Convert Canadian high school or university grades to US GPA on a 4.0 scale
| Canadian % | Letter | US GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 90–100 | A+ | 4.0 |
| 85–89 | A | 4.0 |
| 80–84 | A- | 3.7 |
| 75–79 | B+ | 3.3 |
| 70–74 | B | 3.0 |
| 65–69 | C+ | 2.3 |
| 60–64 | C | 2.0 |
| 50–59 | D | 1.0 |
| < 50 | F | 0.0 |
Canadian to US GPA Converter | For educational reference only
Applying to US universities as a Canadian student? One of the most crucial steps in your application process is converting your Canadian grades to the American 4.0 GPA scale. This conversion can significantly impact your admission chances, scholarship eligibility, and academic standing.
The challenge lies in the fundamental differences between Canadian and American grading systems. While Canada primarily uses percentage-based grading with provincial variations, the US standardizes on the 4.0 GPA scale. Understanding how to navigate this conversion accurately is essential for your academic success.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Canada grades to US 4.0 GPA conversion, from understanding both systems to using professional tools and real-world examples.
Canada’s grading system is built on percentage scores, typically ranging from 0% to 100%. Most Canadian institutions use this system for both high school and university-level courses. Unlike the US system, there’s no standardized letter grade equivalent across all provinces.
Canadian grading systems vary significantly by province:
Ontario:
Alberta:
British Columbia:
Canadian universities often use different scales than high schools. Many institutions employ a 4.0 or 4.33 GPA scale internally, but the percentage-to-GPA conversion varies by institution.
The US 4.0 GPA scale is the most widely used academic measurement system in American higher education. It converts letter grades to numerical values, making it easier to calculate cumulative academic performance.
Standard US 4.0 GPA Scale:
Unweighted GPA: Uses the standard 4.0 scale regardless of course difficulty.
Weighted GPA: Adds extra points for advanced courses (AP, IB, Honors), potentially exceeding 4.0.
Some institutions use a 4.33 scale where:
This scale is less common but important to understand when converting Canadian grades.
Determine whether your grades are in:
Here’s a comprehensive GPA conversion Canada to US table:
Canadian % | Canadian Letter | US Letter | US 4.0 GPA |
90-100% | A+ | A | 4.0 |
85-89% | A | A- | 3.7 |
80-84% | A- | B+ | 3.3 |
77-79% | B+ | B+ | 3.3 |
73-76% | B | B | 3.0 |
70-72% | B- | B- | 2.7 |
67-69% | C+ | C+ | 2.3 |
63-66% | C | C | 2.0 |
60-62% | C- | C- | 1.7 |
57-59% | D+ | D+ | 1.3 |
53-56% | D | D | 1.0 |
50-52% | D- | D- | 0.7 |
Below 50% | F | F | 0.0 |
Example Calculation:
Double-check your calculations and consider using professional tools for accuracy.
WES GPA calculator is the gold standard for credential evaluation:
Pros:
Cons:
Features:
Best for: Quick estimates and planning
Features:
Best for: Ongoing GPA monitoring
Many US universities provide their own convert Canadian GPA calculators:
Sarah from Ontario is applying to US universities with these grades:
Calculation: (3.7 + 4.0 + 3.7 + 4.0) ÷ 4 = 3.85 GPA
Sarah’s strong 3.85 GPA makes her competitive for most US universities.
Michael from Alberta is applying to US graduate programs:
Michael’s 3.8 GPA meets most graduate program requirements.
Jessica from BC wants to transfer after two years:
Jessica’s improving trend demonstrates academic growth valuable to admissions committees.
An 85% typically converts to a 3.7 GPA on the US 4.0 scale. However, this can vary slightly depending on your province and the specific conversion table used. For the most accurate conversion, use a professional Canadian grading system converter or consult WES.
To convert from 4.33 to 4.0 scale:
Example: 3.9/4.33 = 0.9 × 4.0 = 3.6 GPA
Not all universities require WES evaluation, but many prefer or require it for:
Check with your specific universities for their requirements.
Yes, you can estimate your GPA using conversion tables, but:
Most US admissions offices are familiar with Canadian grading systems, especially:
However, providing a clear conversion still helps your application.
When possible, include both:
Converting Canada grades to US 4.0 GPA doesn’t have to be complicated when you understand both systems and use the right tools. Remember these key points:
Essential Takeaways:
Final Recommendations:
Your Next Steps: Ready to convert your grades? Start by gathering your transcripts and trying a reliable GPA calculator. For official applications, consider investing in a WES evaluation to ensure your academic achievements are properly represented.
Don’t let grade conversion hold back your US education dreams. With the right approach and tools, you can confidently present your Canadian academic record to American universities and showcase your true potential.
Quickly convert your CGPA to accurate percentage.
