Russian Grade Calculator (2-5 Scale)
The Russian Grade Calculator is an essential tool for students studying at Russian universities to calculate their weighted grade average using the official Russian 2-5 grading scale. This calculator helps you determine your средний балл (average score), track academic progress, assess graduation eligibility, and prepare for international applications requiring grade conversions from Russia's traditional grading system that has been in use since 1837.
Table of Contents
What is the Russian Grading System?
Russia employs a historic 5-point grading scale that has been standardized across Russian educational institutions since 1837, making it one of the world's oldest continuously used grading systems. This numerical grading system is regulated by the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and applies uniformly across all Russian universities, including prestigious institutions like Lomonosov Moscow State University, Higher School of Economics (HSE), Saint Petersburg State University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Novosibirsk State University, and Kazan Federal University.
In the Russian university system, 5 (пять) represents the highest grade (Отлично - Excellent), while 2 (два) represents failure (Неудовлетворительно - Unsatisfactory). The passing grades are 3, 4, and 5, with 5 being excellent and 3 being satisfactory. Grade 3 (Удовлетворительно - Satisfactory) is the minimum passing grade, indicating performance that meets basic requirements. Historically, the system included grade 1 (кол), denoting complete lack of knowledge, but this grade is no longer used in practice and hasn't been given in decades.
A distinctive feature of Russian higher education is its dual assessment system. Many subjects, particularly in first and second years, use зачёт/незачёт (pass/fail or credit/no credit) rather than numerical grades. These зачёт courses require students to demonstrate adequate knowledge through assignments, attendance, and participation without receiving a numerical score. Only selected core subjects and examination courses use the 5-point grading scale. When courses are graded numerically, these grades contribute to the student's diploma average (средний балл диплома), which appears on the final diploma and significantly impacts graduate school and employment prospects. Russian universities have gradually been integrating with the European Higher Education Area, with many institutions now using ECTS credits alongside the traditional Russian credit system. However, the conversion is not standardized—different universities use different formulas. Generally, 1 ECTS equals 36-38 academic hours in Russia, where one academic hour equals 40-45 minutes. A typical academic year comprises 60 ECTS credits (30 per semester), with bachelor's degrees requiring 240 ECTS over 4 years and specialist/master's degrees requiring 120 ECTS over 2 years. The traditional Russian credit system (зачётные единицы - credit units) still operates alongside ECTS at many institutions. Despite Bologna Process integration, the fundamental 2-5 grading scale remains unchanged, preserving Russia's unique educational heritage established in the Russian Empire and maintained throughout the Soviet period to the present day.
Russian Grade Calculator
Calculate Your Russian Weighted Average / Рассчитайте Средний Балл
Enter your course grades (2-5 scale) and credits. The calculator computes your weighted average, classification, and US GPA equivalent.
Your Academic Results / Ваши Академические Результаты
Total Credits:
Grade Point Average (GPA) / Средний балл: / 5.0
Russian Classification:
ECTS Grade:
US GPA Equivalent: / 4.0
Diploma Classification:
Pass Status:
Grade Calculation Formulas
Russian universities calculate grade point averages (средний балл) by multiplying each course grade by its credit value, following standardized methodology across Russian institutions as established by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This ensures courses with higher workloads appropriately influence your diploma average.
Weighted Average Formula (Средний Балл)
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{\sum_{i=1}^{n} (\text{Grade}_i \times \text{Credits}_i)}{\sum_{i=1}^{n} \text{Credits}_i} \]
Components / Компоненты:
- Gradei = Your numerical grade in course i (2-5 scale)
- Creditsi = The credit value for course i (зачётные единицы or ECTS)
- n = Total number of courses included
- Σ (Sigma) = Summation symbol
US GPA Conversion Formula
\[ \text{US GPA} \approx \frac{(\text{Russian GPA} - 2.0) \times 4.0}{3.0} \]
This provides an approximate conversion from the Russian 2-5 scale to the American 4.0 GPA system, accounting for the fact that Russian grade 2 is a fail.
Detailed Calculation Example / Подробный Пример Расчёта
Student Courses:
- Mathematics: Grade 5 (Отлично), 4 credits
- Physics: Grade 4 (Хорошо), 4 credits
- Computer Science: Grade 4 (Хорошо), 4 credits
Step 1 - Calculate Weighted Values:
\[ \text{Mathematics: } 5 \times 4 = 20 \]
\[ \text{Physics: } 4 \times 4 = 16 \]
\[ \text{Computer Science: } 4 \times 4 = 16 \]
Step 2 - Sum Totals:
\[ \text{Total Weighted Grades: } 20 + 16 + 16 = 52 \]
\[ \text{Total Credits: } 4 + 4 + 4 = 12 \]
Step 3 - Calculate GPA:
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{52}{12} = 4.33 \]
Step 4 - Convert to US GPA:
\[ \text{US GPA} \approx \frac{(4.33 - 2.0) \times 4.0}{3.0} = \frac{2.33 \times 4.0}{3.0} = 3.11 \]
The student's GPA of 4.33 on the Russian scale represents strong performance between Хорошо (Good) and Отлично (Excellent), converting to approximately 3.1 US GPA (B) on the American scale.
Official Russian Grading Scale
The Russian grading system provides standardized classifications used across universities in Russia as established by the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Understanding these classifications is essential for interpreting academic performance within Russia's historic educational system dating back to 1837.
| Grade | Russian Term | English Translation | Percentage | ECTS Grade | US Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Отлично (пять) | Excellent | 85-100% | A | A (4.0) |
| 4 | Хорошо (четыре) | Good | 65-84% | B/C | B (3.0) |
| 3 | Удовлетворительно (три) | Satisfactory | 40-64% | D/E | C (2.0) |
| 2 | Неудовлетворительно (два) | Unsatisfactory / Fail | 0-39% | F | F (0.0) |
| Зачёт | Зачёт | Pass / Credit | ≥40% | Pass | Pass |
| Незачёт | Незачёт | No Credit / Fail | <40% | Fail | Fail |
Understanding the Russian Зачёт System: Russian universities distinguish between examination courses (экзамены) graded on the 2-5 scale and pass/fail courses (зачёты). Зачёт courses typically include seminars, practical work, laboratory assignments, and some theoretical subjects where students demonstrate adequate knowledge through participation and completion of assignments rather than formal examinations. These зачёт courses earn credits toward degree completion but don't contribute to the diploma average (средний балл диплома). The diploma average is calculated only from courses with numerical grades (5, 4, or 3) and appears on the final diploma, significantly impacting graduate school admissions and employment prospects. Some universities attempted to introduce plus (+) and minus (-) qualifiers (like 4+ or 5-) in 1950, but this practice varies greatly between institutions and is not standardized nationwide.
Uses of Russian Grade Calculator
The Russian Grade Calculator serves critical functions for students throughout their academic journey in Russia and when pursuing international opportunities. Understanding your weighted average (средний балл) is essential for academic planning, diploma classification, and career advancement within Russia's unique educational framework.
Diploma Classification Requirements
Red Diploma distinction (диплом с отличием or "красный диплом") is Russia's highest academic honor, requiring exceptional performance. To earn a red diploma, students typically must achieve: 75% or more grades of 5 (Отлично), no grades of 3 (Удовлетворительно), grade 5 in diploma thesis, and all state examinations passed with grade 5. The red diploma significantly enhances graduate school and employment prospects, and many prestigious positions explicitly prefer or require red diploma holders.
Graduate School Admissions
Aspirantura (аспирантура) doctoral program admission at Russian universities requires strong academic records with diploma averages of 4.5 or higher. Top programs at Moscow State University, Higher School of Economics, MIPT, and other elite institutions demand even higher averages approaching 5.0 for competitive specializations. Many programs explicitly require red diploma status or equivalent academic achievement for admission consideration.
Magistratura Applications
Master's program admission (магистратура) at Russian universities typically requires bachelor's diploma averages of 4.0 or higher for competitive programs. Students with red diplomas receive preference in admissions and may be exempt from entrance examinations at some institutions. The diploma average printed on the bachelor's degree certificate directly influences master's program acceptance decisions.
Scholarship Eligibility
State scholarships (государственная стипендия) are awarded to students maintaining strong academic performance. Increased scholarships (повышенная стипендия) require semester averages of 4.5-5.0 with no grades below 4. Presidential and governmental scholarships for outstanding students demand consistently excellent performance with diploma averages of 4.8-5.0. These competitive scholarships significantly supplement student income in Russia.
Employment Prospects
Graduate recruitment by competitive Russian employers, state corporations, and international companies operating in Russia often involves academic evaluation. Organizations like Gazprom, Rosneft, Sberbank, Yandex, VK (VKontakte), Kaspersky Lab, and Rosatom consider diploma averages during selection, with red diploma holders receiving preference for prestigious graduate programs and positions requiring security clearances.
International Study Applications
Study abroad applications require converting Russian grades to international scales. This calculator provides both your Russian GPA and approximate US GPA equivalent, facilitating applications to North American, European, and Asian institutions. Understanding conversion helps contextualize competitiveness for international programs, though Russian grades often require detailed explanation due to the unique 2-5 scale.
Professional Certifications
Russian professional requirements in regulated fields like medicine, engineering, teaching, and law may consider diploma averages during licensing procedures and competitive residency selections. Strong averages and red diploma status enhance prospects for specialized training programs and career advancement in regulated professions throughout Russia.
How to Calculate Your Russian Grade
Follow these comprehensive steps to manually calculate your Russian university grade point average (средний балл):
- Access Your Academic Records: Obtain your зачётная книжка (grade book/transcript) or access your university's electronic system. Russian universities maintain detailed records of all courses with their numerical grades (5, 4, 3, 2) and зачёт/незачёт (pass/fail) designations, along with credit values (зачётные единицы or ECTS credits).
- Identify Graded Courses: Include only courses with numerical grades (5, 4, or 3). Exclude зачёт (pass/fail) courses, which earn credits but don't contribute to diploma average calculations. Failed courses (grade 2) are typically excluded unless university policy requires including them. Your diploma average is calculated only from numerically graded examination courses.
- Note Grade Values: Russian universities use four numerical values: 5 (Отлично - Excellent), 4 (Хорошо - Good), 3 (Удовлетворительно - Satisfactory), and 2 (Неудовлетворительно - Fail). Some universities may use modified grades like 4+ or 5-, but these are not standardized. Use the exact grade values recorded in your grade book.
- Multiply Each Grade by Credits: For every numerically graded course, calculate: Grade × Credits = Weighted Value. For example, if you earned 5 in a 4-credit course: 5 × 4 = 20. If you received 4 in a 4-credit course: 4 × 4 = 16. Complete this multiplication for all numerically graded courses.
- Sum All Weighted Values: Add together all weighted values from the previous step. Using a three-course example (20 + 16 + 16), this gives 52 total weighted grade points. This sum represents your cumulative academic achievement weighted by course workload.
- Sum All Credits: Add up all credit values from numerically graded courses. In our example (4 + 4 + 4), the total is 12 credits. This represents the portion of your degree program completed with numerical grades contributing to diploma average.
- Calculate Your GPA (Средний Балл): Divide your total weighted grade points by your total credits. Using our example: 52 ÷ 12 = 4.33. This is your current GPA on the Russian 2-5 scale, typically expressed to two decimal places. This average will appear on your diploma certificate.
- Assess Red Diploma Eligibility: Check if you meet red diploma requirements: typically 75% or more grades of 5, no grades of 3, grade 5 in diploma thesis, and all state examinations with grade 5. Calculate the percentage of your grades that are 5 (excellent) to determine eligibility for this prestigious distinction.
Important Considerations: Russian universities may have specific calculation policies varying by institution and faculty. Some universities weight diploma thesis grades more heavily or have special rules for state examination grades. The calculation method for diploma average may differ between bachelor's, specialist, and master's programs. Always consult your university's учебный отдел (academic office) or кафедра (department) for official diploma average verification, as this average is permanent and cannot be changed after graduation. The diploma average appears on your diploma certificate and all official transcripts.
How This Calculator Works
This Russian Grade Calculator implements the standard weighted average methodology used across Russian universities, aligned with standards established by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation and maintained since the 19th century.
Grade Value System
Russian 2-5 scale implementation uses the exact numerical values established in 1837 and maintained throughout the Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and modern Russia: 5 (Отлично - Excellent), 4 (Хорошо - Good), 3 (Удовлетворительно - Satisfactory), and 2 (Неудовлетворительно - Fail). This historic scale represents one of the world's oldest continuously used grading systems, predating most modern educational assessment methods.
Input Processing System
Dropdown grade selection provides an intuitive interface for entering Russian grades, with options for grades 5, 4, 3, and 2, including both Russian (Отлично, Хорошо, etc.) and English terminology. This design prevents input errors and ensures grades stay within the valid Russian range. The calculator accommodates both traditional Russian credit units (зачётные единицы) and ECTS credits, reflecting Russia's gradual integration with European educational standards.
Weighted Average Calculation
Precise mathematical computation follows the exact formula used by Russian universities for diploma average calculations. The calculator multiplies each course grade by its credit value, sums all weighted values, and divides by total credits using high-precision arithmetic. Results display to two decimal places (e.g., 4.33) consistent with Russian diploma certificate standards.
Diploma Classification Engine
Red diploma assessment analyzes your grade distribution to determine eligibility for диплом с отличием (red diploma). The calculator checks the percentage of grades that are 5 (Отлично), identifies any grades of 3 (Удовлетворительно), and provides preliminary assessment of red diploma eligibility based on standard requirements used across Russian universities.
ECTS Grade Conversion
European grade mapping converts your Russian average to ECTS grading scale (A through F) using common correspondences: 5=A, 4=B/C, 3=D/E, 2=F. However, the calculator notes that Russian-ECTS conversion is not fully standardized, with different Russian universities using varying conversion tables. This reflects ongoing adaptation to Bologna Process requirements while maintaining traditional Russian standards.
US GPA Conversion
International equivalency calculation converts your Russian GPA to an approximate US 4.0 scale using the formula: [(Russian GPA - 2.0) × 4.0] ÷ 3.0. This accounts for Russian grade 2 being a fail (equivalent to US 0.0), scaling the three-point Russian passing range (3-5) to the four-point US scale. The calculator emphasizes this is approximate, as Russian grades reflect different educational philosophies than American grading.
Зачёт System Awareness
Pass/fail course exclusion properly handles courses graded зачёт/незачёт (pass/fail), which earn credits toward degree completion but don't contribute to diploma average calculations. This reflects authentic Russian academic practice where diploma averages are calculated only from numerically graded examination courses, not from all completed coursework.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum passing grade in Russian universities?
The minimum passing grade in Russian universities is 3 (три - Удовлетворительно/Satisfactory). This grade indicates performance meeting basic requirements, though with noticeable shortcomings. Any grade of 2 (два - Неудовлетворительно/Unsatisfactory) indicates failure. Russian universities typically allow students multiple attempts to retake failed examinations, with most courses offering regular examination periods in January-February and May-June, plus resit examinations in August-September. Grade 1 (кол) historically denoted complete lack of knowledge or refusal to learn, but hasn't been used in practice for decades and is now essentially obsolete. To successfully earn your diploma, you must achieve at least grade 3 in all required examination courses (grades in зачёт courses don't apply as they're pass/fail).
What is a red diploma and how do I earn one?
The red diploma (диплом с отличием or "красный диплом") is Russia's highest academic honor, denoting exceptional achievement throughout your university studies. Requirements typically include: 75% or more of all grades must be 5 (Отлично), no grades of 3 (Удовлетворительно), grade 5 in your diploma thesis (дипломная работа), and all state examinations (государственные экзамены) passed with grade 5. Some universities have additional requirements like minimum credit thresholds or specific performance in core subjects. The red diploma is printed on special red-colored certificate paper (hence the name) rather than standard blue paper. This distinction significantly enhances graduate school admission prospects and employment opportunities, with many prestigious positions explicitly preferring red diploma holders. The requirements are demanding—typically only 5-10% of graduates earn red diplomas at most Russian universities, making it a highly respected achievement in Russian academia and professional life.
Can I retake courses to improve my Russian university grades?
Yes, Russian universities allow students to retake failed examinations (grade 2). Policies on retaking passed courses for grade improvement vary significantly by institution and faculty. Most Russian universities provide multiple examination opportunities per academic year: regular sessions in January-February and May-June, plus resit periods (пересдачи) in August-September for students who failed. Some universities allow grade improvement attempts for passed courses (grades 3 or 4) within certain time limits or number of attempts, while others prohibit this practice. When you retake an examination, the new grade typically replaces the old grade in your diploma average calculation, though both attempts remain in your academic records. Russian higher education emphasizes achievement, so opportunities for demonstrating improved knowledge are generally supported. Always consult your university's учебная часть (academic office) for specific retake policies and whether grade improvement attempts are permitted in your program.
How do Russian grades convert to US GPA?
Converting Russian grades to US GPA requires understanding fundamental system differences. Russian 5 typically converts to US 4.0 (A), Russian 4 to US 3.0 (B), Russian 3 to US 2.0 (C), and Russian 2 to US 0.0 (F). A conversion formula is: US GPA ≈ [(Russian GPA - 2.0) × 4.0] ÷ 3.0. However, this linear conversion may not fully capture Russian grading practices, which tend to be more conservative than American grading. Many US graduate schools and credential evaluation services like WES, ECE, or Educational Perspectives recognize that Russian grade 4 (Good) represents solid achievement, often equivalent to US A grades in practice. When applying internationally, provide context about Russian grading standards, explain the historic 2-5 scale established in 1837, and note that grades reflect absolute achievement rather than curved distributions. Russian transcripts increasingly include ECTS grade equivalents, which help international institutions understand performance. Always check with target institutions for their official conversion policies.
What GPA do I need for Russian graduate school?
Aspirantura (аспирантура) doctoral program admission at Russian universities typically requires strong diploma averages of 4.5 or higher from your specialist or master's degree. Top programs at Moscow State University, Higher School of Economics, MIPT, Saint Petersburg State University, Novosibirsk State University, and other elite institutions often demand averages approaching 5.0 for competitive specializations. Many programs explicitly prefer or require red diploma (диплом с отличием) holders for admission. Magistratura (магистратура) master's program admission generally requires bachelor's diploma averages of 4.0 or higher for competitive programs, with red diploma holders receiving admission preference and sometimes exemption from entrance examinations. Less competitive programs may accept averages around 3.5. Graduate school admission also typically requires passing entrance examinations (вступительные экзамены) in your specialty, a foreign language, and philosophy, along with letters of recommendation and research proposals. Academic performance is just one factor, but diploma average significantly influences admission decisions and stipend eligibility.
What is the difference between зачёт and examination courses?
Russian universities distinguish between two assessment types: зачёт (pass/fail courses) and экзамен (examination courses with numerical grades). Зачёт courses typically include seminars, practical work, laboratory assignments, foreign languages in early years, physical education, and some theoretical subjects where mastery is assessed through participation, assignments, and demonstrations rather than formal examinations. When you pass a зачёт course, you earn its credits toward degree completion but receive no numerical grade—just "зачёт" (passed) marked in your grade book. These courses don't contribute to your diploma average calculation. Экзамен courses are core theoretical and applied subjects assessed through formal examinations graded on the 2-5 scale. These numerical grades (5, 4, or 3) contribute to your diploma average and appear prominently in your academic records. The distinction reflects Russian educational philosophy that different types of knowledge require different assessment methods. Your diploma average is calculated only from экзамен courses, not from all completed coursework, which is why understanding this distinction is crucial for diploma planning.
Do all courses count equally in Russian GPA calculations?
No, courses are weighted proportionally based on their credit values in Russian diploma average calculations. A course worth 6 credits has 50% more influence on your diploma average than a course worth 4 credits. This weighted system ensures that courses requiring more student workload appropriately impact your academic standing. However, only courses with numerical grades (5, 4, or 3) from examination assessments contribute to diploma average—зачёт (pass/fail) courses earn credits but don't affect your GPA. Some universities may weight diploma thesis grades more heavily or apply special rules for state examination grades. The weighting reflects course importance and workload as determined by curriculum designers. Bachelor's programs typically total 240 credits (ECTS or зачётные единицы) over 4 years, with a portion being зачёт courses and the remainder being graded examinations. Your diploma certificate shows the average only of graded courses, which is the figure used for all subsequent academic and professional purposes.
What is considered a good average in Russian universities?
A "good" diploma average in Russian universities typically means 4.0 or above, which literally corresponds to the grade "Хорошо" (Good). Averages of 4.5 or above are considered very good to excellent. An average of 4.75 or higher is exceptional and strongly indicates red diploma eligibility. Russian grading tends to be conservative, with genuinely excellent work required for grade 5. An average around 3.5-4.0 represents satisfactory to good performance. Unlike systems with grade inflation, Russian grade 4 genuinely indicates good command of material, not merely adequate performance. Many successful Russian graduates maintain averages of 4.0-4.5, which demonstrates solid competency. Context matters—averages in rigorous programs at elite universities like Moscow State or MIPT may be lower than in some other fields or institutions, reflecting genuine difficulty. Russian employers and graduate programs understand grading conservativeness, so diploma averages should be interpreted within Russian educational context rather than compared directly to inflated systems elsewhere. Red diploma holders (requiring primarily grades of 5) represent the academic elite.
How does Russian grading compare to other systems?
Russian grading is among the world's oldest continuously used systems (established 1837), predating most modern educational assessment methods. The 2-5 scale is more compressed than systems like the US 0-100% or 0.0-4.0 GPA, offering less granularity. Russian grade 4 (Good) typically equates to British Upper Second Class (2:1), German "Gut" (2.0-2.5), or US A/B grades. Russian grade 5 (Excellent) aligns with British First Class or German "Sehr gut" (1.0-1.5). Russian grading tends to be relatively conservative, with grades genuinely reflecting achievement levels rather than inflated distributions. The зачёт/незачёт (pass/fail) system for many courses is distinctive, separating competency verification from competitive grading. Unlike curved or norm-referenced systems, Russian grading is criterion-referenced within each course, though standards vary significantly between professors, universities, and fields. The system's longevity (nearly 200 years) and continuity through Russian Empire, Soviet Union, and modern Russia represents remarkable educational stability, though integration with Bologna Process and ECTS is gradually introducing European influences while maintaining traditional Russian foundations.
How accurate is this Russian grade calculator?
This calculator implements the standard weighted average formula used by Russian universities: (Sum of grades × Credits) ÷ Total Credits, using the official Russian numerical values (5=Отлично, 4=Хорошо, 3=Удовлетворительно, 2=Неудовлетворительно). It produces identical results to manual calculations using the same methodology. However, for official purposes such as graduate school applications, scholarship applications, employment verification, or international credential evaluation, always rely on your official diploma certificate (диплом) or academic transcript (академическая справка) issued by your university's учебная часть (academic office). The diploma average printed on your diploma certificate is permanent and official. Individual universities may have specific calculation policies about which courses to include, how to weight thesis grades, or whether failed course attempts affect calculations. This calculator excludes зачёт (pass/fail) courses from average calculations, matching standard Russian practice. The calculator provides accurate estimates for planning but cannot replace official documentation issued by Russian educational institutions through proper administrative channels.
Official Sources and References
This Russian Grade Calculator is based on official regulations and grading standards used across Russian universities. For authoritative information about Russian university grading systems, credits, and academic regulations, please consult these official sources:
- Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation - Official government ministry responsible for general and vocational education in Russia, overseeing schooling and educational standards.
- Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation - Government ministry responsible for higher education and scientific research, establishing university standards and regulations.
- Lomonosov Moscow State University - Grading System - Official documentation on the Russian 2-5 grading scale from Russia's oldest and most prestigious university, explaining grade boundaries and diploma requirements.
- Higher School of Economics - Grading System - Comprehensive explanation of the Russian grading system and credit system used at one of Russia's leading research universities.
- Kazan Federal University - Grading System - Official grading system information including grade definitions and ECTS conversion used at one of Russia's oldest universities.
Historical Context: The Russian 5-point grading scale was established in 1837 during the Russian Empire and has remained fundamentally unchanged through the Soviet period to modern Russia, making it one of the world's oldest continuously used grading systems. In 1950, an attempt was made to introduce plus (+) and minus (-) qualifiers, but implementation has varied greatly and never achieved standardization. Between 1917-1935, the Soviet government attempted to eliminate grades entirely but was forced to restore the traditional system. The modern system maintains the 2-5 scale for examination courses alongside the зачёт/незачёт (pass/fail) system for other courses.
Important Disclaimer: This calculator is an educational tool designed to help students estimate diploma averages using standard Russian university calculation methodology. While it implements the traditional weighted average formula and uses official Russian grade values (5, 4, 3, 2), individual universities may have specific policies regarding which courses contribute to diploma averages, how to weight thesis grades, whether to include failed attempts, or how to handle transfer credits from other institutions. Only numerically graded examination courses contribute to diploma averages—зачёт (pass/fail) courses are excluded. The diploma average appearing on your official diploma certificate is permanent and calculated by your university's academic office. Always verify your official academic standing through your diploma certificate (диплом) or academic transcript (академическая справка) issued by your university's учебная часть (academic office) for formal purposes such as graduate school applications, scholarship applications, or employment verification. Red diploma eligibility has additional specific requirements beyond average calculations.