Need to convert your ATAR to a GPA, or the other way around? Whether you are applying for a university transfer, a scholarship, or an overseas program, this guide gives you the commonly used ATAR to GPA equivalents on the 7-point scale, plus an honest explanation of how universities actually use them.
ATAR to GPA reference table (7-point scale)
| ATAR Range | Approx. GPA | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 99.00 – 99.95 | 6.8 – 7.0 | High Distinction |
| 95.00 – 98.95 | 6.0 – 6.7 | High Distinction |
| 90.00 – 94.95 | 5.5 – 5.9 | Distinction |
| 85.00 – 89.95 | 5.0 – 5.4 | Distinction |
| 80.00 – 84.95 | 4.5 – 4.9 | Credit |
| 75.00 – 79.95 | 4.0 – 4.4 | Credit |
| 70.00 – 74.95 | 3.5 – 3.9 | Pass |
| 65.00 – 69.95 | 3.0 – 3.4 | Pass |
| 60.00 – 64.95 | 2.5 – 2.9 | Pass |
| Below 60.00 | Below 2.5 | Pass / Conceded |
GPA to ATAR reference table (7-point scale)
| GPA | Approx. ATAR |
|---|---|
| 7.0 | 99.95 |
| 6.5 – 6.9 | 97.00 – 99.00 |
| 6.0 – 6.4 | 93.00 – 96.95 |
| 5.5 – 5.9 | 88.00 – 92.95 |
| 5.0 – 5.4 | 82.00 – 87.95 |
| 4.5 – 4.9 | 75.00 – 81.95 |
| 4.0 – 4.4 | 68.00 – 74.95 |
| 3.5 – 3.9 | 60.00 – 67.95 |
| 3.0 – 3.4 | 50.00 – 59.95 |
| Below 3.0 | Below 50.00 |
Want the full explanation? Read the ATAR to GPA Conversion Table (2026) guide.
Important: There Is No Official ATAR to GPA Conversion
This needs saying upfront: no Australian admissions body publishes an official ATAR-to-GPA conversion formula. ATAR is a percentile rank from Year 12; GPA is a grade average from university study. They measure different things at different stages.
The table below is the widely used approximation cited across Australian universities and student guides. Treat it as indicative — individual universities apply their own conversions for transfers and scholarships.
ATAR to GPA Conversion Table (7-Point Scale)
| ATAR Range | Approximate GPA | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| 99.00 – 99.95 | 6.8 – 7.0 | High Distinction |
| 95.00 – 98.95 | 6.0 – 6.7 | High Distinction |
| 90.00 – 94.95 | 5.5 – 5.9 | Distinction |
| 85.00 – 89.95 | 5.0 – 5.4 | Distinction |
| 80.00 – 84.95 | 4.5 – 4.9 | Credit |
| 75.00 – 79.95 | 4.0 – 4.4 | Credit |
| 70.00 – 74.95 | 3.5 – 3.9 | Pass |
| 65.00 – 69.95 | 3.0 – 3.4 | Pass |
| 60.00 – 64.95 | 2.5 – 2.9 | Pass |
| Below 60.00 | Below 2.5 | Pass / Conceded |
GPA to ATAR (Reverse Lookup)
| GPA (7-point) | Approximate ATAR Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 7.0 | 99.95 |
| 6.5 – 6.9 | 97.00 – 99.00 |
| 6.0 – 6.4 | 93.00 – 96.95 |
| 5.5 – 5.9 | 88.00 – 92.95 |
| 5.0 – 5.4 | 82.00 – 87.95 |
| 4.5 – 4.9 | 75.00 – 81.95 |
| 4.0 – 4.4 | 68.00 – 74.95 |
| 3.5 – 3.9 | 60.00 – 67.95 |
| 3.0 – 3.4 | 50.00 – 59.95 |
How Universities Actually Use GPA
- Internal transfers: most universities assess transfer applications on your university GPA (or WAM), not your ATAR, once you have completed around one year of full-time study.
- Postgraduate entry: graduate programs look at your GPA, sometimes converted to a selection rank using the university's own formula.
- Scholarships: many list a minimum GPA (e.g. 5.5+) rather than an ATAR.
- Overseas applications: some institutions ask for an ATAR equivalent; this is where conversion tables like the one above get used — but always check what the receiving institution specifies.
Why the Conversion Is Only Approximate
- ATAR compares you against your Year 12 age cohort nationally; GPA compares your grades against your university's marking standards. Different populations, different scales.
- Grading standards vary between universities, a Distinction average at one institution is not identical to another's.
- Some universities use a 4-point GPA scale instead of 7-point, which changes every equivalent.
- For anything official (a transfer application, a scholarship), use the conversion published by the institution you are applying to — not a general table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPA is a 90 ATAR equivalent to?
Approximately a 5.5–5.9 GPA (Distinction average) on the 7-point scale.
What ATAR is a 6.0 GPA equivalent to?
Roughly a 93–97 ATAR, a High Distinction average.
Is a 5.0 GPA good in Australia?
Yes. A 5.0 GPA is a Distinction average, placing you well above the median student at most universities.
Do employers care about GPA or ATAR?
Graduate employers may ask for your GPA or WAM; almost none ask for your ATAR after your first year of university.
How can I estimate my ATAR before Year 12 results?
Use our free ATAR calculator: enter your expected subject scores for an instant estimate based on your state’s latest scaling data.