CHED Grading System Explained: The Definitive Guide to 1.0 - 5.0
Understanding the baseline academic standards set by the Commission on Higher Education for colleges and universities in the Philippines.
The CHED Grading System is the foundational framework used by the vast majority of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Philippines. Whether you are studying at a major State University or a specialized private college, understanding how your grades are calculated against the CHED baseline is critical for your academic career.
The Standard 1.0 to 5.0 Scale
Most Philippine colleges adopt a numerical grading system where 1.00 represents the highest level of excellence and 3.00 is the passing mark. Anything below 3.00 is generally considered a failure or a conditional mark.
| Numerical Grade | Percentage Equivalent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 97 - 100 | Excellent |
| 1.25 | 94 - 96 | Superior |
| 1.50 | 91 - 93 | Very Good |
| 1.75 | 88 - 90 | Good |
| 2.00 | 85 - 87 | Very Satisfactory |
| 2.25 | 82 - 84 | Satisfactory |
| 2.50 | 79 - 81 | Fair |
| 2.75 | 76 - 78 | Fair |
| 3.00 | 75 | Passed |
| 5.00 | Below 75 | Failed |
How to Compute GWA (General Weighted Average)
The GWA is the primary metric used by CHED-compliant institutions to measure a student's overall academic performance. It is a weighted average, meaning subjects with more units carry more weight.
The Formula:
For example, if you have a 3-unit English class with a grade of 1.25 and a 5-unit Math class with a grade of 2.00:
- English: 1.25 × 3 = 3.75
- Math: 2.00 × 5 = 10.00
- Total Weighted Points: 13.75
- Total Units: 8
- GWA: 13.75 / 8 = 1.718
Latin Honors Baseline
While each university has the autonomy to set its own specific cutoffs, CHED provides a general baseline that many institutions follow for Latin Honors (Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude).
- Summa Cum Laude: 1.00 – 1.20
- Magna Cum Laude: 1.21 – 1.45
- Cum Laude: 1.46 – 1.75
Important: Most colleges require that there be no grades lower than 2.5 or 3.0 in any subject, and no "Dropped" or "Incomplete" marks to qualify for these honors.
Stop Calculating Manually
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Common Special Marks
Aside from numerical grades, the CHED system recognizes several non-numerical marks:
- INC (Incomplete): Given when a student fails to complete a specific requirement (like a final project or exam). Usually must be settled within one academic year.
- DRP (Dropped): Given when a student officially withdraws from the course before the deadline.
- AW (Authorized Withdrawal): Similar to DRP, often used for medical or emergency reasons.
Why the CHED Baseline Matters
For students in smaller colleges, your registrar likely uses this exact 1.0 - 5.0 scale. By mastering this system, you ensure that you are always aware of your standing for scholarships, board exam applications, and future employment.