An 87% is a B on the standard grading scale used by most American schools. On a 4.0 GPA scale, a B translates to 3.0 grade points per class. However, if your school uses a plus/minus grading system, an 87% often falls in the B+ range, which carries a higher GPA value.
Where 87% Falls on the Standard Scale
The most common grading system in U.S. high schools and colleges uses a 10-point scale, where each letter grade covers a 10-percentage-point range:
- A: 90–100%
- B: 80–89%
- C: 70–79%
- D: 60–69%
- F: Below 60%
Under this system, an 87% is solidly in B territory, sitting near the top of the range but three points short of an A. On the College Board’s commonly referenced conversion table, a B corresponds to 3.0 on the 4.0 GPA scale.
Schools That Use Plus/Minus Grading
Many colleges and some high schools break each letter grade into finer slices using pluses and minuses. In these systems, the B range (80–89%) gets split into three tiers. A typical breakdown looks like this:
- B+: 87–89%
- B: 83–86%
- B-: 80–82%
Under a plus/minus system, your 87% would be a B+ rather than a plain B. That distinction matters for your GPA. A B+ typically earns 3.3 grade points instead of 3.0, which can add up over a full course load. The exact cutoff between B and B+ varies by institution, so check your school’s grading policy if the difference matters for your standing.
How an 87% Affects Your GPA
Your GPA is calculated by averaging the grade points you earn across all your classes, weighted by the number of credit hours each class carries. An 87% in a three-credit course contributes either 9.0 total quality points (3.0 × 3 credits for a B) or 9.9 quality points (3.3 × 3 credits for a B+), depending on your school’s system. Over a semester of five courses, that 0.3 difference per class can shift your overall GPA by a meaningful amount.
If you’re taking honors, AP, or IB courses in high school, your school may also apply a weighted GPA that adds extra points for advanced coursework. In those cases, a B in an AP class might carry the same weight as an A in a standard class on your transcript.
What 87% Means Outside the U.S.
Grading scales differ significantly by country. In the UK university system, an 87% would be an exceptional mark, falling well within the First-Class Honours classification (70% and above). UK grading is far more compressed than the American system. Scores above 80% are rare, and most students cluster in the 50–70% range. So while 87% is a strong but unremarkable grade in the U.S., it would be outstanding at a British university.
Canadian schools generally follow a system closer to the American model, where an 87% is typically an A- or B+, depending on the province and institution. If you’re comparing grades across countries for transfer credit or graduate school applications, keep in mind that admissions offices are usually familiar with these differences and evaluate transcripts accordingly.