Modified Bavarian Formula Calculator
Convert any foreign grade or GPA to the German 1.0–4.0 scale with the modified Bavarian formula used by uni-assist and German universities — with the German grade band (sehr gut, gut…).
How it works
German grade = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin) · Nmax = best possible grade, Nmin = lowest passing grade, Nd = your grade; the result is cut to one decimal
The modified Bavarian formula, recommended by the German Standing Conference of Education Ministers (KMK) and used by uni-assist and most German universities, maps the passing range of a foreign grading system linearly onto the German passing range from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (lowest pass). It works for any scale where a higher number is better (0–20, 1–7, 0–10, 0–100, a 4.0 GPA). The value is shown cut to one decimal, as many universities do; a few round instead, so check your university’s rules.
Worked example
A 16 average on Peru’s 0–20 scale, where the best grade is 20 and the lowest pass is 11: 1 + 3 × (20 − 16) ÷ (20 − 11) = 1 + 12 ÷ 9 = 2.33, cut to one decimal = German grade 2.3 — “gut (good)”, 55.56% of the way up the passing range.
Sources: anabin (KMK) — Bewertung ausländischer Abschlüsse · uni-assist — Grade conversion
Frequently asked questions
What is the modified Bavarian formula?
It is the KMK conversion formula for foreign grades: German grade = 1 + 3 × (best grade − your grade) ÷ (best grade − lowest passing grade). It turns any grading scale into the German 1.0–4.0 range.
How do I convert a 3.5 GPA to the German system?
With a 4.0 maximum and 1.0 (D) as the lowest pass: 1 + 3 × (4 − 3.5) ÷ (4 − 1) = 1.5, which is “sehr gut”. Some universities use 2.0 as the minimum pass for a GPA, which gives 1.75 → 1.7.
Is a lower German grade better?
Yes. In Germany 1.0 is the best grade and 4.0 the lowest pass; 5.0 means fail. A 1.x grade is “sehr gut”, 2.x “gut”, 3.x “befriedigend” and up to 4.0 “ausreichend”.
What grade do I need for German master’s programs?
It depends on the program. Competitive programs often ask for 2.5 or better, and highly selective ones for 2.0 or better. Check the admission requirements of each university.
Does uni-assist use this exact formula?
uni-assist and most universities use the modified Bavarian formula with the maximum and minimum passing grade shown on your transcript. Some universities apply their own conversion tables, so the official value can differ slightly.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.