What Percentage Score Is a B+? Grading Explained

This article explains what percentage score corresponds to a B+ grade in the American letter grading system. The short answer: a B+ typically equals 87–89%, though some schools use 87–89.9% and others use 88–89%. The exact range depends on your institution’s grading scale, which varies by school, district, and even individual course.

Formula

The percentage score is calculated by dividing the points earned by the total points possible and multiplying by 100:

Percentage = (Points Earned ÷ Total Points Possible) × 100

Where:

• Points Earned – the number of points you received (unit: points)
• Total Points Possible – the maximum points available (unit: points)
• Percentage – your score expressed as a percentage (unit: %)

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator above (total points = 100, earned points = 87):

1. Divide earned by total: 87 ÷ 100 = 0.87
2. Multiply by 100 to get a percentage: 0.87 × 100 = 87.0%

So 87 points out of 100 gives 87.0%, which falls in the B+ range on most scales.

Standard B+ Ranges by Scale

There are two common grading scales used in U.S. schools. The 10-point scale is most common in high schools and colleges, while the 7-point scale appears in some middle schools and specific districts.

• 10-point scale: A = 90–100, B = 80–89, C = 70–79, etc. Within B, a B+ is 87–89, B is 83–86, and B− is 80–82.
• 7-point scale: A = 93–100, B = 85–92, C = 77–84, etc. Here, a B+ is 87–89 as well, but B is 85–86 and B− is 83–84.

Some schools use a plus/minus system where the top 3% of the letter range gets a plus and the bottom 3% gets a minus. For a B range of 80–89, that means B+ = 87–89, B = 83–86, B− = 80–82. Other schools use a 5-point band, making B+ = 87–89, B = 85–86, B− = 80–84. Always check your syllabus or school policy.

GPA Impact of a B+

A B+ typically converts to a 3.3 or 3.5 on a 4.0 GPA scale, depending on whether your school weights plus grades.

• Unweighted 4.0 scale: A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, B− = 2.7
• Weighted scale (honors/AP): A = 5.0, B+ = 4.3, B = 4.0, etc., if the course is weighted

Some schools do not give plus/minus grades, so a B is simply a 3.0. If you are calculating your GPA, check whether your transcript uses plus/minus or whole-letter grades.

How to Convert a B+ to a Percentage

If your school gives letter grades but not percentages, you can estimate the percentage by taking the midpoint of the B+ range. On the 10-point scale, the midpoint is 88%. On the 7-point scale, it is also 88%. This is useful for estimating your grade in a course that uses a point system.

To convert a percentage to a B+ letter grade, you need to know the specific cutoff. For example, if your teacher says a B+ is 87–89, then any score from 87.0% to 89.9% is a B+. If the cutoff is 87.5%, then 87.4% would be a B, not a B+.

Common Misconceptions About B+

One common misconception is that a B+ is the same as 85%. That is not true—85% is usually a B, not a B+. Another misconception is that all schools use the same scale. In reality, grading scales vary widely, and some schools do not use plus/minus at all. A third misconception is that a B+ is a “low A” in some systems—this is only true on a 7-point scale where an A starts at 93%, so 90–92% would be a B+ there, but on a 10-point scale 90% is an A−.

How to Find Your School’s Exact Scale

If you need to know exactly what percentage equals a B+ at your school, follow these steps:

1. Check your course syllabus – many instructors print the grading scale on the first page.
2. Look at your student handbook or school website – most publish the official grading policy.
3. Ask your teacher or academic advisor – they can tell you the exact cutoff for each letter grade.
4. If you are applying to college, check the college’s website – they often explain how they recalculate high school GPAs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a B+ a good grade?

Yes, a B+ is above average (typically 87–89%) and is often considered a strong grade. It is usually worth a 3.3 on a 4.0 GPA scale, which is competitive for many colleges and scholarships, though top universities may expect more A’s.

What is a B+ on a 4.0 scale?

On a standard unweighted 4.0 scale, a B+ is typically a 3.3. Some schools use 3.5, but 3.3 is the most common. Weighted scales may give a B+ a higher value, such as 4.3, for honors or AP courses.

What percentage is a B+ in college?

In most colleges, a B+ is 87–89% on a 10-point scale. However, some colleges use a 7-point scale or a different band, so always check your institution’s specific policy. For example, a college using a 7-point scale might set B+ at 87–89 as well, but the B range itself would be different.

Can a B+ be rounded to an A−?

No, a B+ and an A− are different letter grades. An A− is typically 90–92% on a 10-point scale, while a B+ is 87–89%. Rounding a percentage up to the next letter grade is at the teacher’s discretion, but it is not a standard practice.

What if my school doesn’t use plus/minus grades?

If your school does not use plus/minus, then a B is simply 80–89% and converts to a 3.0 GPA. There is no B+ or B−. This is common in some high schools and colleges, so check your transcript to see if plus/minus appears.

How do I calculate my GPA with a B+?

Multiply the grade points for a B+ (usually 3.3) by the course credit hours, then sum all courses and divide by total credits. For example, a 3-credit course with a B+ gives 9.9 grade points. If you have 15 total credits and 45 grade points, your GPA is 3.0.

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in t | Total points possible | points | 100 | 1
in e | Points earned | points | 87 | 0
out p | Percentage score | % | (e / t) * 100 | 1