Hong Kong Degree Classification Calculator
Calculate your degree classification and Honours based on module grades and credits. Hong Kong uses a 4.3 GPA scale with First Class (80%+), Second Class Division I (70%+), Second Class Division II (60%+), and Third Class (50%+).
| Module Name (optional) | Grade (%) | Credits | |
|---|---|---|---|
Hong Kong Higher Education: GPA and Honours System
Hong Kong uses a highly standardized, US-influenced GPA system combined with British-style Honours classifications. The University Grants Committee (UGC) ensures high alignment across the "Big 8" institutions including HKU, CUHK, HKUST, and CityU.
| Typical Scale | 0.00 – 4.30 (Standard) or 0.00 – 4.00 |
| Typical Pass Mark | 1.0 (Grade D) / ~40% |
| Assessment Structure | CA (40-50%) + Final Exam (50-60%) |
| Credit System | 3 credits = 3 hours lecture/week |
Hong Kong University Grading Scale (4.3 System)
| Letter Grade | Grade Point | Approx. % |
|---|---|---|
| A+ | 4.30 | 90%+ |
| A | 4.00 | 85-89% |
| A- | 3.70 | 80-84% |
| B+ | 3.30 | 75-79% |
| B | 3.00 | 70-74% |
| B- | 2.70 | 65-69% |
| C+ | 2.30 | 60-64% |
| C | 2.00 | 55-59% |
| C- | 1.70 | 50-54% |
| D+ | 1.30 | 45-49% |
| D | 1.00 | 40-44% |
| F | 0.00 | <40% |
Source: HKU, HKUST, CityU, PolyU. CUHK traditionally uses a 4.0 scale (A = 4.0, A- = 3.7) but follows the same Honours divisions.
Degree Classification (Honours)
The final Graduation GPA (GGPA) or CGPA determines your Honours classification. Boards of Examiners may have limited discretion to award a higher class for borderline cases.
| Honours Classification | GPA Range | Approx. % (this calc) |
|---|---|---|
| First Class Honours | 3.60 – 4.30 | 80%+ |
| Second Class (Division I / 2:1) | 3.00 – 3.59 | 70% – 79% |
| Second Class (Division II / 2:2) | 2.40 – 2.99 | 60% – 69% |
| Third Class Honours | 1.70 – 2.39 | 50% – 59% |
| Pass | 1.00 – 1.69 | 40% – 49% |
Student guidance
Don't rely on retaking to "wipe out" an F! In Hong Kong, the original F (0.0) is permanent in your CGPA calculation. One fail can make it mathematically impossible to reach First Class Honours even with straight A's thereafter.
How the Calculation Works
GPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credits) ÷ Σ(Total Credits). This calculator uses percentage-weighted averages: Weighted Average = Σ(Mark × Credits) ÷ Σ(Credits).
Major Hong Kong Universities
| University | Scale | Pass Mark |
|---|---|---|
| HKU | 4.3 | 1.0 (D) |
| CUHK | 4.0 | 1.0 (D) |
| HKUST | 4.3 | 1.0 (D) |
| CityU | 4.3 | 1.0 (D) |
| PolyU | 4.3 | 1.0 (D) |
Related Calculators
Other degree classification calculators
Frequently Asked Questions About Hong Kong Degree Classification
More resources
For more on Hong Kong higher education and grading:
- Academic success guides — strategies for improving grades and hitting your target classification
- Our methodology — how we ensure accurate calculations