So you’re a university graduate and have the grades to prove it! But since you’re applying to universities in the US with their own 4.0 scale, you might wonder how to convert your GPA.
Converting your 7.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA is easier than you think. You divide your GPA by your scale. Then multiply that number by 4.0, and you’ll get your new GPA on the 4.0 scale.
Let’s break down exactly how it works.
Understanding GPA Scales
GPA stands for Grade Point Average and is a commonly used indicator of an individual’s academic achievement.
It is the average of the grades attained in each course, weighted by the number of credit hours for that course.
To calculate your GPA, divide the total number of grade points earned by the total number of letter-graded units undertaken.
For each unit of credit, you will receive a certain amount of grade points depending on your grade in that class.
The 4.0 GPA scale is widely used in the United States, but in Australia, the most commonly used GPA scale is the 7.0 scale, with a grade range of 0 to 7.
4.0 GPA Scale
The 4.0 GPA scale is the most commonly used in the United States and many other countries worldwide. This scale ranges between 0 (the lowest) and 4 (the highest).
On this scale, an A or A+ equals a 4.0, with each full grade being a full point lower: 3.0=B, 2.0=C, and 1.0=D.
This means that a student’s overall GPA is calculated by taking the sum of all their course grades throughout their high school career and dividing it by the total number of credits taken.
7.0 GPA Scale
In Australia, most universities use the 7.0 GPA scale as a grading system to measure academic performance.
The highest grade is a 7 (High Distinction), corresponding to a 100-80% score. A+ is 6 (Distinction), corresponding to 79-70%, while A is 5 (Credit), corresponding to 69-60%. B is 4 (Pass) and corresponds to 59-50%. Anything below 50% would be considered a Fail.
How to Convert a 7.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA Scale
Converting GPAs can be confusing. Like in the United States, universities in Australia may use different GPA scales, so converting your GPA from one scale to another can help ensure other institutions understand your grades.
So, to convert a 7.0 GPA on a 7.0 scale to a 4.0 GPA scale, you’ll first need to understand the 4.0 GPA scale and 7.0 GPA scale.
GPA Comparison Table
Australia (GPA/Grade/Percentage) | US (Letter Grade/GPA/Percentage) |
7 (High Distinction, 100-80%) | A+ (4.0, 97-100) |
6 (Distinction, 79-70%) | A (4.0, 94-96) |
5 (Credit, 69-60%) | B (3.0, 84-86) |
4 (Pass, 59-50%) | C (2.0, 74-76) |
3 (Conceded Pass) | D (1.0, 64-66) |
1/2 (Fail, below 50%) | F (0.0, 0-59) |
GPA Conversion Formula
So, to convert from a 7.0 scale to a 4.0 scale, divide your GPA by your scale. Then multiply that number by 4.0, and you’ll get your new GPA on the 4.0 scale.
You can use the following formula:
Here are the examples:
Example 1: Convert your 7.0 GPA from a 7.0 scale to a 4.0 scale
4.0 GPA = (7.0 / 7.0) x 4 = 4.0
So, in this case, a 7.0 GPA on a 7.0 scale would convert to a 4.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Example 2: Convert your 4.5 GPA from a 7.0 scale to a 4.0 scale
4.0 GPA = (4.5 / 7.0) x 4 = 2.6
So, in this case, a 4.5 GPA on a 7.0 scale would convert to a 2.6 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
It’s important to remember that every university might have its conversion method, so it’s always best to check with the specific university you’re applying to see if they have a different conversion policy.
But this formula should give you a rough idea of where your 7.0 GPA would fall on the 4.0 scale.
GPA Calculator
You can also use a GPA calculator to do GPA conversion. All you have to do is enter your GPA on the 7.0 scale, and it will automatically convert it to the 4.0 scale.
Use gpacalculator.net to convert any GPA scale from any country to a USA 4.0 GPA scale.
FAQs
Why do I need to convert my GPA from one scale to another?
Different schools and universities use different GPA scales, so converting your GPA can help ensure that other institutions understand your grades.
This is especially important if you plan to transfer schools or apply to graduate programs.
Is the formula for converting a 7.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA the same for every university or college?
Not necessarily. Every school might have its own conversion method, so it’s always best to check with the specific university or college you’re applying to see if they have a different conversion policy.
But the formula I provided earlier should give you a rough idea of where your 7.0 GPA would fall on the 4.0 scale.
Will converting my GPA to a 4.0 scale affect my actual grades or academic record?
No, converting your GPA from one scale to another does not affect your grades or academic record. It’s simply a way of expressing your GPA on a different scale.
Your original grades and GPA will still be on your transcript; the conversion is just for reference purposes.
Is a 7.0 GPA the same as an A+ grade on the 4.0 GPA scale?
Not exactly. On the 4.0 GPA scale, an A+ grade is usually awarded for a grade of 97-100, corresponding to a 4.0 GPA.
A 7.0 GPA on a 7.0 scale is equivalent to a 4.0 GPA on the 4.0 scale, but it might not be the same as an A+ grade.