What is a passing grade in the United States?

 This is a question that always comes up around finals week. Whether you just moved to the United States or you are a student trying to figure out how to do in school you need to know what a passing grade is.

 

The answer is that it depends on the school you go to what you are studying and whether you are in school or college. In the United States a passing grade is not any number. A grade that is good enough to pass a class in school might not be good enough to pass a class in college.

 

Lets look at the American grading scale. We will explain what a passing grade is at every level of school and show you how to keep your grades good.

 

The standard American grading scale is from A to F. Middle schools, high schools and universities use this scale. The scale matches a percentage and a Grade Point Average, which is called a GPA on a 4.0 scale. Each school can make its rules but here is what the scale usually looks like:

 

  • Letter Grade: A, A-

 

  • Percentage Range: 90% – 100%

 

  • GPA Calculation: 3.7 – 4.0

 

  • Academic Standing: Excellent

 

  • Letter Grade: B+, B, B-

 

  • Percentage Range: 80% – 89%

 

  • GPA Calculation: 2.7 – 3.3

 

  • Academic Standing: Above Average

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  • Letter Grade: C+, C, C-

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  • Percentage Range: 70% – 79%

 

  • GPA Calculation: 1.7 – 2.3

 

  • Academic Standing:

 

  • Letter Grade: D+, D, D-

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  • Percentage Range: 60% – 69%

 

  • GPA Calculation: 0.7 – 1.3

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  • Academic Standing: Below Average

 

  • Letter Grade: F

 

  • Percentage Range: Below 60%

 

  • GPA Calculation: 0.0

 

  • Academic Standing: Failing

 

What is a passing grade in school? In high schools a D, which is 60% or higher is a passing grade. If you get a D you get the credit for the class. You can move on to the next grade.

 

There is something to remember: your overall GPA matters. If you get a lot of Ds your GPA will be low. Most high schools require you to have at least a 2.0 GPA to graduate. They also require this to play sports or be in clubs. Colleges do not like to see Ds on your transcript

 

What is a passing grade in college? In college what is a passing grade depends on the situation. A D is still a passing grade. It has a lot of conditions.

 

1. If you are taking a class that's not part of your major a D will give you the credit for the class.

 

2.. If the class is part of your major a D is like failing. You need to get a C or higher to pass.

 

You also need to remember that you need to have a 2.0 GPA to graduate from college. If you get a lot of Ds or Fs you will be in trouble. You might even lose your aid.

 

So how can you make sure you are doing well in school? You can use a tracker to see how you are doing. You can also use a Final Grade Calculator to see what you need to do to pass your classes.

 

Do not just try to get by. You can do well in school if you try. Go to CalcGrade.com. Use their calculator to make a plan to do well, in your classes.