Finland grading system for basic and upper-secondary education
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The Finland grading system uses the Numerical school grading scale (arviointiasteikko), which runs from 4 to 10, with 10 the best grade and 4 the worst. The lowest passing grade is 5.
There is no percent key, and national rules are set through the National Core Curriculum.
This page explains what each grade means, how grading works and how it relates to the matriculation examination. It also covers considerations for teaching Finnish students online or abroad, related grading systems and sources for verification.
What each Finnish grade means
Finnish school grades use a numerical scale from 4 to 10, with grade 4 reserved for failed performances. The comprehensive school syllabus is passed with at least grade 5 or the verbal assessment “pass.”
| Grade | Native label | Meaning | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | erinomainen | excellent: Shows excellent knowledge and skills. | Yes |
| 9 | kiitettävä | very good | Yes |
| 8 | hyvä | good | Yes |
| 7 | tyydyttävä | satisfactory | Yes |
| 6 | kohtalainen | moderate | Yes |
| 5 | välttävä | adequate | Yes |
| 4 | hylätty | fail: Reserved for failed performances. | No |
The comprehensive school syllabus is passed with at least grade 5 or a verbal assessment 'pass'.
The matriculation examination also uses grades, with laudatur the highest and improbatur the lowest (Eurydice).
Compared with related systems
Finland
6 of 7 grades pass
Denmark
5 of 7 grades pass
France
4 of 5 grades pass
Georgia
6 of 10 grades pass
How grading works in Finland
Finland sets grading rules nationally through the National Core Curriculum, which gives the general principles of pupil assessment; in basic education, the relevant class or subject teacher carries out the assessment.
The lukuvuositodistus records a pupil’s study programme, subject assessments and decision on moving to the next grade or being retained. For general upper secondary education, each provider decides on the layout of its certificates.
The matriculation examination is held in spring and autumn.
If you teach Finnish students online or abroad
Students may bring a päättötodistus (school-leaving certificate), välitodistus (interim report), or erotodistus (leaving certificate). Check which document each student has and record its grades in your gradebook.
Set the scale up once so every report card and transcript you produce uses the same key.
Related grading systems
- Denmark7-step numeric scale, 12 is best; passing grade 02 (Den tilstrækkelige præstation)
- France5-step points scale, 16.00 - 20.00 is best; passing grade 10.00 - 11.99 (Passable)
- Georgia10-step numeric scale, 10 is best; passing grade 5 (Low)
- Italy11-step numeric scale, 10/10 is best; passing grade 6/10 (Sufficient attainment; pass)
- Germany6-step numeric scale, 1 is best; passing grade 4 (Ausreichend)
- Ireland8-step numeric scale, 1 is best; passing grade 7
Sources and verification
- [1]www03.oph.fi. Opetushallinnon sanasto. Accessed Sep 29, 2026. Official source
- [2]oph.fi. Todistusmerkinnät, yksilöllistäminen ja poissaolot. pdf. Accessed Sep 29, 2026. Official source
- [3]eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu. Assessment in general upper secondary education. Accessed Sep 29, 2026. Credential evaluator
- [4]eurydice.eacea.ec.europa.eu. Assessment in single-structure education. Accessed Sep 29, 2026. Credential evaluator
The facts on this page were last verified on Sep 29, 2026. Suggest a correction
Frequently asked questions
What is a passing grade in Finland?
In comprehensive school in Finland, the lowest passing grade is 5. The comprehensive school syllabus can also be passed with the verbal assessment “pass.”
Do schools in Finland use percentages for grades?
No. Finnish school grades use a numerical scale from 4 to 10, and there is no percent key.
Is a 7 a good grade in Finland?
In basic and general upper-secondary education, 7 means tyydyttävä, or satisfactory.
