German Grade Calculator (Modified Bavarian Formula)
Convert any percentage, GPA, or CGPA to the German 1–6 grade with the official Bavarian formula — full working, band table & reverse mode.
Common for Indian & many international marksheets
German grade (Modified Bavarian Formula)
1.9
gut (good)
Formula: x = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin)
x = 1 + 3 × (100 − 85) ÷ (100 − 50)
x = 1 + 3 × 15.00 ÷ 50.00 = 1.90
Rounded: 1.9 → gut (good)
| German grade | Meaning | English | ≈ ECTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 – 1.5 | sehr gut | very good | A |
| → 1.6 – 2.5 | gut | good | B |
| 2.6 – 3.5 | befriedigend | satisfactory | C |
| 3.6 – 4.0 | ausreichend | sufficient (pass) | D–E |
| 4.1 – 6.0 | nicht ausreichend | fail | F |
⚠️ Universities apply the Bavarian formula with their own Nmax/Nmin choices and may round differently — treat this as a strong estimate and always check the target university's own conversion (or uni-assist) for admissions.
🇩🇪The formula German universities actually use
Applying to a German university with foreign grades? Admissions offices convert your marks with the Modifizierte Bayerische Formel (Modified Bavarian Formula) — the standard set by the KMK and used by uni-assist and universities across Germany. This calculator applies exactly that formula, shows the full working, and maps your result onto the German 1–6 scale where 1.0 is the best and 4.0 is the last passing grade.
🧮How the conversion works
Nmax is the best possible mark in your system, Nmin the minimum pass mark, and Nd your actual mark. The formula linearly stretches your position between pass and perfect onto the German 1.0–4.0 band.
💡Reading your German grade
- 1.0–1.5 sehr gut (very good) — competitive for restricted (NC) programmes like medicine.
- 1.6–2.5 gut (good) — a strong grade; most master's programmes ask for 2.5 or better.
- 2.6–3.5 befriedigend (satisfactory) — admissible to many programmes, check requirements.
- 3.6–4.0 ausreichend (sufficient) — a pass; 4.0 is the famous 'Vier gewinnt' threshold.
- Lower is better in Germany — a 1.3 beats a 2.0. Yes, it surprises everyone at first.
⚠️Before you submit an application
Universities choose their own Nmax/Nmin interpretation of foreign scales, and some convert subject-by-subject rather than from the overall average. Use this tool to know where you stand and whether a programme's cut-off (NC) is realistic — then let uni-assist or the university's own office produce the binding number.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Modified Bavarian Formula?+
The official German method for converting foreign grades: x = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin), where Nmax is the best possible grade, Nmin the pass mark, and Nd your grade. The result lands on Germany's 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (pass) scale. It's used by uni-assist and virtually all German universities.
Is a German grade of 2.5 good?+
Yes — 2.5 sits at the boundary of 'gut' (good) and is the typical admission requirement for many master's programmes. Grades of 1.x are excellent and needed for highly restricted courses. Remember the scale is inverted: lower numbers are better.
What percentage do I need for a German 1.0?+
A 1.0 requires scoring at (or above) your system's maximum in the formula — with a 100-max/50-pass scale, exactly 100%. A 90% converts to 1.6, and 95% to 1.3. Try your own numbers in the calculator to see the working.
Why does the pass mark (Nmin) change my result?+
The formula measures where you stand between pass and perfect. If pass is 50%, an 85% is 70% of the way up that range (grade 1.9); if pass is 40%, the same 85% is 75% of the way (grade 1.75). Always use the actual pass mark printed in your grading system.