How grading works at TUM
The General Academic and Examination Regulations of the Technical University of Munich (APSO) use the German scale from 1 to 5. Examiners can raise or lower a grade by 0.3, but 0.7 and 5.3 are not allowed, so the possible grades are 1.0, 1.3, 1.7, 2.0, 2.3, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3, 3.7, 4.0, 4.3, 4.7 and 5.0. Anything worse than 4.0 is a fail.
When several grades are averaged, for example module part exams, TUM keeps one decimal place and drops the rest without rounding: 2.14 and 2.19 both become 2.1. This calculator shows TUM averages the same way.
TUM overall grade (Gesamtnote)
Your overall grade is the weighted average of all your modules, including the thesis (Abschlussarbeit). Each module counts according to its credits. Your programme's own regulations (FPSO) can set different weights or leave out the first study phase, so check your FPSO too. Modules where you only completed coursework without a grade don't count.
| Overall grade | Result |
|---|---|
| up to 1.2 | mit Auszeichnung bestanden (passed with distinction) |
| 1.3 – 1.5 | sehr gut bestanden (very good) |
| 1.6 – 2.5 | gut bestanden (good) |
| 2.6 – 3.5 | befriedigend bestanden (satisfactory) |
| 3.6 – 4.0 | bestanden (passed) |
If you passed more elective modules than you need, you tell the examination board which ones count; otherwise the best results are used. An FPSO can also let you repeat a passed module exam once to improve the grade, with the better result counting.
How to calculate your TUM grade average: worked example
| Module | ECTS | Nota | ECTS × grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis 1 | 9 | 2.3 | 20.7 |
| Introduction to Informatics | 6 | 1.3 | 7.8 |
| Discrete Structures | 8 | 1.7 | 13.6 |
| Computer Organization | 8 | 2.7 | 21.6 |
| Total | 31 | 63.7 |
63.7 ÷ 31 = 2.054… → 2.0 (one decimal, no rounding)
Converting your CGPA from abroad: the Bavarian formula
If you studied outside Germany, for example in Pakistan or India, TUM and most German universities convert your grade with the modified Bavarian formula recommended by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK):
German grade = 1 + 3 × (Nmax − Nd) ÷ (Nmax − Nmin)
Nmax is the best grade in your system, Nmin the lowest passing grade and Nd your own grade. For a CGPA of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale where the lowest pass is 2.0: 1 + 3 × (4 − 3.2) ÷ (4 − 2) = 2.2. If the lowest pass in your system is 1.0, the same CGPA gives 1 + 3 × 0.8 ÷ 3 = 1.8. That is why it matters which lowest passing grade you use: check your transcript or degree regulations. The Bavarian formula tab does this for four common scales.
TUM CGPA calculator FAQs
Is 1.0 the best grade at TUM?
Yes. German grades run from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (lowest pass). 4.3, 4.7 and 5.0 are fail grades.
How is the TUM overall grade (Gesamtnote) calculated?
As the weighted average of all modules, including the thesis, with each module weighted by its credits. Your FPSO can set different weights.
Does TUM round the grade average?
When grades are averaged, the APSO keeps one decimal place and drops the rest without rounding, so 2.19 becomes 2.1.
What grade do I need for “mit Auszeichnung” at TUM?
An overall grade of 1.2 or better. 1.3 to 1.5 is “sehr gut”, 1.6 to 2.5 “gut”, 2.6 to 3.5 “befriedigend” and 3.6 to 4.0 “bestanden”.
How does TUM convert my CGPA from Pakistan or India?
With the modified Bavarian formula: 1 + 3 × (best grade − your grade) ÷ (best grade − lowest passing grade). TUM keeps one decimal and does not round to the usual grade steps.
Can I improve a passed module grade at TUM?
Only if your programme’s FPSO allows it. Where it does, you can repeat a passed module exam once and the better result counts.
Fontes
- TUM: Allgemeine Prüfungs- und Studienordnung (APSO) of 18 March 2011, readable version with the 4th amendment of 3 June 2020, §§ 16 and 17
- TUM: Notenumrechnung mit der Bayerischen Formel (grade conversion)
Última verificação: 18 de outubro de 2026. As regras das universidades podem mudar, então sempre confirme seus resultados com as regras oficiais mais recentes da sua universidade. Veja nossos Termos de uso.