Chinese Grading System [An Overall Guide]

The Chinese grading system is a big deal from elementary school to university. It uses a 100-mark scale to measure how well students are doing. This system doesn't only affect school performance but also impacts chances for higher education and jobs.

In China, every institution uses numerical grade ratings from 0 to 100. It usually breaks down: 90-100 is for excellent work, 80-89 is good, 70-79 is average, 60-69 is a pass, and below 60 is a fail. Each range shows a good snapshot of someone's knowledge of the subject.

However, the Chinese grading system can vary depending on where are the specific school. For example, some universities might have different grading scales or use methods like GPA (Grade Point Average) similar to what's used in the West. Mostly, China uses 5-scale grading, but 4-scale grading and Pass/Fail grading are also used in many reputed institutions. These differences show how education in China is diverse. Let’s explore the different grading systems used in Chinese academics.

If you need to calculate your grade regarding the Chinese grading system, use the Online Grade Calculator, select the Chinese Grading System, input your data, and your grade will be computed.

5 Scale Grading

5 scale grading is the most used grading system in Chinese schools, colleges, and universities. The 5 scale grading used in China is:

Letter Grade	Description Grade	Marks %
A	Excellent	90-100
B	Good	80-89
C	Average / Fair	70-79
D	Satisfactory / Pass	60-69
F	Fail	0-59

4 Scale Grading

4 scale grading is used in China where a “Pass” can’t be awarded. The 4 scale grading used in China is:

Letter Grade	Description Grade	Marks %
A	Excellent	85-100
B	Good	75-84
C	Average / Fair	60-74
D	Fail	0-59

Pass/Fail Grading

Many examinations in China use only a “Pass” or “Fail” grading system to express the result. 60% is the pass mark in China’s most exams.

Description Grade	Marks %
Pass	60-100
Fail	0-59

Conversion of Chinese to Other Grading Systems

Chinese Numeric Grade %
US Letter Grade
US GPA
90-100
A
4.0
80-89
B
3.0
70-79
C
2.0
60-69
D
1.0
0-59
F
0.0

Conclusion
The grading system in China mainly uses a 100-point scale. Here, 90-100 is excellent, 80-89 is good, 70-79 is average, 60-69 is a pass, and below 60 is a fail. This system is used in primary, secondary, and higher education. Some universities may also use a Grade Point Average (GPA) system similar to those in Western countries for a more detailed assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the grading system in China?

The grading system in China is a percentage-based numerical scale of 0-100. The grades are often grouped into bands like A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), D (60-69), and F (below 60), with 60% being the pass mark. Universities in China also use a similar numerical system and may include a GPA scale ranging from 0.0 to 4.0.

What is the pass mark in the Chinese grading system?

The pass mark in the Chinese grading system is 60 out of 100. This means that students in China need to achieve at least 60% to pass their exams and courses.

What grading system is used in Chinese schools?

Chinese schools use a 100-point scale with classifications: 90-100 for excellent, 80-89 for good, 70-79 for average, 60-69 for pass, and below 60 for fail. Some institutions also use a 4.0 GPA scale, a 5.0 scale for honors courses, and GCSE-style letter grades (A*-F) for certain programs.

What grading system do Chinese transcripts use?

Chinese transcripts use a 100-point numerical grading system. Scores are classified as follows: 90-100 for excellent, 80-89 for good, 70-79 for average, 60-69 for pass, and below 60 for fail.

What is the grading system used in the Gaokao exam?

The Gaokao exam uses a numerical grading system with a total score ranging from 0 to 750 points. The maximum score can vary by province. The scores are divided into sections for different subjects such as Chinese, Mathematics, and a choice of Science or Humanities subjects. Each section usually carries a maximum of 150 points.

Chinese Numeric Grade %	US Letter Grade	US GPA
90-100	A	4.0
80-89	B	3.0
70-79	C	2.0
60-69	D	1.0
0-59	F	0.0