What does 'round to half grades' mean?

This means that the final grade can only take values like 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, or 6.0. Your calculated average (e.g., 4.67) is rounded to the nearest half step.

At what average do I get a 5.0?

When rounding to half grades: From an average of 4.75 you receive a 5.0. Below that (e.g., 4.74) it's still a 4.5.

Do all cantons round the same way?

No, there are differences. Most round to 0.5, but some (e.g., for certain exams) round to 0.25. Ask your school about the applicable regulations.

What happens at exactly 4.25?

With mathematical rounding to 0.5, 4.25 is rounded up to 4.5, as the 5 in the decimal place leads to rounding up.

Grade Rounding: When to Round Up or Down?

Rules for rounding to half and whole grades in Switzerland.

In Switzerland, report card grades are usually rounded to half or whole grades. But at what average do you get the better grade? Here we explain the mathematical rules.

Calculate grade average for report card

Mathematical Rounding (Commercial Rounding)

The standard method is mathematical rounding. The first digit that falls away decides. With 0-4, round down; with 5-9, round up.

Rounding to Half Grades (0.5)

This is the most common case in Swiss report cards. The average is rounded to the nearest 0.5 step.

4.00 - 4.24 Grade 4.0

4.25 - 4.74 Grade 4.5

4.75 - 5.24 Grade 5.0

5.25 - 5.74 Grade 5.5

5.75 - 6.00 Grade 6.0

Example: An average of 4.23 is closer to 4.0 than to 4.5. The grade is 4.0. An average of 4.25 is exactly in the middle, but is usually mathematically rounded up to 4.5.

Calculate grade average

Rounding to Quarter Grades (0.25)

In some cantons or for interim report cards, rounding is more precise. Here the steps are smaller (e.g., 4.25 is its own grade, not rounded to 4.5).

An average of 4.15 would be rounded to 4.25, not 4.0.

Cantonal Differences

Note: There is no Swiss-wide law. Some teachers have pedagogical discretion ('discretionary decision') when the average is right on the edge (e.g., 4.249). Always check your school's regulations.

Conclusion

Usually, the quarter point (x.25 and x.75) decides between the higher or lower grade. Use our calculator to see your exact unrounded average.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grade Rounding

What does 'round to half grades' mean?: This means that the final grade can only take values like 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, or 6.0. Your calculated average (e.g., 4.67) is rounded to the nearest half step.
At what average do I get a 5.0?: When rounding to half grades: From an average of 4.75 you receive a 5.0. Below that (e.g., 4.74) it's still a 4.5.
Do all cantons round the same way?: No, there are differences. Most round to 0.5, but some (e.g., for certain exams) round to 0.25. Ask your school about the applicable regulations.
What happens at exactly 4.25?: With mathematical rounding to 0.5, 4.25 is rounded up to 4.5, as the 5 in the decimal place leads to rounding up.