The formula most universities use
Many German universities convert foreign grades with the modified Bavarian formula:
German grade = 1 + 3 x (Nmax - Nd) / (Nmax - Nmin)
- Nmax is the best possible grade in your system, for example 10 CGPA or 100 percent.
- Nmin is the minimum pass grade, for example 4 CGPA or 40 percent.
- Nd is your own grade.
The German scale runs from 1.0, the best, to 4.0, the lowest pass. A lower number is better, which is the opposite of what Indian students expect.
A worked example
Suppose your CGPA is 8.2 out of 10, and the pass mark is 4.
- Nmax = 10, Nmin = 4, Nd = 8.2
- Nmax - Nd = 10 - 8.2 = 1.8
- Nmax - Nmin = 10 - 4 = 6
- 1.8 / 6 = 0.3, and 3 x 0.3 = 0.9
- German grade = 1 + 0.9 = 1.9
A 1.9 is a strong grade. As a rough guide, most Master's programmes look for something in the 2.5 or better range, and competitive ones ask for better than 2.0 - but each programme sets its own rule, so always read the programme page.
Percentage instead of CGPA
The same formula works with percentages: with 75 percent, a maximum of 100 and a pass mark of 40, you get 1 + 3 x (100 - 75) / (100 - 40) = 1 + 3 x 0.4167 = 2.25.
Important warnings
- This is the formula many universities use, not a rule that binds all of them. Some convert differently or use their own table.
- uni-assist and individual universities may recalculate your grade themselves, and their number is the one that counts.
- Your CGPA to percentage conversion should follow your own university's official rule, not a general multiplier.
Do it automatically, and see which universities fit
University Match on DMATBLAZE converts your CGPA, checks your IELTS and German level, and ranks real German universities with the application route for each. Five results per search are free.
Common questions
What is a good German grade for a Master's?
Lower is better: 1.0 is the best and 4.0 is the lowest pass. Many Master's programmes look for roughly 2.5 or better, and competitive programmes ask for under 2.0, but every programme sets its own requirement.
How do I convert 8 CGPA to the German scale?
With the modified Bavarian formula and a 10 point scale with a pass mark of 4: 1 + 3 x (10 - 8) / (10 - 4) = 2.0.
Is the modified Bavarian formula official?
It is widely used by German universities to convert foreign grades, but each university decides its own method, and uni-assist or the university may recalculate your grade.