How College Grades Are Calculated in the Philippines
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Most colleges and universities in the Philippines grade on a 1.0 to 5.0 scale, where 1.0 is the highest grade and 5.0 is failing. That is the opposite direction from the 4.0 scale used in the United States, so it helps to know how a score becomes a grade and how those grades combine into a General Weighted Average (GWA). The exact rules belong to each school, so treat this guide as the common pattern and check your student handbook.
The 1.0 to 5.0 scale
A lower number is a better grade. 1.0 is the top, 3.0 is usually the lowest passing grade, and 5.0 is a fail. Some schools also use 4.0 for a conditional or incomplete grade. The table shows one widely used percentage conversion. Cutoffs differ by school, and some schools set the passing mark at 60% or 70% instead.
| Grade | Percentage | Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 97–100% | Excellent |
| 1.25 | 94–96% | Superior |
| 1.50 | 91–93% | Very good |
| 1.75 | 88–90% | Good |
| 2.00 | 85–87% | Meritorious |
| 2.25 | 82–84% | Very satisfactory |
| 2.50 | 79–81% | Satisfactory |
| 2.75 | 76–78% | Fairly satisfactory |
| 3.00 | 75% | Passing |
| 5.00 | Below 75% | Failed |
How a class grade is computed
Instructors usually combine components such as quizzes, class participation, projects and major exams, each with a set weight. You work out a percentage first, using the weighted grade formula, and then convert it to a 1.0 to 5.0 grade on the school’s table.
Example: quizzes 85% at 30%, projects 90% at 20% and exams 80% at 50%. That gives 25.5 + 18 + 40 = 83.5%, which falls in the 82–84% band and converts to 2.25 on the table above.
Midterm and final grades
Many courses compute a midterm grade and a final grade separately, then combine them. A common rule is to average the two, so a midterm of 2.0 and a final of 1.5 give a final course grade of 1.75. Some schools weight the final term more heavily, such as one third midterm and two thirds final. Your syllabus states the rule.
Computing your GWA
GWA = sum of (grade × units) ÷ total units
Each course counts by its units, just as credit hours count in a US GPA.
- Course A: grade 1.50, 3 units = 4.50
- Course B: grade 2.00, 3 units = 6.00
- Course C: grade 1.75, 5 units = 8.75
Total: 4.50 + 6.00 + 8.75 = 19.25 over 11 units. 19.25 ÷ 11 = 1.75, so the GWA is 1.75.
What counts toward the GWA
Schools differ on how they treat subjects such as NSTP, PE and non-credit courses, and on whether failed grades stay in the average after a retake. Check your handbook before you rely on a figure.
Honors and retention
Latin honors such as cum laude, magna cum laude and summa cum laude are set by GWA cutoffs that differ by school, and many schools also set a GWA needed to keep a scholarship or stay in a program. Because a lower GWA is better, the cutoff is a maximum, not a minimum.
Converting to a 4.0 scale
There is no official conversion between the Philippine scale and the US 4.0 scale. Applicants who need a US-style GPA usually use a credential evaluation service or the school’s own conversion. To see how a US GPA is worked out, read how to calculate your GPA.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1.0 or 5.0 the highest grade in the Philippines?
On the common college scale, 1.0 is the highest grade and 5.0 is failing. A lower number is better.
What is the passing grade in Philippine colleges?
It is usually 3.0, which often equals 75%, but some schools set the passing mark at 60% or 70%. Check your handbook.
How do I compute my GWA?
Multiply each course grade by its units, add the results and divide by the total units. A 1.50 in a 3-unit course and a 2.00 in a 3-unit course give a GWA of 1.75.
Is a lower GWA better?
Yes. On the 1.0 to 5.0 scale a GWA closer to 1.0 is better, so honors and scholarship cutoffs are maximum values.
Calculate it automatically
Paste your gradebook into Grade Calculator and the table fills in on its own. Change any score, or add an upcoming assignment, to see your class grade update.