Pakistan Grade Conversion to US GPA
Convert Pakistani university percentage grades and CGPA (HEC standard) to the US 4.0 GPA scale. Covers LUMS, NUST, Karachi, Quaid-i-Azam University, and all HEC-recognized institutions.
How Pakistan's Grading System Works
Pakistani universities use a percentage-based grading system alongside a 4.0 CGPA scale. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has standardized grading across public and private universities. Major institutions including the University of Karachi, Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), and Quaid-i-Azam University all use this framework.
The Pakistani percentage-to-GPA mapping is: A+ (85–100%) = 4.0, A (80–84%) = 3.7, B+ (75–79%) = 3.3, B (70–74%) = 3.0, B- (65–69%) = 2.7, C+ (60–64%) = 2.3, C (55–59%) = 2.0, D (50–54%) = 1.0, and F (below 50%) = 0.0. This scale is broadly similar to the US system, making conversions relatively straightforward.
Pakistan's HEC has classified universities and their degree programs. Degrees from HEC-recognized institutions are accepted by US universities, though a credential evaluation may be required by some programs. LUMS, in particular, is internationally recognized and its graduates regularly gain admission to top US business schools and engineering programs.
First Division with Distinction in Pakistani universities typically requires 80%+ (A grade, 3.7+ GPA), First Division requires 60–79%, Second Division is 45–59%, and Third Division is 33–44%. The Pass grade minimum is 33% at many institutions (raising to 40% at HEC-standard universities).
Conversion Formula
85–100% (A+) → 4.0 GPA
80–84% (A) → 3.7 GPA
75–79% (B+) → 3.3 GPA
70–74% (B) → 3.0 GPA
65–69% (B-) → 2.7 GPA
60–64% (C+) → 2.3 GPA
55–59% (C) → 2.0 GPA
50–54% (D) → 1.0 GPA
<50% (F) → 0.0 GPA
Worked Example
Student: Ayesha, BBA, LUMS Lahore
Ayesha's CGPA from LUMS is 3.5/4.0, corresponding to roughly 80–82% (A range).
3.5 CGPA from LUMS directly translates to US GPA: 3.5 — no conversion needed since LUMS uses the US 4.0 scale. This is strong for US MBA applications.