📊 Math

GPA to WAM Converter 2026

Convert grades between US GPA (4.0 scale), Australian WAM, UK degree classification, and Canadian percentage. Instant, bidirectional, free — for international students and applications.

Input Grade System

GPA (0–4.0)

—

🇺🇸 US GPA

—

US Letter Grade

—

🇦🇺 AU WAM

—

AU Grade Band

—

🇬🇧 UK Class

—

🇨🇦 CA Percentage

Conversion Reference Table

US GPA	US Letter	AU WAM	AU Band	UK Class	CA %
4.0	A	85–100	High Distinction	1st (70%+)	90–100%
3.7	A-	80–84	Distinction	1st (70%+)	85–89%
3.3	B+	75–79	Distinction	2:1 (60–69%)	80–84%
3.0	B	70–74	Credit	2:1 (60–69%)	75–79%
2.7	B-	65–69	Credit	2:2 (50–59%)	70–74%
2.3	C+	60–64	Credit	2:2 (50–59%)	65–69%
2.0	C	55–59	Pass	3rd (40–49%)	60–64%
1.7	C-	50–54	Pass	3rd (40–49%)	55–59%
1.0	D	40–49	Pass	Fail	50–54%
0.0	F	<40	Fail	Fail	<50%

How the GPA / WAM Converter Works

Anchor table: Each grading system is mapped to a common internal percentage scale. Your input is first converted to this internal scale, then converted to all other systems.
Bidirectional: Switch the input system to convert from any of the 4 systems to the others. The internal percentage scale ensures consistency.
Approximate: These conversions follow widely-used academic guidelines (WES, IDP, UCAS) but individual universities may apply different tables for admissions purposes.

Understanding Global Grading Systems

International students and graduates face a real challenge when applying to programs or jobs across borders: grading systems differ dramatically between countries. A US student applying to an Australian university needs to know if their 3.5 GPA meets the entry requirement. An Australian applying to a UK postgraduate program needs to know if their WAM 78 is equivalent to a 2:1.

US GPA System

The US uses a 4.0 grade point average scale. A 4.0 (A) is the highest; grades are typically weighted and averaged across all courses. A strong GPA for graduate school applications is typically 3.5+, though competitive programs often see averages of 3.7–3.9 among admitted students.

Australian WAM

Australian universities use a Weighted Average Mark (WAM), which is a percentage from 0 to 100. Bands are: High Distinction (HD, 85–100), Distinction (D, 75–84), Credit (CR, 65–74), Pass (P, 50–64), Fail (F, 0–49). WAMs are weighted by credit points of each subject.

UK Degree Classification

UK undergraduate degrees use four classification bands: First Class Honours (1st), Upper Second (2:1), Lower Second (2:2), and Third. Graduate programs in the UK typically require a 2:1 (equivalent to a US GPA of ~3.0–3.6) for entry. Many top programs require a 1st (70%+ UK, GPA 3.7+).

Also see our GPA calculator and grade calculator for related tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GPA and WAM?

GPA (Grade Point Average) is the US and Canadian grading system using a 4.0 scale, where A=4.0, B=3.0, C=2.0, D=1.0, F=0. WAM (Weighted Average Mark) is the Australian system, which uses a 0–100 percentage scale. A WAM of 85 roughly corresponds to a US GPA of 3.7–4.0 (High Distinction standard).

What is a First Class Honours in UK degree terms?

UK degrees use four classifications: First Class Honours (1st) = 70%+, Upper Second (2:1) = 60–69%, Lower Second (2:2) = 50–59%, Third = 40–49%. These broadly correspond to US GPAs of 3.7+, 3.0–3.6, 2.3–2.9, and 1.0–2.2 respectively.

How do I convert my Australian WAM to a US GPA?

A common conversion: WAM 85–100 ≈ GPA 4.0 (High Distinction), WAM 75–84 ≈ GPA 3.5–3.9 (Distinction), WAM 65–74 ≈ GPA 3.0–3.4 (Credit), WAM 50–64 ≈ GPA 2.0–2.9 (Pass). However, different universities and employers may use slightly different conversion tables.

Do US graduate schools accept Australian WAMs?

Yes. Most US graduate schools and professional programs (MBA, law, medicine) are familiar with WAMs and UK degree classifications. Many use World Education Services (WES) or similar organizations to formally evaluate international transcripts. The converter on this page gives you a working approximation to gauge competitiveness.

What is a good WAM for a graduate school application?

For competitive US graduate programs, a WAM of 80+ (High Distinction / Distinction range) is generally required. This corresponds roughly to a US GPA of 3.7+. Many top programs expect 85+ WAM for competitive research programs (PhDs). Always check with your target program's admissions requirements.

How does the Canadian percentage grade compare to a US GPA?

Canadian universities primarily use percentage grades. Common conversion: 90–100% ≈ GPA 4.0 (A), 80–89% ≈ GPA 3.7 (A-), 75–79% ≈ GPA 3.3 (B+), 70–74% ≈ GPA 3.0 (B), 65–69% ≈ GPA 2.7 (B-), 60–64% ≈ GPA 2.3 (C+). Note that Canadian universities vary in their grading leniency.