Canadian Grading System Explained: GPA vs. Percentage vs. Letter Grades
Are you a student in Canada (or planning to study there) and confused about how grades work? The Canadian grading system can vary by province and university, with different scales like GPA, percentages, and letter grades.
Whether you're applying for scholarships, jobs, or further studies, understanding how to convert GPA to percentage or interpret letter grades is crucial.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how your grades translate across different systems—helping you plan your academic and career path effectively.
How Does the Canadian Grading System Work?
Canada doesn’t have a single national grading system—each province and university may use different scales. However, most follow a mix of:
Letter Grades (A+, B-, etc.)
Percentage Scores (85%, 72%, etc.)
GPA (4.0, 4.33, or 9.0 scale)
Some universities (like UBC, McGill, and U of T) use a 4.0 GPA scale, while others (like York University and University of Waterloo) use a 4.33 scale. Meanwhile, some schools (like McGill) even use a unique 4.0 scale where an A+ = 4.0.
🔹 Key Takeaway: Always check your university’s official grading policy before converting grades.
Canadian GPA Scales Compared
1. The 4.0 GPA Scale (Most Common)
Used by: University of British Columbia (UBC), University of Toronto (U of T), McGill University
| Letter Grade | GPA (4.0 Scale) | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.0 | 90-100% |
| A | 4.0 | 85-89% |
| A- | 3.7 | 80-84% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 77-79% |
| B | 3.0 | 73-76% |
| B- | 2.7 | 70-72% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 65-69% |
| C | 2.0 | 60-64% |
| D | 1.0 | 50-59% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 50% |
2. The 4.33 GPA Scale (Used by Some Universities)
Used by: York University, University of Waterloo, Simon Fraser University (SFU)
| Letter Grade | GPA (4.33 Scale) | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.33 | 90-100% |
| A | 4.0 | 85-89% |
| A- | 3.7 | 80-84% |
| B+ | 3.3 | 77-79% |
| B | 3.0 | 73-76% |
| B- | 2.7 | 70-72% |
| C+ | 2.3 | 65-69% |
| C | 2.0 | 60-64% |
| D | 1.0 | 50-59% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 50% |
3. The 9.0 GPA Scale (Used by Some Schools)
Example: University of Alberta (modified 9.0 scale)
| Letter Grade | GPA (9.0 Scale) | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 9.0 | 95-100% |
| A | 8.0 | 86-94% |
| A- | 7.0 | 80-85% |
| B+ | 6.0 | 77-79% |
| B | 5.0 | 73-76% |
| B- | 4.0 | 70-72% |
| C+ | 3.0 | 66-69% |
| C | 2.0 | 62-65% |
| D+ | 1.0 | 55-61% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 55% |
How to Convert GPA to Percentage in Canada
Since different schools use different scales, conversion methods vary. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Using a Standard Formula
For 4.0 GPA Scale:
Percentage=(GPA/4.0)×100Percentage=(GPA/4.0)×100
(Example: 3.5 GPA → (3.5/4.0) × 100 = 87.5%)
For 4.33 GPA Scale:
Percentage=(GPA/4.33)×100Percentage=(GPA/4.33)×100
(Example: 3.8 GPA → (3.8/4.33) × 100 ≈ 87.7%)
📌 Need a quick conversion? Use our GPA to Percentage Converter for accurate results!
Method 2: University-Specific Conversion Tables
Some schools (like McGill) provide their own conversion charts. Always check your university’s grading policy.
FAQs on Canadian Grading System
1. Is a 4.0 GPA in Canada the same as in the US?
Not always! Some Canadian schools use a 4.33 scale, meaning a 4.0 GPA is an A (not A+).
2. How do I convert my percentage to GPA?
Use your university’s grading scale. For example:
85% at UBC (4.0 scale) = A = 4.0 GPA
85% at YorkU (4.33 scale) = A = 4.0 GPA
3. What is a "good" GPA in Canada?
3.0+ (B average) = Decent for most jobs
3.5+ (A- average) = Competitive for grad school
3.7+ (A average) = Strong for scholarships
4. Do Canadian employers look at GPA or percentage?
Most prefer percentage grades, but some accept GPA. Always check job requirements.
Final Thoughts: Always Check Your University’s Grading Policy
Since grading systems vary across Canada, never assume your GPA converts the same everywhere.
📢 Need help? Comment below with your university and grades, and we’ll help you convert them!
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