Mali Grading System Calculator

Calculate semester GPA on Mali's 0–20 LMD scale. Credit-weighted averages, compensation rules, and Mention grades. Free calculator.

GPA CalculatorCalculate semester or single-term GPA from course gradesTry it

CGPA Calculator

Transparent, accurate CGPA calculation with step-by-step breakdown

More than just a calculator: See exactly how each course contributes to your CGPA with transparent grade-to-point mapping and detailed breakdowns

Your Courses

Add courses with grades and credits to calculate your CGPA

Course Name	Grade	Grade Points	Credits
		-

Course 1

Grade *

Credits *

How CGPA is Calculated

Formula:

CGPA = Σ(Grade Points × Credits) ÷ Σ(Credits)

Example:

Math: A (4.0) × 3 credits = 12.0

Physics: B+ (3.5) × 4 credits = 14.0

Total: 26.0 quality points

Total: 7 credits

CGPA = 26.0 ÷ 7 = 3.71

Higher credit courses have more impact on your CGPA. A 4-credit course affects your average twice as much as a 2-credit course.

Tip:

For the most accurate result, copy grades and credits directly from your transcript and confirm your institution's grade-to-point table before calculating.

Using the calculator above: Select Custom scale and enter your marks out of 20 (e.g. 12, 14, 10.5) and credits per UE. The result is your Moyenne du Semestre (MGS) out of 20.

Grading System Overview (Mali)

LMD framework with 0–20 scale and ECTS-equivalent credits

In the Republic of Mali, higher education is modeled on the LMD (Licence-Master-Doctorat) framework, a standardization used across French-speaking Africa through REESAO (Réseau pour l'Excellence de l'Enseignement Supérieur en Afrique de l'Ouest). The system relies on a 20-point numerical scale and a credit-weighted averaging method.

Malian universities assess performance through Contrôle Continu (continuous assessment) and Examen Final (final exams). A course is known as an Unité d'Enseignement (UE), which may be subdivided into Éléments Constitutifs (EC/ECUE). Transcripts list numerical marks (0–20) and Mentions (honorary distinctions). Credit system: 1 semester = 30 credits; a standard Licence requires 180 credits (6 semesters). Pass mark: 10 / 20. Resits: Session de Rattrapage. Rounding: usually two decimal places; specific rounding varies by faculty.

Quick Facts

Essential information about Mali's grading system

Main Grading Approach	20-Point Scale (Numerical weighted average)
Typical Grading Scale	0.00 – 20.00
Local Credit Term	Crédits (directly equivalent to ECTS)
Credit-Weighted?	Yes. Results are weighted by credits per unit.
Typical Pass Mark	10 / 20
Resits / Retakes	Session de Rattrapage (second session for failed units)
Rounding Rules	Usually to two decimal places; specific rounding varies by faculty.

Key Definitions

Understanding Malian academic terms

Moyenne Générale du Semestre (MGS): The weighted average for one semester.

Capitalisation: Once a UE is validated (grade ≥ 10/20), the credits are permanently earned and cannot be lost.

Compensation: A high grade in one unit can balance a low grade in another to reach a passing semester average (≥ 10/20). Subject to the floor mark (Note Éliminatoire) in each unit.

How the Semester Average is Calculated

Weighted average and compensation rules

Individual course grade (Note de l'UE): The grade for a unit is typically calculated from continuous assessment and final exam. Common weighting: 40% CC (tests, assignments) / 60% Examen Final.
Semester average (Moyenne du Semestre): Mali uses a weighted average where credits act as the weight (coefficients):
Moyenne du Semestre = Σ(Grade UE × Crédits UE) / Σ(Crédits UE)
Compensation floor (Note Éliminatoire): While you can pass with a 10/20 semester average, many Malian faculties set a floor mark, typically 7/20 or 8/20. If you score below this in any single unit, you cannot compensate and must take the Session de Rattrapage.
Resits (Rattrapages): If you fail a unit, you retake the exam portion. The higher of the two marks (original or resit) is usually retained; policies on capping marks at 10/20 vary by institution.

Primary Grade Scale (0–20)

Official scale used for transcripts and degree honors in Mali

Mark / 20	French Mention	English Equivalent	Status
16.0 – 20.0	Très Bien	Very Good / Excellent	Pass
14.0 – 15.9	Bien	Good	Pass
12.0 – 13.9	Assez Bien	Fairly Good	Pass
10.0 – 11.9	Passable	Satisfactory / Pass	Pass
0.0 – 9.9	Ajourné (Échec)	Fail	Fail

Conversion to US GPA (International Context)

Mali does not use GPA; this is for evaluators (e.g. GPA Calculator, WES)

Mali Mark (/20)	US Grade Equivalent	US Grade Point (4.0)
14.0 – 20.0	A	4.0
12.0 – 13.9	B	3.0
11.0 – 11.9	C	2.0
10.0 – 10.9	D	1.0
Below 10.0	F	0.0

Worked Example

Moussa — Year 1, Semester 1 (Economics)

Course (UE)	Credits	Grade (/20)	Weighted Value
Microéconomie	6	12.00	72.00
Macroéconomie	6	9.50	57.00
Mathématiques	6	14.00	84.00
Droit des Affaires	4	11.00	44.00
Anglais Appliqué	4	15.50	62.00
Informatique	4	8.00	32.00
TOTAL	30		351.00

Semester Average: 351.00 ÷ 30 = 11.70 / 20

Outcome: Passable. Moussa validates the semester because the average is above 10, despite the 8.00 and 9.50 (provided they are above the floor mark).

What "Final Result" Means

Key terms on transcripts and diplomas

Moyenne du Semestre: The result for a single 6-month block.

Moyenne Annuelle: The average of the two semesters in one year.

Moyenne de la Licence: The cumulative average of all 6 semesters.

Mention du Diplôme: The final distinction (e.g. Bien, Assez Bien) based on the 3-year cumulative average, printed on the diploma.

Variations by University

System standardized by MESRS (Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research)

University	Grading System	Scale	Link
Univ. des Sciences Juridiques et Politiques (USJPB)	Average/Credits	0–20	usjpb.edu.ml
Univ. des Sciences et des Technologies (USTTB)	Average/Credits	0–20	usttb.edu.ml
Univ. des Lettres et des Sciences Humaines (ULSHB)	Average/Credits	0–20	ulshb.edu.ml
Univ. des Sciences Sociales et de Gestion (USSGB)	Average/Credits	0–20	ussgb.ml

International Interpretation

How Malian grades are viewed abroad

ECTS alignment:

Malian credits are 1:1 with European credits. A Malian Licence (180 credits) is equivalent to a European Bachelor's degree.

USA conversion:

Admission officers are cautioned that a 12/20 in Mali is a "Good" grade, not a 60% failing/D grade as it would be in a US high school.

Credential evaluation:

Students are encouraged to use WES or ECE for North American applications so their numerical average is correctly interpreted as a competitive GPA.

Student guidance: A common pitfall is ignoring the Continuous Assessment (CC). Since it usually counts for 40% of your grade, a poor showing in tests and assignments can make it mathematically impossible to pass a unit even if you do well on the final exam. Always verify your specific faculty's compensation floor (usually 7 or 8) before the semester ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Mali's grading system