Canadian Grading System: GPA Scale and Percentages
How Canadian universities use 4.0 and 4.3 GPA scales, why Canadian percentages differ from US ones, and how to convert for international applications.
Canada's university grading system
Canada does not have a single federal grading standard — each province and university sets its own policies. However, GPA-based grading on a 4.0 or 4.3 scale is the dominant system at the university level across all provinces.
| Grade | Percentage (typical) | Grade Points | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ / 4.0 or 4.3 | 90–100% | 4.0 or 4.3 | Exceptional |
| A / 4.0 | 85–89% | 4.0 | Excellent |
| A− / 3.7 | 80–84% | 3.7 | Very good |
| B+ / 3.3 | 77–79% | 3.3 | Good |
| B / 3.0 | 73–76% | 3.0 | Good |
| B− / 2.7 | 70–72% | 2.7 | Satisfactory |
| C+ / 2.3 | 67–69% | 2.3 | Average |
| C / 2.0 | 63–66% | 2.0 | Average |
| C− / 1.7 | 60–62% | 1.7 | Below average |
| D / 1.0 | 50–59% | 1.0 | Minimal pass |
| F / 0.0 | < 50% | 0.0 | Fail |
Key difference from the US: percentage bands
The most important difference for international students is that Canadian universities typically set an A at 80% or above, whereas US universities usually set an A at 90% or above. This means a Canadian student with 85% is earning an A, while the same raw score at a US institution would typically be a B. Never compare raw percentages across the two systems.
Quebec and French-speaking institutions
Quebec universities (particularly francophone institutions) may use a different percentage scale or a letter-grade system with different cutoffs. CEGEP (pre-university college) grades are on a percentage scale with 60% as a pass and are not directly comparable to university GPA.
Frequently asked questions
Does Canada use the 4.0 or 4.3 GPA scale?
It depends on the university. Most Canadian universities use a 4.0 scale (the same as the US). Some — including several Ontario universities and McGill — use a 4.3 scale where an A+ earns 4.3 instead of 4.0. Always check the specific institution's grading policy when converting.
How does a Canadian GPA convert to a US GPA?
On a 4.0 scale, Canadian and US GPA figures are directly comparable — a 3.5 means the same thing at a Canadian or American university using the same scale. On a 4.3 scale, divide by 4.3 and multiply by 4.0 to get the US equivalent (e.g., 3.9 ÷ 4.3 × 4.0 ≈ 3.63).
Do Canadian provinces grade differently?
Yes, especially at the high-school level. Ontario uses a percentage system (50% pass), while British Columbia, Alberta, and most other provinces also use percentages but with slightly different band definitions. University-level grading is more standardised through the 4.0/4.3 GPA system.
What percentage is a Canadian A?
Most Canadian universities define an A as 80% or above (compared to 90% in the US). An A+ is typically 90%+, and an A− is 75–79% at most institutions, though this varies. Always consult the specific university's official grading scale.
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