The University of Waterloo does not officially use a GPA system. Instead, it uses a percentage-based grading scale (0–100%). Your overall academic performance is measured by calculating a weighted average based on your course grades and credit values.
To calculate your Waterloo average, multiply each course grade by its credit weight, then divide by your total credits.
For example, if you have an 85% in a 0.5 credit course and a 78% in another 0.5 credit course, your average would be:
(85 × 0.5 + 78 × 0.5) ÷ 1.0 = 81.5%
A 60% is the minimum passing average at Waterloo, but most students aim higher. An average of 75–85% is considered strong, especially for co-op programs, while 85% or higher is typically seen as excellent and competitive for graduate school.
At the University of Waterloo, an A range typically falls between 80% and 100%.
These ranges are commonly used when converting Waterloo grades to GPA scales.
Students must maintain at least a 60% overall average to remain in good academic standing. However, many programs require higher averages to stay competitive, especially for co-op placements and progression within certain faculties.