Credit, 65-74%), P (Pass, 50-64%), F (Fail, below 50%). There is also FL (Fail Low, 0-44%) and NC (Not Completed).
What is a good WAM at UNSW?+
75+ (Distinction) is considered very good. For First Class Honours, most faculties require a WAM of 85 or above. For competitive graduate programs, a WAM of 75+ is typically expected.
What is the difference between UNSW WAM and Faculty WAM?+
Each UNSW faculty has its own method of calculating Faculty WAM for Honours, Medals, and other recognitions. The standard transcript WAM is the university-wide calculation. Faculty WAM may use different weighting or course selection rules.