Chinese Grade Calculator (100 Point Scale) - Calculate Your Academic Average
Table of Contents
What is Chinese Grading System?
The Chinese grading system uses a 100-point numerical scale to evaluate student academic performance from primary school through university level. This standardized system, used throughout the People's Republic of China, provides clear quantitative assessment of student achievement across all subjects and educational institutions. Unlike letter-based systems (A, B, C) used in many Western countries, Chinese grading assigns specific numerical scores from 0 to 100, with 60 being the minimum passing grade.
The 100-point scale is deeply embedded in Chinese educational culture and is understood by students, parents, educators, and employers nationwide. Scores directly reflect the percentage of course material mastered, making the system intuitive and transparent. This numerical precision allows for fine-grained differentiation between student performances and enables accurate calculation of weighted averages when courses have different credit values.
Chinese Grade Classifications
| Classification | Chinese Term | Percentage Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 优秀 (Yōuxiù) | 90-100 | Outstanding performance, exceptional mastery |
| Good | 良好 (Liánghǎo) | 80-89 | Very good performance, strong competence |
| Average/Fair | 中等 (Zhōngděng) | 70-79 | Satisfactory performance, adequate understanding |
| Pass | 及格 (Jígé) | 60-69 | Minimum acceptable performance, basic competence |
| Fail | 不及格 (Bù jígé) | 0-59 | Below minimum standard, insufficient mastery |
Alternative Classification Systems
Some Chinese universities use alternative thresholds, particularly for distinguishing excellent performance:
| System Type | Excellent | Good | Satisfactory | Fail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard System | 90-100 | 80-89 | 60-79 | 0-59 |
| Alternate System | 85-100 | 75-84 | 60-74 | 0-59 |
Important Notes About Chinese Grading:
- No Rounding: Scores are not rounded up. For example, 89.99 is "Good," not "Excellent" - only 90.00 or higher counts as excellent
- Credit Weighting: Courses with more credits have greater impact on overall average
- Pass Mark: 60 is the universal passing grade across all Chinese educational institutions
- GPA Conversion: Many universities convert the 100-point scale to a 4.0 or 5.0 GPA scale for international purposes
- Scholarship Requirements: Most scholarships require average scores of 80-85 or higher
- Graduate School: Postgraduate admissions typically require undergraduate averages of 75-80 or higher
Chinese Five-Level Grading
In addition to numerical scores, some institutions use a five-level descriptive grading system alongside the 100-point scale:
- 优 (Yōu) - Excellent: 90-100 points
- 良 (Liáng) - Good: 80-89 points
- 中 (Zhōng) - Average: 70-79 points
- 及格 (Jígé) - Pass: 60-69 points
- 不及格 (Bù jígé) - Fail: 0-59 points
Chinese Grade Calculator
This calculator helps you determine your weighted average score using the Chinese 100-point grading system. Enter your courses with their scores (0-100) and credit hours to calculate your overall academic average. This tool is essential for Chinese students tracking their GPA, applying for scholarships, or preparing for graduate school applications.
Calculate Your Chinese Grade Average
Your Grade Results
Enter courses to calculate average
Total Credit Hours: 0
Total Weighted Score: 0.00
Classification: -
Approximate GPA (4.0 scale): -
Formula: Weighted Average = Σ(Score × Credits) ÷ Σ(Credits)
Formulae and Calculations
Understanding the mathematical formulas behind Chinese grade calculation helps students comprehend how individual course scores combine to produce overall academic performance measures.
Weighted Average Formula
Where:
- Score: Numerical grade from 0 to 100 for each course
- Credit Hours: Number of credit hours (学分 xuéfēn) assigned to each course
- Σ (Sigma): Summation symbol meaning "add up all values"
- Result: Overall academic performance on 0-100 scale
Step-by-Step Calculation Process
Step 2: Total Weighted Score = Sum of all (Score × Credits)
Step 3: Total Credit Hours = Sum of all Course Credits
Step 4: Average = Total Weighted Score ÷ Total Credit Hours
Credit Weighting Concept
Explanation:
- Courses with more credit hours have proportionally greater influence on overall average
- A 4-credit course impacts average twice as much as a 2-credit course
- This weighting reflects the greater time commitment and content in higher-credit courses
- Major courses typically have more credits (3-5) than electives (1-2)
GPA Conversion Formula (4.0 Scale)
Conversion guide:
- 90-100: Approximately 4.0 (A)
- 80-89: Approximately 3.0-3.9 (B)
- 70-79: Approximately 2.0-2.9 (C)
- 60-69: Approximately 1.0-1.9 (D)
- Below 60: 0.0 (F)
Note: Universities use various conversion tables; this is an approximation for reference only.
Example Calculation
Semester Course Load:
| Course | Score | Credit Hours | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Mathematics | 92 | 4 | 368 |
| English | 85 | 3 | 255 |
| Physics | 78 | 4 | 312 |
| Computer Science | 88 | 3 | 264 |
| Chinese Literature | 81 | 2 | 162 |
| Totals: | 16 | 1361 | |
Calculation:
Total Weighted Score = 368 + 255 + 312 + 264 + 162 = 1361
Total Credit Hours = 4 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 16
Weighted Average = 1361 ÷ 16 = 85.06
Classification: Good (良好 Liánghǎo)
Approximate GPA: 3.5
Uses of Chinese Grade Calculator
The Chinese grade calculator serves multiple critical purposes for students navigating the Chinese education system, from primary school through university and beyond.
1. Scholarship Application Assessment
Most Chinese scholarships (including National Scholarship, Provincial Scholarship, and university-specific awards) require minimum average scores, typically ranging from 80 to 85 points or higher. The calculator enables students to determine whether they meet scholarship thresholds and identify how much improvement is needed in remaining courses to qualify. Many scholarships require semester averages, making regular calculation essential.
2. Graduate School Admissions Planning
Chinese graduate programs (Master's and PhD) require minimum undergraduate averages for admission eligibility, typically 75-80 points or higher depending on university prestige and program competitiveness. Students can use the calculator to assess their competitiveness for desired programs early in their undergraduate studies, allowing time to improve grades if necessary. Top-tier programs like Tsinghua, Peking University, or Fudan often require 85+ averages.
3. Academic Progress Monitoring
Regular calculation of weighted average throughout each semester provides real-time feedback on academic standing. Chinese universities have minimum average requirements to remain in good standing (typically 60-65). Students can identify performance trends early and seek tutoring or adjust study strategies before problems escalate. This proactive monitoring prevents academic probation situations that can affect graduation eligibility.
4. Course Selection Strategy
Understanding current weighted average and target average helps students make strategic course selections. If average is below target, students might balance challenging major courses with more manageable electives. If average is strong, students might take on more difficult courses or additional research opportunities. The credit weighting shows which courses have greatest impact on overall average.
5. International Study Preparation
Students applying to international universities or exchange programs need to convert their Chinese scores to other systems (typically GPA). The calculator provides the accurate Chinese average that can be converted using official conversion tables. Many international institutions require minimum Chinese averages of 80+ for competitive admissions. Understanding your exact average helps assess international study eligibility.
6. Employment Applications
Chinese employers, particularly state-owned enterprises and competitive private companies, often require minimum undergraduate averages (typically 75-80+) for recruitment eligibility. Graduate trainees programs at top firms may require 85+ averages. The calculator helps students verify they meet employer requirements when preparing job applications and can highlight strong academic performance to potential employers.
7. Class Ranking Determination
Chinese universities often rank students within majors based on weighted averages. These rankings affect scholarship eligibility, graduate school recommendations, and employer perceptions. Students can calculate their average to understand approximate class standing and identify what scores are needed in remaining courses to improve ranking position.
How to Use This Calculator
Follow these step-by-step instructions to accurately calculate your Chinese grade average using this tool.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Gather Your Academic Records: Collect your course results from your student information system (学生信息系统) or transcript (成绩单). You need the course name, numerical score (0-100), and credit hours (学分) for each course. Credit hours are typically 1-5 per course, with major courses usually worth 3-4 credits.
- Start with First Course: The calculator displays one course entry by default. Enter the course name in the first field (optional but helpful for your records). You can enter Chinese course names (e.g., 高等数学 - Advanced Mathematics) or English translations.
- Enter Numerical Score: Input your exact numerical score (0-100) for that course. Do not round - enter the precise score from your transcript. For example, if you received 87.5, enter 87.5, not 88. Chinese grading does not round scores up, so precision matters.
- Enter Credit Hours: Input the credit hour value (学分) for that course. This information appears on your course syllabus and transcript. Most courses are 2-4 credits, with labs and projects sometimes worth 1-2 credits. Theory courses in major subjects typically carry 3-4 credits.
- Add More Courses: Click "+ Add Another Course" to add additional course entries. Repeat the process for each course you want to include in your average calculation. You can calculate semester average (typically 6-8 courses), annual average (12-16 courses), or cumulative average (all courses across multiple years).
- Review Your Entries: Before calculating, verify all entries for accuracy. Check that scores and credit hours match your official transcript. Incorrect data entry (especially credit hours) significantly affects weighted average accuracy.
- Calculate Weighted Average: Click "Calculate Average" button. The calculator will multiply each score by its credit hours, sum all weighted scores, divide by total credit hours, and display your weighted average to two decimal places following Chinese conventions.
- Review Results: Results display your weighted average, total credit hours, classification (Excellent, Good, Average, Pass, or Fail), and approximate GPA on 4.0 scale. The classification uses the standard Chinese system: Excellent (90-100), Good (80-89), Average (70-79), Pass (60-69), Fail (0-59).
- Remove Courses if Needed: If you entered a course incorrectly, click "Remove" button next to that course to delete it. Then add it again with correct information. This is faster than resetting all entries.
- Reset for New Calculation: To start completely fresh, click "Reset All" to clear all course entries and begin a new calculation. This is useful for calculating different semesters or comparing scenarios.
Important Tips
- Include Failed Courses: If you failed courses (scores below 60), include them in your calculation - they contribute to your overall average and accurately reflect academic standing
- Use Exact Scores: Enter precise scores from your transcript without rounding - 89.5 is not the same as 90 in Chinese grading
- Verify Credit Hours: Double-check credit hours on your transcript - entering wrong credit values significantly distorts weighted average
- Include All Relevant Courses: For scholarship or graduate school calculations, include all courses from the specified period (e.g., "all courses from Year 3")
- Retaken Courses: Some universities replace failed course scores with retake scores, others average them - check your institution's policy
- Pass/Fail Courses: Courses marked "Pass/Fail" (合格/不合格) rather than numerical grades typically don't count toward weighted average
- Save Your Results: Screenshot or write down your calculated average for records, especially if needed for applications
How This Calculator Works
This Chinese grade calculator employs the standard weighted average methodology used throughout Chinese educational institutions, ensuring accuracy and consistency with official university calculations.
Step 1: Data Collection and Validation
When users enter course information, the calculator validates that scores are within the 0-100 range and credit hours are positive numbers. Input validation prevents calculation errors from impossible values like negative credits or scores exceeding 100. The calculator accepts decimal scores (e.g., 87.5) to match the precision of Chinese grading systems.
Step 2: Weighted Score Calculation
For each course, the calculator multiplies the numerical score by the course credit hours to determine the weighted score. For example, if a student earns 85 points in a 4-credit course, that course contributes 85 × 4 = 340 weighted score points to the total. This weighting ensures higher-credit courses appropriately influence the overall average proportional to their academic importance.
Step 3: Summation of Values
The calculator sums all weighted scores across all entered courses to determine total weighted score. Simultaneously, it sums all credit hour values to determine total credit hours. For instance, if a student has five courses worth 4, 3, 4, 3, and 2 credits respectively, the total credit hours equal 16. This summation forms the numerator and denominator for the weighted average calculation.
Step 4: Weighted Average Computation
The weighted average is calculated by dividing total weighted score by total credit hours: Average = Σ(Score × Credits) ÷ Σ(Credits). This produces a weighted average where each course's contribution to the final average is proportional to its credit hours. The result is displayed to two decimal places following Chinese academic reporting conventions (e.g., 85.06, not 85.1).
Step 5: Classification Determination
After calculating the weighted average, the calculator determines the corresponding Chinese classification: Excellent (优秀 90-100), Good (良好 80-89), Average (中等 70-79), Pass (及格 60-69), or Fail (不及格 0-59). This classification uses the standard system employed by most Chinese universities and is displayed in both English and Chinese characters.
Step 6: GPA Approximation
For students interested in international comparisons, the calculator provides an approximate conversion to the American 4.0 GPA scale. The conversion uses a proportional formula: GPA ≈ (Chinese Average - 60) × 4 ÷ 40. This is a rough approximation - actual conversions vary by institution and should be verified with official conversion tables when applying internationally.
Step 7: Results Presentation
Results are presented comprehensively, showing the weighted average, total credit hours considered, total weighted score accumulated, Chinese classification, and approximate GPA. The display includes the calculation formula for transparency and educational purposes, helping students understand how their average was computed from individual course scores.
Mathematical Precision
The calculator uses floating-point arithmetic throughout calculations to maintain precision, rounding only at the final display stage to two decimal places. This matches Chinese university registrar systems which typically report averages to two decimal places (e.g., 85.06) rather than whole numbers or single decimals.
Alignment with Chinese Standards
This calculator's methodology precisely follows the weighted average calculation procedures used by Chinese universities nationwide. The 100-point scale, credit hour weighting, and classification thresholds match official policies at major institutions including Tsinghua University, Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and others.
Limitations and Accuracy
This calculator provides accurate weighted average calculations when correct score and credit data is entered. However, it cannot account for: university-specific policies on course retakes (some replace failed scores, others average them), special rules for certain types of courses (some electives may not count toward major average), grade appeals in progress, or unusual grading scales (some courses use Pass/Fail instead of numerical grades). Always verify your official average through your university's student information system for formal purposes like scholarship applications or graduate school admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Chinese grading scale uses a 100-point numerical system where students receive scores from 0 to 100 points. The standard classification is: Excellent (优秀) 90-100 points, Good (良好) 80-89 points, Average/Fair (中等) 70-79 points, Pass (及格) 60-69 points, and Fail (不及格) 0-59 points. The pass mark is universally 60 points across all Chinese educational institutions from primary school through university. Some institutions use an alternate system where Excellent is 85-100, but the 90-100 standard is most common.
To calculate your weighted average in the Chinese system: (1) Multiply each course score by its credit hours, (2) Sum all the weighted scores, (3) Sum all the credit hours, (4) Divide total weighted score by total credit hours. Formula: Weighted Average = Σ(Score × Credits) ÷ Σ(Credits). For example, if you have an 85 in a 4-credit course and a 90 in a 3-credit course: [(85×4) + (90×3)] ÷ [4+3] = [340+270] ÷ 7 = 610 ÷ 7 = 87.14 average.
In Chinese universities, a "good" grade depends on context. Generally: 90-100 is excellent and qualifies for top scholarships and graduate programs; 80-89 is good and meets most scholarship requirements; 75-79 is above average and acceptable for graduate school; 70-74 is average and demonstrates competency; 60-69 is passing but limits opportunities. For competitive scholarships, 80-85+ is typically required. Top graduate programs at elite universities prefer 85+ averages. Employment at prestigious companies often requires 75-80+ averages.
Yes, significantly. Failed courses (scores below 60) are included in weighted average calculations with their actual scores (e.g., 45, 52, etc.), which lowers your overall average substantially. The course's credit hours count in the denominator even though you earned few or no points. For example, failing a 4-credit course with a score of 50 means 200 points (50×4) in your numerator instead of 340+ if you'd passed with 85+. Many universities allow retaking failed courses, with policies varying on whether the new score replaces the original or both are averaged.
There's no universal conversion, but common approximations are: Chinese 90-100 ≈ American 4.0 (A), Chinese 80-89 ≈ American 3.0-3.9 (B), Chinese 70-79 ≈ American 2.0-2.9 (C), Chinese 60-69 ≈ American 1.0-1.9 (D), Chinese below 60 ≈ American 0.0 (F). A rough formula is: GPA ≈ (Chinese Score - 60) × 4 ÷ 40. However, each American university uses its own conversion table, and some consider Chinese scoring more difficult, giving higher GPA equivalents. Always use official conversion tables when applying internationally.
Yes, 60 points is the universal minimum passing grade in all Chinese universities and across all subjects. Scores of 60 or above earn course credit and count as passing. However, some specific contexts have higher requirements: graduate programs often require 75-80+ undergraduate averages for admission, scholarships typically require 80-85+ averages, and some honors programs or special tracks require 85+ scores. While 60 passes individual courses, higher scores are needed for competitive opportunities.
Credit hours (学分 xuéfēn) reflect the time commitment and content volume of each course. Courses with more credit hours (typically 3-5 credits for major subjects) have greater impact on your weighted average than courses with fewer credits (1-2 credits for electives or labs). This weighting is fair because it reflects that major courses involve more learning and assessment than minor courses. For example, a 4-credit advanced mathematics course impacts your average twice as much as a 2-credit physical education course, reflecting their relative academic importance.
Yes, but it requires earning high scores in subsequent courses to offset low scores. Since your average is weighted by credits, you need to earn scores above your target average in new courses to pull your overall average up. For example, if you want an 80 average but currently have 75, you need to score 85+ in remaining courses. The more credits you've already completed, the harder it is to change your average significantly. Some universities allow course retakes, with new scores replacing or averaging with original scores depending on policy.
Scholarship requirements vary by scholarship type and university, but typical minimums are: National Scholarship (国家奖学金) requires 85-90+ average and top class ranking; Provincial/Municipal Scholarships require 80-85+ average; University First-Class Scholarship requires 85+ average; University Second-Class Scholarship requires 80-84 average; University Third-Class Scholarship requires 75-79 average. Many scholarships also consider individual semester averages, class rankings, and require no failed courses. Competition is intense, so higher averages improve chances substantially.
This calculator is highly accurate and follows the standard weighted average methodology used by all Chinese universities. It implements the official 100-point scale and credit-weighted averaging formula used nationwide. Accuracy depends on you entering correct scores and credit hours from your transcript. For official average verification (needed for scholarship applications, graduate school admissions, or employment), always check your university's student information system (学生信息系统) or request an official transcript (成绩单) from the registrar. Universities may have specific policies affecting official calculations that this general calculator cannot account for.