United Kingdom
UK Honours Classification to US GPA
UK universities normally award degree classifications rather than a cumulative GPA. When a US application asks for GPA, the best answer is usually to submit the transcript and classification, then provide an approximate conversion only when required.
Common conversion ranges
| UK result | Typical mark | Approx. US GPA |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | 70%+ | 3.7-4.0 |
| Upper Second (2:1) | 60-69% | 3.3-3.7 |
| Lower Second (2:2) | 50-59% | 2.7-3.2 |
| Third | 40-49% | 2.0-2.6 |
Why conversion is approximate
A 70% in the UK is not equivalent to a 70% in the US. UK marking is stricter at the top end, and First Class marks are treated as excellent even though the percentage looks low to US readers.
Best practice for applications
Report your official classification, include your transcript, and let the receiving institution evaluate it. Only use a GPA estimate when a form requires a numeric field.
United Kingdom GPA Calculators
Use the calculator for your university after checking the conversion or grading guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 2:1 in US GPA?
A 2:1 is commonly interpreted around 3.3 to 3.7 on a 4.0 scale.
Is a UK First equivalent to 4.0?
A strong First may be treated close to 4.0, but many evaluators use a range rather than a single value.