Why does the formula start at 1 and not 0?

In Switzerland, 1 is the worst grade and 6 is the best. Even with 0 points, you receive grade 1, not 0.

What does 'linear grading scale' mean?

Linear means that the grade increases evenly with the score. Each additional point brings the same grade progress.

What is a 'kink' in the grading scale?

A kink means the scale is not perfectly linear. For example, grade 4.0 (pass) might be at 55% instead of 60%, to make the exam somewhat more lenient.

How do I calculate my grade if I only have a percentage?

Use the same formula: Grade = 1 + 5 × (percentage as decimal). Example: 75% = 1 + 5 × 0.75 = 4.75.

Swiss Grade Calculator: Convert Points to Grades

Calculate your grade (1-6) instantly using the official Swiss formula. Our calculator uses the standard formula used in primary schools, secondary schools, and high schools (Gymnasium).

Max

Points

Rounding

-,--

Enter points for calculation

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Grading scales may vary by teacher.

Calculate weighted average

The Swiss Grading Formula Explained

This linear calculation approach follows official cantonal guidelines:

Grade = 1 + 5 × (Points Achieved / Maximum Points)

This formula assumes that 0 points give a grade of 1 and full points give a grade of 6. It's a pure ratio calculation.

Linear vs. Stepped: Which Method to Choose?

Our calculator offers two approaches, depending on your requirements:

Linear (Point Calculation)

This method is the standard for exams. You enter your achieved score and the maximum score. The formula Grade = 1 + 5 × (Points/Max) calculates your exact grade.

Example: 72 out of 100 points = Grade 4.6

Stepped (Percentage Assignment)

Some schools or certificates work with fixed percentage thresholds. Here, your result as a percentage is directly assigned to a fixed grade (e.g., only 4, 4.5, 5). There are no intermediate values, just fixed steps.

Example: 72% achieved = Grade 4.5 (since the step for 5.0 only starts at 80%)

Tip: Choose 'Linear' if you know your exact score. Choose 'Stepped' if you only have your percentage result or if your school uses a fixed grade table.

Example Calculation

Suppose you achieved 38 out of 50 possible points.

1 Divide your points by the maximum: 38 / 50 = 0.76
2 Multiply by 5: 0.76 × 5 = 3.8
3 Add 1: 3.8 + 1 = 4.8

Your grade is 4.8. In our calculator, you can choose whether to round to 0.1 (4.8), 0.25 (4.75), or 0.5 (5.0) – depending on your school's rules.

Calculate grade average

Swiss Grade Scale: Key Thresholds

0% Grade 1.0

20% Grade 2.0

40% Grade 3.0

60% Grade 4.0 (Pass)

80% Grade 5.0 (Good)

100% Grade 6.0 (Excellent)

Other Grading Scales (Kinks)

Sometimes the formula is stricter or more lenient. A 'kink' in the scale means that for grade 4.0 you might need 60% of points (instead of 50% or 60% linear). Ask your teacher which scale is being applied.

Conclusion

With the formula '1 + 5 × (Points/Max)' you're usually correct in Switzerland. Our calculator was specifically developed for the Swiss grading system (1-6) and automatically applies this formula – including flexible rounding options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grade Conversion

Why does the formula start at 1 and not 0?: In Switzerland, 1 is the worst grade and 6 is the best. Even with 0 points, you receive grade 1, not 0.
What does 'linear grading scale' mean?: Linear means that the grade increases evenly with the score. Each additional point brings the same grade progress.
What is a 'kink' in the grading scale?: A kink means the scale is not perfectly linear. For example, grade 4.0 (pass) might be at 55% instead of 60%, to make the exam somewhat more lenient.
How do I calculate my grade if I only have a percentage?: Use the same formula: Grade = 1 + 5 × (percentage as decimal). Example: 75% = 1 + 5 × 0.75 = 4.75.