What is the most common scale used to grade students?

In the United States, the most commonly used grading scale is the 4.0 scale. It is used at most all high schools as well as at colleges and universities.

In the 4.0 grading scale, a 4.0 corresponds to an A. A 3.0 corresponds to a B, a 2.0 corresponds to a C, and a 1.0 corresponds to a D. Failing grades receive no points. In the 4.0 scale, a student’s grade point average or GPA is calculated by determining the average of all of the student’s grades. For instance, if a student earns one A and one B, her GPA is a 3.5. At some high schools, more challenging classes, such as honors courses, are weighted out of 5.0. At such schools it is possible to earn a GPA higher than a 4.0.