Why does UW-Madison use AB and BC grades instead of A+ and B+?

UW-Madison uses a traditional Wisconsin grading system that predates the widespread adoption of plus/minus grading. The intermediate grades (AB = 3.5, BC = 2.5) serve a similar function to plus/minus systems — distinguishing strong performance within a grade range — but use a different notation. This system has been maintained for consistency across UW-Madison's history.

What GPA is required for Dean's List at UW-Madison?

The Dean's List at the University of Wisconsin-Madison typically requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded credit hours. Since AB grade = 3.5, students who earn all AB and A grades will generally qualify. The specific requirements vary slightly by school within UW-Madison.

Is an AB grade at UW-Madison good?

Yes — an AB grade (3.5 quality points) represents excellent performance. On a traditional plus/minus scale, an AB is roughly equivalent to a B+ to strong A−. A student with all AB grades has a 3.5 GPA, which is considered excellent and qualifies for Dean's List at UW-Madison. For competitive graduate school programs, a 3.5+ GPA is a strong indicator.

What GPA do you need to graduate from UW-Madison?

UW-Madison requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (approximately BC average) for graduation. Some colleges within the university require higher — the Wisconsin School of Business and Engineering programs may have specific requirements. Check your specific degree program requirements through the UW-Madison Guide or your academic advisor.

How to Calculate Your UW-Madison GPA: Quality Points and Academic Standing

Learn how the University of Wisconsin-Madison calculates GPA — the quality point system, grading scale, and GPA thresholds for Dean's List, academic probation, and graduation.

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How UW-Madison Calculates GPA

The University of Wisconsin-Madison uses a 4.0 quality point scale. GPA is calculated by dividing total quality points by total credit hours.

GPA = Total Quality Points / Total Credit Hours Attempted

UW-Madison Grading Scale

Letter Grade	Quality Points
A	4.0
AB	3.5
B	3.0
BC	2.5
C	2.0
D	1.0
F	0.0

Important: The University of Wisconsin-Madison uses a distinctive 5-grade scale (A, AB, BC, B, C, D, F) rather than the plus/minus system most universities use. The intermediate grades (AB and BC) are midpoints between traditional letter grades. There are no A+, A−, B+, B−, C+, or C− grades at UW-Madison.

Worked Calculation Example

Course	Credits	Grade	Quality Points
MATH 221	5	B	5 × 3.0 = 15.0
CHEM 103	4	AB	4 × 3.5 = 14.0
ENGL 100	3	A	3 × 4.0 = 12.0
HIST 101	3	BC	3 × 2.5 = 7.5
Total	15		48.5

GPA = 48.5 / 15 = 3.23

Key GPA Thresholds at UW-Madison

Standing	GPA
Academic Probation	Below 2.0 cumulative
Good Standing	2.0+ cumulative
Minimum Graduation GPA	2.0 cumulative
Dean's List	3.5 semester GPA, 12+ graded credit hours
Graduation with Distinction	Top 15% of class or 3.5+ depending on school
Phi Beta Kappa eligibility	Typically 3.7+ in liberal arts

UW-Madison's Unique Grading System Explained

The intermediate grades (AB = 3.5, BC = 2.5) distinguish UW-Madison from most US universities. This means: - 5 grade point values instead of the typical 9–13 in plus/minus systems - A gap of 1.0 quality points between A (4.0) and B (3.0) — with AB (3.5) in between - This makes GPA calculations simpler but grade distinctions broader - A student earning mostly AB grades has a 3.5 GPA — equivalent to about a B+ average elsewhere

What the AB Grade Means

An AB grade at Wisconsin-Madison represents performance between an A and a B — generally corresponding to what other universities would call a B+ (3.3) or strong B+ (3.5). When comparing Wisconsin GPAs to other schools for graduate admission or employment, this distinction matters for context.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does UW-Madison use AB and BC grades instead of A+ and B+?: UW-Madison uses a traditional Wisconsin grading system that predates the widespread adoption of plus/minus grading. The intermediate grades (AB = 3.5, BC = 2.5) serve a similar function to plus/minus systems — distinguishing strong performance within a grade range — but use a different notation. This system has been maintained for consistency across UW-Madison's history.
What GPA is required for Dean's List at UW-Madison?: The Dean's List at the University of Wisconsin-Madison typically requires a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more graded credit hours. Since AB grade = 3.5, students who earn all AB and A grades will generally qualify. The specific requirements vary slightly by school within UW-Madison.
Is an AB grade at UW-Madison good?: Yes — an AB grade (3.5 quality points) represents excellent performance. On a traditional plus/minus scale, an AB is roughly equivalent to a B+ to strong A−. A student with all AB grades has a 3.5 GPA, which is considered excellent and qualifies for Dean's List at UW-Madison. For competitive graduate school programs, a 3.5+ GPA is a strong indicator.
What GPA do you need to graduate from UW-Madison?: UW-Madison requires a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (approximately BC average) for graduation. Some colleges within the university require higher — the Wisconsin School of Business and Engineering programs may have specific requirements. Check your specific degree program requirements through the UW-Madison Guide or your academic advisor.

Last updated 7/28/2026