GCSE Grade Converter
Enter your percentage mark from a GCSE paper, mock exam or practice test to estimate your grade on the 9–1 scale. Got raw marks instead? Convert them first: marks ÷ total marks × 100 — or let the Test Grade Calculator do that step.
Enter a percentage (or your marks) to see your estimated grade.
The GCSE 9–1 scale explained
GCSEs in England are graded 9 to 1, with 9 the highest. The scale was introduced to stretch the top end — there are more grades above the old C than there used to be, so universities and employers can tell strong passes apart. The key landmarks:
| GCSE grade | What it means | Rough old-grade comparison |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Highest grade — above the old A* | Above A* |
| 8 | Between A* and A | A* / A |
| 7 | About an A | A |
| 6 | A high B | B |
| 5 | Strong pass — between B and C | B / C |
| 4 | Standard pass — about a C | C |
| 3 | About a D | D |
| 2 | About an E | E |
| 1 | Lowest grade | F / G |
| U | Unclassified — below grade 1 | U |
The old-grade comparison is approximate — the two scales were never designed to line up exactly, and grade 4 was anchored to the old C when the system changed.
Estimator table — typical recent boundaries
These are the typical ranges this converter uses, drawn from recent boundary patterns across subjects and boards. Your row is highlighted when you enter a percentage. Remember: in some subjects (maths, for example) real boundaries have run lower than this table; in others, higher. Use it to set a revision target, not as a guarantee.
| GCSE grade | Typical percentage range (approx.) |
|---|
US letter grade ↔ percentage ↔ GPA converter
Comparing grades across the Atlantic? US schools grade in letters, converted from percentages, and letters are then turned into grade points on the 4.0 GPA scale. This is the standard conversion:
| US letter grade | Percentage | GPA points (4.0 scale) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 93–100% | 4.0 |
| A− | 90–92% | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87–89% | 3.3 |
| B | 83–86% | 3.0 |
| B− | 80–82% | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77–79% | 2.3 |
| C | 73–76% | 2.0 |
| C− | 70–72% | 1.7 |
| D+ | 67–69% | 1.3 |
| D | 63–66% | 1.0 |
| F | Below 63% | 0.0 |
Turn a whole set of US course grades into a GPA with the GPA Calculator, or find your standing in one weighted class with the Grade Calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
What percentage is a grade 9 at GCSE?
There is no fixed percentage. Grade boundaries are set by each exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR) after the exams are marked, and they change every year and differ by subject. In recent years the grade 9 boundary in many subjects has fallen roughly in the 80–90% range, but it can be lower in hard subjects like maths and higher in others. This converter uses typical recent ranges to estimate only — always check your board's official grade boundaries for your exam series.
What is a pass at GCSE?
A grade 4 is a 'standard pass' and a grade 5 is a 'strong pass'. Grade 4 is broadly comparable to the old grade C. Most colleges, sixth forms and employers ask for grade 4 or above in English and maths; grade 5 is often preferred where places are competitive.
How does the GCSE 9–1 scale compare to the old A*–G grades?
Roughly: grade 9 is above the old A*, grade 8 sits between A* and A, grade 7 is about an A, grade 6 is a high B, grade 5 is between B and C, grade 4 is about a C, grade 3 is about a D, grade 2 is about an E, and grade 1 is about an F/G. The comparison is approximate — the scales were not designed to line up exactly.
Why can't this converter give me my exact grade?
Because GCSE grades are not awarded from fixed percentages. Exam boards set the boundaries after seeing how the whole country performed, so the same percentage can earn a different grade in a different year, subject or board. Papers are also often converted to a uniform mark scale first. Any percentage-to-grade tool, including this one, can only estimate using typical past boundaries.
Do grade boundaries differ between AQA, Edexcel and OCR?
Yes. Each board sets its own boundaries for its own papers, and they can differ by several marks for the same subject in the same year. That is why this page shows approximate ranges rather than one figure, and why your board's official boundary document for your exam series is the only exact source.
What percentage do I need for a grade 7?
In recent series, grade 7 boundaries in many subjects have fallen roughly in the 60–75% range, depending on the subject and board. This converter estimates a grade 7 from about 66% using typical mid-range boundaries — treat that as a guide for revision targets, not a promise.
Can I convert my marks instead of a percentage?
Yes — first turn your marks into a percentage: marks scored ÷ total marks × 100. For example, 96 out of 120 is 80%. Enter that percentage here to get your estimated grade. Our Test Grade Calculator does the marks-to-percentage step for you.