Did you take a test and want to know which grade corresponds to your percentage? In the Netherlands we use grades from 1-10, but sometimes you get a score in percentages. Here's how to convert them.
Standard conversion chart
The most commonly used conversion from percentages to grades in the Netherlands:
- 95-100% = 10 (excellent)
- 85-94% = 9 (very good)
- 75-84% = 8 (good)
- 65-74% = 7 (more than sufficient)
- 55-64% = 6 (sufficient)
- 45-54% = 5 (insufficient)
- 35-44% = 4 (very insufficient)
- 25-34% = 3 (poor)
- 15-24% = 2 (very poor)
- 0-14% = 1 (very poor)
Note: This is a guideline. Your school may use different thresholds!
Conversion formula
If your school uses a linear scale, you can apply this formula:
Grade = (percentage / 10) or Grade = 1 + (percentage × 9 / 100)
Example: 72% correct → 72/10 = 7.2 or 1 + (72 × 9 / 100) = 1 + 6.48 = 7.48
Pass mark: the threshold for sufficient
The pass mark is the minimum percentage to get a passing grade (usually 5.5 or 6). This varies per test and teacher.
Example: With a pass mark of 50% for a 5.5, you get a 5.5 with 50% correct answers. Everything above 50% is linearly converted to higher grades.
Ask your teacher about the pass mark before the test - this helps in estimating your result.
Differences per school and test
Each school and even each teacher can use different conversion methods:
- Some schools use fixed percentage scales
- Other schools adjust the pass mark per test (normalization)
- Central exams have national standards
Calculate your expected grade
Want to know what grade you can expect? Use our calculator to calculate your average and see what you need to score on the next test.