You studied hard, took the test, and your score came back as 89.5% — now you’re wondering: Is that an A or a B?
This question is common among students because the difference between an 89.5 and 90% can determine your final letter grade, GPA, and even scholarship eligibility.
Let’s break down what 89.5% really means, how teachers handle grade rounding, and when it might be considered an A instead of a B.
Understanding What 89.5% Means
An 89.5% is right on the border between a B+ and an A–, depending on your school’s grading policy.
Here’s how the typical U.S. grade scale works:
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA (4.0 Scale) |
| 90–100% | A | 4.0 |
| 87–89% | B+ | 3.3 |
| 90–92% | A– | 3.7 |
| 80–86% | B | 3.0 |
That means 89.5% technically falls between a B+ and an A–, which creates a rounding question.
Does 89.5 Round Up to an A?
In most grading systems, yes — an 89.5% rounds up to a 90%, which equals an A–.
Standard rounding rule:
If the decimal is .5 or higher, the grade rounds up to the next whole number.
- 89.5 → 90 → A–
- 89.4 → 89 → B+
So, if your instructor follows traditional rounding rules, you’ve earned an A–.
However, not all schools or professors round grades automatically. Some use strict cutoffs, meaning anything below 90.0% remains a B+.
Grade Rounding Policies: How Teachers Decide
Schools and teachers use different methods to handle borderline scores.
Here are the most common approaches:
1. Standard Rounding (Most Common)
- Grades ending in .5 or higher round up.
- Example: 89.5 → 90 = A–.
- Fair and consistent across all students.
2. No Rounding Policy
- Grades are reported exactly as earned.
- Example: 89.5 stays B+.
- Common in college and graduate-level courses.
3. Curve or Discretionary Adjustment
- Teachers may bump up grades based on effort, participation, or class averages.
- Example: If the class average is low, the instructor might curve all scores up by 1–2%.
To confirm how your grade will be handled, always check your course syllabus or grading policy statement.
What Is 89.5 as a GPA?
Here’s how 89.5% converts on a 4.0 GPA scale, depending on how it’s rounded:
| Percentage | Letter Grade | GPA |
| 89.5% (Rounded Down) | B+ | 3.3 |
| 89.5% (Rounded Up) | A– | 3.7 |
So, your GPA impact depends entirely on whether your instructor rounds the grade up.
You can check how this affects your overall average using the GPA Calculator.
Why the 89.5% Cutoff Matters
That half-point difference can make a major impact on:
- Cumulative GPA — especially in weighted courses.
- Scholarship eligibility — many require a 3.5+ GPA.
- Dean’s list or honor roll status.
- Course prerequisites — an A– might fulfill GPA requirements where a B+ wouldn’t.
If you’re consistently near the 89–90 range, it’s worth double-checking your scores and grade weights using a Final Grade Calculator.
How to Calculate if 89.5 Will Round Up
✅ That rounds up to 90% = A–
To verify your own results, plug your exact scores and weights into the Grade Calculator. It’ll show both your precise percentage and your rounded letter grade automatically.
Tips to Avoid Borderline Grades
Don’t leave your final mark up to rounding. Here’s how to stay safely in the A range:
- Track your grades regularly — know where you stand before finals.
- Turn in extra credit early if your instructor offers it.
- Ask about rounding policies before the semester ends.
- Use weighted calculators to plan your target scores.
- Aim for 90+ on major exams to create a buffer.
The TestGradesCalculator.com Final Grade Calculator can help you predict what score you need on your next test to guarantee an A.
(read more : How Do You Grade Assignments? (Step-by-Step with Examples))
FAQ: Is 89.5 an A or B?
1. Does 89.5 round up to 90?
Yes — if your school uses standard rounding rules, 89.5 becomes 90, which is an A–.
2. What if my teacher doesn’t round grades?
Then 89.5 stays a B+. Always confirm your instructor’s grading policy.
3. What GPA is an 89.5%?
It’s between 3.3 and 3.7 GPA, depending on rounding.
4. Can I ask my professor to round up?
You can politely ask, but it depends on policy. Some professors have strict grading cutoffs.
5. How can I prevent borderline grades?
Use a Grade Calculator to track your averages early and plan your scores.
Conclusion: 89.5% Is Usually an A– (If Rounded Up)
In most grading systems, 89.5% rounds up to 90%, giving you an A–. However, the final decision depends on your teacher’s rounding policy.
The safest way to protect your grade is to track your progress throughout the semester and understand how each assignment affects your total score.
👉 Try it now: Use the TestGradesCalculator.com to see whether your grades round up — and calculate your GPA or final grade instantly.