What Does a D- Grade Mean?
A D- grade corresponds to a percentage range of 60% – 62.99% on the standard American 10-point grading scale. In terms of academic quality points, a D- awards 0.7 grade points on an unweighted 4.0 collegiate scale. In Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, it typically yields 1.7 points on a weighted 5.0 scale.
How Does a D- Affect Your Grade Point Average?
Because grade point averages are credit-weighted arithmetic means of quality points, receiving a D- has a positive or stabilizing influence on your cumulative GPA depending on whether your current average is below or above 0.7.
Exact Test Scores Needed for a D- (60% – 62.99%)
Looking to see how many questions you can miss or need to get right on your next quiz or exam to earn a D-? The table below maps out common exam lengths:
| Exam Length | Questions Correct Needed | Max Missed Allowed | Score Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Questions | 6 – 6 correct | Max 4 wrong | 60.0% – 60.0% |
| 15 Questions | 9 – 9 correct | Max 6 wrong | 60.0% – 60.0% |
| 20 Questions | 12 – 12 correct | Max 8 wrong | 60.0% – 60.0% |
| 25 Questions | 15 – 15 correct | Max 10 wrong | 60.0% – 60.0% |
| 30 Questions | 18 – 18 correct | Max 12 wrong | 60.0% – 60.0% |
| 40 Questions | 24 – 25 correct | Max 16 wrong | 60.0% – 62.5% |
| 50 Questions | 30 – 31 correct | Max 20 wrong | 60.0% – 62.0% |
| 75 Questions | 45 – 47 correct | Max 30 wrong | 60.0% – 62.7% |
| 100 Questions | 60 – 62 correct | Max 40 wrong | 60.0% – 62.0% |
Is a D or D- Considered Passing in High School & College?
A question frequently asked by students is whether a D or D- grade counts as passing. The answer depends heavily on academic level and degree requirements:
- High School Graduation: In almost all US high school districts, a D-, D, or D+ is considered a passing grade that earns standard credit toward high school graduation. However, earning multiple D grades will lower your cumulative GPA and can jeopardize athletic eligibility (the NCAA requires a minimum 2.3 core GPA for Division I) as well as college admissions.
- College & Major Requirements: While colleges usually award course credit for a D in general elective requirements, almost all academic departments require a C (2.0 GPA) or higher in core courses and prerequisites. For example, if Calculus I is a prerequisite for Calculus II, a grade of D or D- in Calculus I will require retaking the class.
- Credit Transfer: If you plan to transfer credits from a community college to a 4-year university, grades of D+ or lower almost never transfer. Universities typically mandate a grade of C (73% or 2.0 GPA) or better for credit recognition.
- Academic Probation: Cumulative GPAs below 2.0 (C average) place students on academic warning or probation. Repeated grades of D will drag your cumulative average toward dismissal thresholds.
D Grade Breakdown Table (D+, D, D-)
| Grade | Percentage | Standard 4.0 GPA | College Passing Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| D+ | 67.0% – 69.99% | 1.3 | Marginal (Elective Only) |
| D | 63.0% – 66.99% | 1.0 | Minimum Passing (Does Not Transfer) |
| D- | 60.0% – 62.99% | 0.7 | Borderline (Prerequisite Retake Required) |
Need to calculate or raise your course grade?
Use our free planning calculators to find out the exact scores you need on remaining exams to hit your target GPA: