How are Chinese university grades scored?

Most Chinese universities use a percentage scale (百分制) from 0 to 100, where 60 is typically the passing mark. Some also report a 4.0 or 5.0 GPA, but the percentage is the underlying record.

How does a Chinese 85 convert to US GPA?

An 85 usually maps to a US 3.7 (A-) on the common non-linear table, or 4.0 on the simpler WES 4-tier table where 85–100 = A. Because Chinese marking is strict, an 85 is a strong grade.

Why is the conversion non-linear?

A linear 'percentage ÷ 25' overstates low scores. Admissions committees instead use stepped tables (e.g. 90+ = 4.0, 85–89 = 3.7) that reflect how Chinese universities actually distribute marks, where 90+ is uncommon.

What is the WES 4-tier table?

WES (World Education Services) often uses a simple table: 85–100 = A = 4.0, 75–84 = B = 3.0, 60–74 = C = 2.0, below 60 = F = 0. It is coarser but widely accepted for US graduate applications.

What is the passing mark in China?

60 out of 100 is the standard passing mark at most Chinese universities. Scores below 60 are failing and the course usually must be retaken.

Chinese University GPA Converter

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Convert Chinese percentage scores to US GPA

Most Chinese universities record grades on a percentage scale (百分制) from 0 to 100, with 60 as the pass mark. Chinese marking is strict — scores above 90 are uncommon — so a naive percentage ÷ 25 overstates the result. US graduate admissions instead use non-linear conversion tables. This tool applies either the common stepped table or the simpler WES 4-tier table to give your US 4.0 GPA.

How it works

The standard non-linear table maps score bands to grade points:

90–100 → 4.0 (A)
85–89  → 3.7 (A-)
82–84  → 3.3 (B+)
78–81  → 3.0 (B)
75–77  → 2.7 (B-)
72–74  → 2.3 (C+)
68–71  → 2.0 (C)
64–67  → 1.5 (C-)
60–63  → 1.0 (D)
< 60   → 0.0 (F)

The WES 4-tier table is coarser: 85–100 = A (4.0), 75–84 = B (3.0), 60–74 = C (2.0), below 60 = F (0.0). For example, a score of 86 gives 3.7 on the standard table but 4.0 on the WES table — which is why the table you choose matters.

Tips and notes

Confirm which table your target university or credential evaluator uses; WES and the stepped table can differ by a full grade.
60 is the passing line at most Chinese universities; below it the course is failed.
For admissions, send your full transcript — committees often recompute GPA from individual courses rather than trusting one converted figure.
A Chinese 90+ is genuinely excellent and reliably maps to a US 4.0 / A.