Japan GPA
& grading scale
Quick answer: Since MEXT standardization, most Japanese universities use S/A/B/C letter grades tied to percentage bands and a credit-weighted 4.0 GPA. S (90+) is exemplary and C (60–69) is the lowest pass.
Japan → US GPA
How the Japan grading scale works
Since MEXT standardization, most Japanese universities use S/A/B/C letter grades tied to percentage bands and a credit-weighted 4.0 GPA. S (90+) is exemplary and C (60–69) is the lowest pass.
Grade scale
| Grade / range | Meaning (≈ US) |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | 秀 / S — Exemplary (A+/A) |
| 80–89 | 優 / A — Very Good (A) |
| 70–79 | 良 / B — Good (B) |
| 60–69 | 可 / C — Satisfactory (C) |
| 0–59 | 不可 / F — Fail (F) |
Formula
GPA = sum(grade points x credits) / sum(credits), S=4, A=3, B=2, C=1, F=0. Percentage maps to the US 4.0 by band.
Worked example
An 85% course = 優/A band -> ~3.7 on the US 4.0 scale.
Converting to a US GPA
Enter your grade in the calculator above to estimate the US 4.0 equivalent, and download a PDF that cites the source. You can also use the dedicated Japan grade → US GPA converter for credit-weighted results. For a full multi-country matrix use the grade conversion tool.