1.8 GPA
A 1.8 GPA equals a C− letter grade and a percentage of approximately 71–73% on the standard 4.0 scale. It sits below the 2.0 academic standing threshold — a clear signal that improvement is urgently needed.
GPA Scale — Nearby Values
Where a 1.8 GPA sits among nearby GPA values on the standard 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4 | C+ | ~77-79% |
| 2.3 | C+ | 77-79% |
| 2.2 | C+ | ~76-78% |
| 2.1 | C | ~74-76% |
| 2.0 | C | 73-76% |
| 1.9 | C- | ~72-74% |
| 1.8 | C- | ~71-73% ← You Are Here |
| 1.7 | C- | 70-72% |
| 1.6 | D+ | ~68-70% |
| 1.5 | D+ | ~67-69% |
| 1.4 | D+ | ~66-68% |
| 1.3 | D+ | 67-69% |
What Is a 1.8 GPA?
A 1.8 GPA sits in the C− range on the standard 4.0 scale, corresponding to approximately 71–73% and falling between a 1.9 and a 1.7. It is the result of earning mostly C− and D+ grades with some C grades. A 1.8 is a low GPA that sits below the 2.0 academic standing threshold that most colleges require — meaning a cumulative 1.8 in college typically places a student on academic probation. It is a serious signal that significant academic changes are needed.
Is a 1.8 GPA Good?
A 1.8 GPA is well below average and below the critical 2.0 threshold. It sits more than a full point below the national average of 3.0 and below the 2.0 minimum most colleges require for academic good standing. In college, a cumulative 1.8 usually means academic probation, and continued performance at this level risks academic suspension. It is not strong by any measure — but it is recoverable, and the priority is making immediate, structural changes to raise the GPA back above 2.0.
1.8 GPA for High School Students
In high school, a 1.8 GPA falls below the minimum admission threshold for most four-year colleges and below the 2.0 some schools require for a standard diploma. The first priority for a high school student at 1.8 is confirming graduation eligibility with a counselor, since some states and districts require a minimum GPA to graduate. After that, community college is the most realistic pathway to higher education — it offers open enrollment regardless of GPA and a clear transfer route. Strong community college grades can reset an academic record that a 1.8 high school GPA would otherwise limit.
1.8 GPA for College Students
In college, a 1.8 GPA falls below the 2.0 academic good standing threshold, which typically means academic probation. This is a serious situation that requires immediate action. Probation usually comes with conditions — a required minimum GPA the next semester, mandatory advising, or course load limits — and continued performance below 2.0 can lead to academic suspension. The priority is raising the cumulative GPA back above 2.0 to protect enrollment and financial aid. Meeting with an academic advisor to build a concrete recovery plan is the essential first step.
Can You Graduate With a 1.8 GPA?
In most cases, no — most colleges require a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate, and a 1.8 falls below that threshold. A student would need to raise their GPA to at least 2.0 before earning their degree. Some institutions also use a 1.8 GPA as a specific benchmark for certain housing, athletic, or program eligibility requirements. For a student at 1.8, meeting with an academic advisor to map out exactly what grades are needed to reach 2.0 is the most important step toward graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions — 1.8 GPA
A 1.8 GPA corresponds to a C− letter grade on the standard 4.0 scale, equivalent to approximately 71–73%. It sits below a straight C (2.0) and reflects mostly C− and D+ level work. For an example of how a 1.8 GPA is used as an institutional requirement, this 1.8 GPA requirement reference illustrates how schools apply this benchmark.
A 1.8 GPA corresponds to approximately 71–73% on the standard percentage scale, placing it in the C− letter grade range. It reflects a mix of C− and D+ grades with some C grades that average to 1.8.
At the individual course level, the grades that make up a 1.8 are passing — C− and D+ grades earn credit. However, a 1.8 cumulative GPA falls below the 2.0 academic good standing threshold used by most colleges, which typically means academic probation. So while individual courses pass, the cumulative average is below the institutional minimum for good standing.
In most cases, no — most colleges require a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to graduate, and a 1.8 falls below that. A student would need to raise their GPA to at least 2.0 before earning their degree. The same generally applies in high school, where some districts require a minimum GPA to graduate. Meeting with an advisor to plan the path back above 2.0 is essential.
The first goal is crossing back above the 2.0 good standing threshold. The improvement rate depends on your completed credits — the fewer you have completed, the faster new grades raise your cumulative average. Converting C− and D+ grades to B and C grades over the coming semesters is the path forward. Meeting with an academic advisor to build a specific, realistic recovery plan is the most important step. Use a cumulative GPA calculator to model the grades you need.