French University Grade Calculator
Convert French Grades (0-20 Scale) to GPA, Percentage & Calculate Weighted Averages
Table of Contents
Convert French Grade
Enter your French university grade out of 20
Conversion Results
Calculate Weighted Average
Course 1
ECTS credits or course coefficient
Your Weighted Average
What is the French Grading System?
The French university grading system is a numerical evaluation framework used across all French higher education institutions, ranging from 0 to 20, where 20 represents the highest achievable grade and 0 the lowest. This distinctive system, implemented since 1890 with the French baccalauréat examination, reflects France's rigorous academic culture and commitment to educational excellence.
Unlike percentage-based or letter-grade systems used in many countries, the French 0-20 scale provides fine-grained assessment precision while maintaining strict standards. The system is deeply embedded in French educational philosophy, where achieving high grades requires exceptional performance and mastery rather than merely completing requirements satisfactorily.
Understanding the 0-20 Grading Scale
In French universities, a grade of 10 out of 20 represents the minimum threshold for passing. This passing grade, called "la moyenne" (the average), is essential for earning course credit and progressing through academic programs. Students must achieve an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all courses to advance to the next academic year.
The French grading system is characterized by its difficulty in achieving top marks. Grades above 16 are considered exceptional and are rarely awarded, even to highly capable students. Scores of 18-20 are extremely rare, typically reserved for work demonstrating truly outstanding achievement, original thought, and comprehensive mastery beyond standard expectations.
French Grade Classifications
| Grade Range | French Term | English Translation | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 - 20 | Très bien | Very Good | Excellent work showing exceptional understanding and mastery |
| 14 - 15.9 | Bien | Good | Strong performance demonstrating solid competence |
| 12 - 13.9 | Assez bien | Fairly Good | Satisfactory work with good understanding of material |
| 10 - 11.9 | Passable | Satisfactory | Adequate performance meeting minimum requirements |
| 0 - 9.9 | Insuffisant / Ajourné | Insufficient / Failed | Performance below passing standard (no credit awarded) |
Honors Distinctions
French universities award official honors mentions (mentions) on diplomas based on overall academic performance throughout the degree program. These distinctions carry significant weight for graduate admissions, employment, and professional opportunities:
- Mention Très Bien: Weighted average of 16/20 or above (With Very High Honors)
- Mention Bien: Weighted average of 14-15.9/20 (With High Honors)
- Mention Assez Bien: Weighted average of 12-13.9/20 (With Honors)
- Passable: Weighted average of 10-11.9/20 (Pass without honors)
Achieving "Mention Très Bien" is particularly prestigious, as it indicates sustained excellent performance throughout the entire degree program. This distinction is earned by a small percentage of students and significantly enhances graduate school applications and career prospects.
French Grading Culture and Philosophy
The French academic system emphasizes critical thinking, analytical depth, and intellectual rigor. Professors grade not just on content knowledge but on argumentation quality, analytical sophistication, originality of thought, and clarity of expression. This explains why even excellent students rarely receive grades above 16.
French universities maintain that perfection is theoretical rather than practical, reserving the highest grades (18-20) for work that approaches theoretical perfection. A grade of 14-15, considered "good" in France, often represents achievement comparable to an A or A- in American universities, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural context when interpreting French grades.
International Student Note: International students often find French grading stricter than their home systems. A grade that seems low by international standards may actually represent strong performance in the French context. Always compare grades within the French classification system rather than direct numerical equivalents.
Formulas & Calculation Methods
Understanding the mathematical formulas used in French grade calculations enables accurate computation of academic performance, conversion to international systems, and strategic academic planning. French universities use standardized formulas that maintain consistency across institutions while allowing for disciplinary variations.
Weighted Average Calculation
The fundamental calculation in French universities is the weighted average, which accounts for the varying importance of different courses through ECTS credits or coefficients. This formula determines overall semester or annual performance:
Where:
Σ (Sigma): Sum of all values
Grade: Individual course grade on 0-20 scale
Credits: ECTS credits or coefficient for each course
Expanded form: [(G₁×C₁) + (G₂×C₂) + (G₃×C₃) + ...] / [C₁ + C₂ + C₃ + ...]
Step-by-Step Weighted Average Example
Student Course Grades
• Mathematics: 15/20 (6 ECTS credits)
• Physics: 13/20 (5 ECTS credits)
• French Literature: 14/20 (4 ECTS credits)
• History: 12/20 (3 ECTS credits)
Step 1: Calculate Weighted Values
Mathematics: 15 × 6 = 90
Physics: 13 × 5 = 65
French Literature: 14 × 4 = 56
History: 12 × 3 = 36
Step 2: Sum Weighted Values
Total = 90 + 65 + 56 + 36 = 247
Step 3: Sum Credits
Total Credits = 6 + 5 + 4 + 3 = 18
Step 4: Calculate Weighted Average
Weighted Average = 247 / 18 = 13.72/20
Classification: Assez bien (Fairly Good)
French Grade to US GPA Conversion Formula
Converting French grades to the US 4.0 GPA scale requires understanding that the systems measure achievement differently. Multiple conversion methods exist, with varying accuracy depending on context:
Linear Conversion Method:
GPA = (French Grade - 10) × 0.4
Range-Based Conversion:
16-20 → 4.0 (A)
14-15.9 → 3.3-3.7 (B+)
12-13.9 → 3.0 (B)
10-11.9 → 2.0 (C)
Below 10 → 0.0 (F)
French Grade to Percentage Conversion
Two common methods convert French grades to percentages, each with different philosophical approaches:
Direct Multiplication Method:
Percentage = French Grade × 5
Example: 14/20 = 70%, 16/20 = 80%
Adjusted Method (Accounting for Difficulty):
Percentage = 40 + (French Grade × 3)
Example: 14/20 = 82%, 16/20 = 88%
This method accounts for French grading rigor by ensuring 10/20 = 70% (typical C)
French Grade to ECTS Letter Grade Conversion
French universities convert their numerical grades to ECTS letter grades for international mobility and comparison:
| French Grade | ECTS Grade | Description | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 - 20 | A | Excellent | Top 10% of students |
| 14 - 15.9 | B | Very Good | Next 25% of students |
| 12 - 13.9 | C | Good | Next 30% of students |
| 10 - 11.9 | D | Satisfactory | Next 25% of students |
| Below 10 | E/F | Fail | Non-passing performance |
Compensation Rules (Rattrapage)
French universities apply compensation rules allowing students to pass despite failing individual courses, provided their weighted average meets requirements:
Compensation Condition:
IF Weighted Average ≥ 10/20 AND No grade < 7/20
THEN Student passes semester/year
This allows strong performance in some courses to compensate for weaker performance in others, as long as the overall average meets the passing threshold.
Uses of French Grade Conversion
Understanding French grade calculations and conversions serves multiple critical purposes for students, universities, and employers navigating the international academic landscape. The ability to accurately interpret and convert French grades facilitates educational mobility, career opportunities, and fair academic assessment across different systems.
International University Applications
Students from French universities applying to graduate programs abroad must convert their grades to systems familiar to foreign admissions committees. American universities require GPA conversions, UK institutions expect percentage or classification equivalents, and other European universities use ECTS grade comparisons. Accurate conversion ensures French students are fairly evaluated against international applicants.
Conversely, international students applying to French universities must understand the French grading system to set realistic expectations. A student accustomed to receiving A grades in their home country may initially struggle to achieve 16/20 in France, not due to decreased performance but due to different grading philosophies and standards.
Scholarship and Fellowship Applications
Many international scholarship programs require GPA thresholds expressed in specific systems. French students applying for Fulbright, Rhodes, or Gates Cambridge scholarships must convert their French grades to demonstrate eligibility. The conversion method used can significantly impact competitiveness, making accurate calculation essential.
French government scholarships like those from Campus France evaluate international applicants' grades by converting them to the French 0-20 scale. Understanding this conversion helps international students assess their eligibility and competitiveness before investing time in applications.
Academic Progress Monitoring
French students use weighted average calculations to monitor their academic standing throughout the semester. Understanding how different course grades and credits contribute to overall performance enables strategic decisions about study time allocation, course selection, and whether additional effort in specific courses will meaningfully impact final averages.
Universities use weighted averages to determine progression eligibility, honors classifications, and academic probation status. Students on the borderline between passing and failing, or between honors classifications, can calculate exactly what grades they need in remaining assessments to achieve their targets.
Professional Credential Evaluation
When French graduates seek employment abroad or pursue professional licensure in other countries, credential evaluation agencies must convert French grades to local equivalents. Organizations like World Education Services (WES) in North America or UK NARIC use standardized conversion formulas to assess French qualifications fairly alongside domestic credentials.
Employers in France increasingly recruit internationally, requiring them to understand foreign grading systems and convert them to French equivalents for fair comparison. A hiring manager evaluating candidates with degrees from France, the United States, and India needs conversion tools to compare academic achievements objectively.
Exchange Program Planning
Students participating in Erasmus+ or bilateral exchange programs must understand how grades earned abroad will transfer back to their French home institution. French universities receiving exchange students need to convert foreign grades to the 0-20 scale for transcript recording and progression decisions.
Learning agreements specify how grades will be converted, and students can use conversion calculators to predict how their exchange performance will affect their overall French GPA. This enables informed decisions about course difficulty and workload during exchanges.
Graduate School Admissions to French Programs
French Master's and PhD programs typically require strong undergraduate performance, often specified as minimum weighted averages (e.g., "Mention Bien" or 14/20 minimum). International applicants must convert their grades to understand whether they meet eligibility thresholds and how competitive their applications will be.
Competitive French programs like those at Sciences Po, École Normale Supérieure, or HEC Paris receive applications from worldwide. Admissions committees use grade conversions to identify top performers across different educational systems, making accurate conversion essential for fair selection.
Research Position Applications
French doctoral students applying for postdoctoral positions internationally must convert their grades and thesis evaluations (often expressed as mentions like "Très Honorable avec Félicitations") to systems recognizable by foreign research institutions. Similarly, international postdocs applying to French laboratories must understand French academic evaluation standards.
Strategic Application Tip: When converting French grades for international applications, always include context. Note that the French system is rigorous, grades above 16 are rare, and a grade of 14-15 represents strong performance. Providing this context helps admissions committees accurately interpret your achievements.
How to Use This Calculator
This comprehensive calculator provides two primary functions: converting French grades to international systems (GPA, percentage, ECTS) and calculating weighted averages for multiple courses. Follow these detailed instructions to maximize the calculator's utility for your specific needs.
Grade Conversion Calculator
Use this tool when you need to convert a single French grade or your overall average to another grading system for applications, transcripts, or personal understanding.
Step 1: Select the Conversion Tab
Click the "Grade Conversion" tab at the top of the calculator interface to access the single-grade conversion tool.
Step 2: Enter Your French Grade
Input your French grade on the 0-20 scale in the provided field. You can enter grades with one decimal place (e.g., 13.5, 15.2, 11.8). This should be either an individual course grade from your transcript or your calculated weighted average across multiple courses. French universities typically report grades to one or two decimal places.
Step 3: Select Conversion Target
Choose what system you want to convert to from the dropdown menu:
- All Systems: See conversions to US GPA, percentage, and ECTS simultaneously
- US GPA: Convert specifically to the 4.0 scale used by American universities
- Percentage: Convert to a 0-100% scale commonly used in Commonwealth countries
- ECTS Letter Grade: Convert to European letter grades (A-F) for exchange programs
Step 4: Calculate and Review
Click "Convert Grade" to see your results. The calculator displays the converted grade(s), French classification (Très bien, Bien, etc.), and detailed interpretation explaining what your grade means in both French and target system contexts. Use these conversions for completing application forms, updating your CV, or understanding your academic standing in international terms.
Weighted Average Calculator
Use this tool to calculate your overall semester or annual average when you have multiple courses with different credit values or coefficients.
Step 1: Select the Weighted Average Tab
Click the "Weighted Average" tab to access the multi-course calculation tool. This tab starts with one course entry field and allows you to add more courses as needed.
Step 2: Enter First Course Information
For the first course, enter two pieces of information:
- Course Grade (0-20): Your grade for this specific course from your transcript or examination results
- Credits/Coefficient: The ECTS credit value or coefficient assigned to this course. Most French university courses carry 3-6 ECTS credits. Check your course syllabus or student information system for exact values.
Step 3: Add Additional Courses
Click the "+ Add Another Course" button to add more course entry fields. Repeat for each course you want to include in your weighted average calculation. You can include all courses from a semester, an entire academic year, or your complete degree program. To remove a course, click the red "Remove Course" button that appears for each entry after the first.
Step 4: Calculate Your Weighted Average
Once all courses are entered, click "Calculate Weighted Average." The calculator applies the weighted average formula: Σ(Grade × Credits) / Σ(Credits), computing your overall average. The result shows:
- Your weighted average grade on the 0-20 scale
- French classification (Très bien, Bien, Assez bien, Passable, or Insuffisant)
- Detailed interpretation including whether you pass, what honors you might receive, and conversions to other systems
- Breakdown showing total points earned and total credits
Practical Application Examples
- For semester planning: Enter your current course grades and credits mid-semester to see your running average and determine what grades you need in remaining assessments to achieve your target overall grade
- For degree planning: Calculate your cumulative average across all completed semesters to understand your current standing toward honors distinctions and identify areas for improvement
- For application preparation: Calculate your overall weighted average, then use the conversion calculator to express it in the format required by your target universities or employers
- For scenario testing: Test different hypothetical grades to understand how performance in upcoming exams will affect your overall average, enabling strategic study prioritization
Important Verification: While this calculator uses standard formulas, always verify your official grades and weighted averages with your university's student records office or transcript. Some French institutions may apply specific rounding rules, compensation policies, or weighting schemes that affect final calculations.
How This Calculator Works
This calculator implements official French grading standards and widely recognized international conversion formulas. Understanding the underlying methodology ensures confidence in results and helps you apply these principles to various academic scenarios beyond the calculator.
Grade Conversion Methodology
French Grade to International Systems Conversion Process
Step 1: Input Validation
The calculator first validates that the entered French grade falls within the valid 0-20 range. Grades outside this range are rejected as invalid. The system accepts grades with decimal precision up to one decimal place, matching standard French university reporting practices.
Step 2: French Classification Determination
The system applies conditional logic to assign the appropriate French classification:
• 16.0 ≤ Grade ≤ 20.0 → Très bien (Very Good)
• 14.0 ≤ Grade < 16.0 → Bien (Good)
• 12.0 ≤ Grade < 14.0 → Assez bien (Fairly Good)
• 10.0 ≤ Grade < 12.0 → Passable (Satisfactory)
• Grade < 10.0 → Insuffisant (Insufficient/Fail)
Step 3: GPA Conversion
For US GPA conversion, the calculator uses the linear formula:
GPA = (French Grade - 10) × 0.4
This formula maps the French passing range (10-20) to the US GPA range (0-4.0). For example, French 10 = GPA 0.0, French 15 = GPA 2.0, French 20 = GPA 4.0. The result is rounded to two decimal places for standard GPA reporting.
Step 4: Percentage Conversion
The calculator offers two percentage conversion methods:
Direct Method: Percentage = French Grade × 5
Adjusted Method: Percentage = 40 + (French Grade × 3)
The adjusted method accounts for French grading rigor by ensuring that the minimum passing grade (10/20) converts to 70%, aligning with typical percentage passing thresholds in other systems.
Step 5: ECTS Grade Assignment
The ECTS letter grade is assigned based on standardized European conversion ranges:
• 16-20 → A (Excellent)
• 14-15.9 → B (Very Good)
• 12-13.9 → C (Good)
• 10-11.9 → D (Satisfactory)
• Below 10 → E/F (Fail)
Weighted Average Calculation Methodology
Multi-Course Weighted Average Process
Step 1: Data Collection and Validation
The calculator collects grade and credit information for each course entered. Each course grade must be 0-20, and credits must be positive numbers. The system accepts half-credit values (0.5 increments) as French universities sometimes use partial credit allocations.
Step 2: Weighted Value Calculation
For each course, the calculator computes:
Weighted Value = Course Grade × Course Credits
This multiplication ensures courses with more credits have proportionally greater influence on the overall average.
Step 3: Summation
The system sums all weighted values to get the total points earned:
Total Points = Σ(Grade × Credits)
It also sums all credit values:
Total Credits = Σ(Credits)
Step 4: Average Computation
The weighted average is calculated by dividing total points by total credits:
Weighted Average = Total Points / Total Credits
The result is rounded to two decimal places, matching French university transcript precision.
Step 5: Results Interpretation
The calculator provides comprehensive interpretation including:
• Weighted average on 0-20 scale
• French classification and honors eligibility
• Pass/fail determination (≥10 passes, <10 fails)
• Conversions to GPA and percentage equivalents
• Total points and credits breakdown
Accuracy and Standards Compliance
This calculator's methodology is based on:
- French Ministry of Higher Education Guidelines: Official standards for grading and classification in French universities
- European Commission ECTS Guidelines: Standardized conversion principles for European academic mobility
- Major French Universities' Conversion Tables: Verified against Sorbonne, Sciences Po, École Polytechnique, and other leading institutions
- International Credential Evaluation Standards: Aligned with WES, UK NARIC, and other credential evaluation agencies
The formulas used represent the most widely accepted conversion standards. However, individual universities or specific programs may have slight variations in their conversion policies. The calculator provides reliable estimates suitable for planning purposes, though official conversions for applications should always be verified with target institutions.
Technical Implementation
The calculator operates entirely client-side using JavaScript, meaning all calculations occur in your web browser without transmitting data to external servers. This ensures complete privacy of your academic information. The calculation engine uses standard mathematical operations with appropriate precision handling to prevent rounding errors in intermediate calculations while presenting results in user-friendly formats.
Methodological Note: Grade conversions are inherently imperfect because different systems measure achievement through different philosophical frameworks. The French system emphasizes rigor and rarely awards top marks, while other systems may be more generous. Conversions provide reasonable equivalents but cannot capture all nuances. Always provide contextual explanations alongside converted grades in applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
The French university grading system uses a 0-20 scale where 20 is the highest possible grade and 0 is the lowest. A grade of 10 out of 20 is the minimum passing mark, called "la moyenne." The system is classified as: 16-20 (Très bien/Very Good), 14-15.9 (Bien/Good), 12-13.9 (Assez bien/Fairly Good), 10-11.9 (Passable/Satisfactory), and 0-9.9 (Insuffisant/Fail). Grades above 16 are considered excellent and are rarely awarded, as French universities maintain rigorous academic standards. The system reflects French educational philosophy that views high achievement as difficult to attain and reserves top grades for truly exceptional work. This 0-20 scale has been used since 1890 and is standardized across all French higher education institutions.
French grades convert to US GPA using the formula: GPA = (French Grade - 10) × 0.4. This maps the French passing range (10-20) to the US GPA range (0-4.0). For example, French 10 = GPA 0.0, French 15 = GPA 2.0, French 20 = GPA 4.0. Alternatively, use range-based conversion: 16-20 = 4.0 (A), 14-15.9 = 3.3-3.7 (B+), 12-13.9 = 3.0 (B), 10-11.9 = 2.0 (C), and below 10 = 0.0 (F). A more precise formula is GPA = (French Grade - 10) / 2.5, giving French 15 = GPA 2.0 and French 17.5 = GPA 3.0. However, conversion can vary by institution, so always verify with your target university's specific conversion policy. Context is crucial: a French 14/20 often represents achievement comparable to a US A- or B+.
In French universities, a grade of 12-13.9 is considered "Assez bien" (Fairly Good) and represents solid performance that meets expectations well. Grades of 14-15.9 are "Bien" (Good) and indicate strong academic achievement—this is considered very good performance by French standards. Grades of 16 or above are "Très bien" (Very Good) and are considered excellent, though they are rarely awarded due to strict grading standards. For most purposes including graduate admissions and employment, grades of 14 or higher are highly competitive. A grade of 12-13 is respectable and sufficient for most opportunities, while anything above 15 is exceptional. The average French university student typically earns grades between 10-14, making grades above 14 particularly noteworthy and prestigious.
To calculate a weighted average in French universities, use the formula: Weighted Average = Σ(Grade × Credits) / Σ(Credits). For each course, multiply the grade by its ECTS credit value or coefficient. Sum all these products to get total points. Then sum all the credit values to get total credits. Finally, divide total points by total credits. For example, if you scored 15 in a 6-credit course, 13 in a 4-credit course, and 14 in a 5-credit course: Total Points = (15×6) + (13×4) + (14×5) = 90 + 52 + 70 = 212. Total Credits = 6 + 4 + 5 = 15. Weighted Average = 212 / 15 = 14.13/20. Students must maintain a weighted average of at least 10/20 to pass the academic year. This calculation determines progression, honors classifications, and eligibility for further studies.
A grade of 10 out of 20 is the minimum passing grade in French universities, called "la moyenne" (the average). It is classified as "Passable" (Satisfactory) and indicates that the student has met the basic requirements but with significant room for improvement. While 10/20 allows students to earn credit for the course and progress in their studies, it is considered barely adequate performance. French universities require an overall weighted average of at least 10/20 across all courses to pass the academic year and advance to the next level. A student with exactly 10/20 passes but without any honors distinction. In the French system's rigorous standards, achieving even this minimum requires demonstrating fundamental understanding of course material, though not at a level that would be competitive for selective opportunities.
Yes, 15 out of 20 is considered a very good grade in the French university system. It falls in the "Bien" (Good) classification (14-15.9 range) and indicates strong academic performance demonstrating solid competence and understanding. A grade of 15 is competitive for most opportunities including selective graduate program admissions, competitive scholarships, and desirable employment positions. In the context of French grading rigor where high grades are difficult to achieve and professors rarely award marks above 16, a 15/20 represents above-average achievement. This grade demonstrates that you have not just met requirements but have shown good mastery of the subject matter. For international comparison, a French 15/20 is roughly equivalent to an A- or B+ in American universities, or a high 2:1 in the UK system, illustrating its strong standing.
To convert French grades to percentage, two methods are commonly used. The direct method multiplies the French grade by 5: Percentage = French Grade × 5. For example, 16/20 = 80%, 14/20 = 70%, 12/20 = 60%, and 10/20 = 50%. However, this simple conversion doesn't account for French grading rigor. An alternative adjusted method better reflects academic standards: Percentage = 40 + (French Grade × 3). This gives 10/20 = 70%, 14/20 = 82%, 16/20 = 88%, and 20/20 = 100%. The adjusted method ensures that the minimum passing grade (10/20) converts to 70%, which aligns with typical C-grade percentage thresholds in other systems. The adjusted method is generally more appropriate for international applications as it contextualizes the difficulty of the French system where achieving high numerical grades is notably challenging.
Yes, all French universities use the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) as part of the Bologna Process harmonization of European higher education. French students earn 30 ECTS credits per semester for full-time study, totaling 60 credits per academic year. A Bachelor's degree (Licence) requires 180 ECTS credits over three years, while a Master's requires 120 additional credits over two years. Each ECTS credit represents 25-30 hours of total student workload including lectures, independent study, and assessments. While ECTS measures the workload and time investment required for courses, the 0-20 grading scale measures the quality of academic performance. French universities also convert their numerical grades to ECTS letter grades (A-F) for international purposes, particularly for exchange programs and cross-border academic mobility within Europe.
"Mention Très Bien" (With Very High Honors) is the highest honors distinction in French universities, awarded to students with a weighted average of 16/20 or above across their entire degree program. This distinction appears prominently on diplomas and transcripts, signifying exceptional sustained academic achievement. Mention Très Bien is rare and highly prestigious, typically earned by only a small percentage of graduates. It significantly enhances graduate school applications, scholarship eligibility, and career prospects. The three levels of honors in ascending order are: Mention Assez Bien (12-13.9/20), Mention Bien (14-15.9/20), and Mention Très Bien (16-20/20). These honors are awarded based on overall degree performance, not individual courses, requiring consistent excellence throughout the program. Achieving Mention Très Bien opens doors to elite opportunities in France and internationally.
French university grading is notably strict and rigorous compared to many international systems. Professors rarely award grades above 16/20, and achieving 18-20 is extremely uncommon, reserved exclusively for work approaching theoretical perfection. The average French university student typically earns grades between 10-14, with grades above 14 representing strong performance. This rigor reflects deep-rooted French academic culture that views education as inherently demanding and excellence as difficult to achieve. French professors grade not just on content knowledge but on analytical sophistication, argumentation quality, critical thinking, and clarity of expression. International students often find French grading stricter than their home systems, with grades that may seem low by international standards actually representing solid performance. A grade of 14/20 in France may represent similar achievement to an A- or B+ in US universities, highlighting the importance of understanding cultural context when interpreting and comparing grades internationally.