Converting Percentages to Grades – Table for Tests
Check how percentages from tests translate to school grades according to different scales used in Poland.
Polish schools often use a percentage scoring system for tests. Teachers award points and then convert them to grades according to an established scale. Learn about the most popular conversion tables and find out what grade corresponds to a given percentage.
How does percentage to grade conversion work?
After taking a test, you receive a certain number of points, e.g., 23 points out of 30 possible.
- 1 After taking a test, you receive a certain number of points, e.g., 23 points out of 30 possible.
- 2 The teacher calculates what percentage of maximum points you earned: 23/30 = 0.77 = 77%.
- 3 Then, according to the established percentage scale, they assign a grade, e.g., 77% = grade 4 (good).
Each school and teacher may use a different conversion scale. There is no single standard for all schools in Poland.
Most Common Conversion Scales
Below you'll find the most commonly used conversion tables in Polish schools.
Scale 1: Lenient System (most commonly used)
Scale 2: Standard System
Scale 3: Demanding System
Scale for the Matura Exam
The matura exam has a different scale than regular school tests. The passing threshold is 30%.
Basic level:
- 91-100% = very high result
- 71-90% = high result
- 51-70% = average result
- 30-50% = satisfactory result (passed)
- 0-29% = not passed
Extended level:
Similar percentage thresholds, but the difficulty level is higher.
Important: Matura results are not converted to school grades 1-6, only determining whether the exam was passed (≥30%) and in which percentage range the result falls.
Can plus and minus grades be included?
Some schools use more detailed scales with pluses and minuses, e.g.:
The use of pluses and minuses is not legally regulated and depends on school policy.
Where to find the conversion scale for your school?
- Check the school statute or Subject Grading System (PSO)
- Ask the teacher before the test about the scale used
- Check the electronic gradebook – some systems show the scale with grades
- The scale may differ for different subjects and teachers
Practical Tips
- Always ask the teacher about the scale before an important test
- If you're close to a higher grade threshold (e.g., 74%), you can try negotiating an extra point
- Rounding results (e.g., 74.5% → 75%) depends on the teacher – it's not a rule
- Some teachers lower thresholds for difficult tests
- Use a calculator to quickly convert points to percentages and grades