What Is a Failing Grade?
A failing grade is any score below 60.0% (0.0% to 59.9%), represented by the letter grade F and earning 0.0 GPA quality points.
Receiving an F means the student has not demonstrated basic mastery of the course material and will receive zero academic credit hours for the class.
How This Is Calculated
On standard US grading scales, 60.0% is the lowest passing threshold (D-). Any score falling below 60.0% is classified as an F (Fail), producing 0.0 quality points in cumulative GPA calculations.
An F grade has an immediate severe impact on cumulative GPA because it counts for 0 quality points while adding to total attempted credit hours.
Most colleges offer grade forgiveness or course repeat policies, where retaking the course allows the new passing grade to replace the F in your cumulative GPA calculation.
Interactive Grade Calculator
Adjust the points or percentage below to calculate custom test and assignment grades in real time.
Enter Percentage
Convert raw percentage score into letter grade, 4.0 GPA point, and band.
Enter any percentage score (e.g. 89.5, 92, 78.4, 105 for extra credit)
Teacher Policy Note: Scores like 89.5% round up to 90% (A-) under 0-decimal standard rounding, but remain in the B+ band under unrounded truncation. Always check your syllabus policy.
Grade Comparison & Reference Table
| Grading System | Failing Score Threshold | Letter Symbol | GPA Points Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard US 10-Point Scale | Below 60.0% | F | 0.0 |
| Strict 7-Point Scale | Below 70.0% | F | 0.0 |
| Pass / No Credit (P/NC) | Below 60.0% or 70.0% | NC / NP | 0.0 (No GPA penalty) |
| UK University System | Below 40.0% | Fail | 0.0 |
Final Grade Calculator
Calculate the minimum final exam score required to avoid an F and pass your course.
Related Grade Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 59% considered failing?
Yes, 59% is an F (failing) unless your teacher rounds up from 59.5% to 60.0% (D-).
Does an F stay on your transcript forever?
The record of taking the class remains on your permanent transcript, but retaking the class often replaces the 0.0 GPA penalty under institutional grade forgiveness policies.