WAM Calculator
Calculate it, calculate!
Formula
WAM = Σ(mark × credit points) ÷ Σ(credit points)¹
Worked example
| Course | Mark | Credit points | Mark × CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| COMP3400 | 72 | 2 | 144 |
| MATH2001 | 85 | 2 | 170 |
| DRAM2030 | 61 | 2 | 122 |
| Total | 6 | 436 | |
WAM = 436 ÷ 6 = 72.67
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University differences
How each uni calculates WAM
| University | Year-level weighting | Fail marks included | Grade-only subjects |
|---|---|---|---|
| UQ⁷ | Yes (later-year courses weighted higher) | Yes | No |
| Monash⁴ | Yes (year level applied) | Yes | No |
| UniMelb² | No (all subjects equal) | Yes | No |
| UNSW³ | No (all subjects equal) | Yes | No |
| USyd¹ | No (all subjects equal) | Yes | Some faculties |
| QUT⁸ | N/A (QUT uses GPA) | Yes (in GPA) | No |
Grade bands
What your WAM means
| WAM range | Grade | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 85–100 | HD | High Distinction |
| 80–84 | HD / H1 | First Class Honours eligible at most universities² |
| 75–79 | D / H2A | Distinction: competitive for many Honours programs² |
| 70–74 | D / H2B | Distinction: may meet minimum Honours entry² |
| 65–69 | CR | Credit: meets most postgrad entry requirements |
| 50–64 | P | Pass: satisfactory but limits postgrad options |
| 0–49 | F | Fail: counts against your WAM at most universities |
FAQ
Common questions
What is a WAM?
A WAM (Weighted Average Mark) is the standard academic performance metric used by most Australian universities. It is calculated as the sum of each course mark multiplied by its credit points, divided by the total credit points attempted. Unlike GPA, WAM operates on a 0–100 percentage scale.
Do fail grades count towards my WAM?
At most Australian universities (including UQ, UniMelb, Monash, and UNSW) fail grades are included in your WAM calculation. This means a failed subject will drag your average down even if you later pass it or withdraw. QUT is an exception: it uses GPA rather than WAM, so the weighting rules differ.
How is WAM different from GPA?
WAM is expressed as a percentage (0–100) and weights each course by credit points. GPA converts marks into a grade-point scale (typically 0–7 in Australia or 0–4 in the US) before averaging. Some universities, notably QUT, use GPA instead of WAM, while others report both.
What WAM do I need for Honours?
Most Australian universities require a minimum WAM of 65–70 to be considered for an Honours program, with competitive programs often expecting 75 or above. A WAM of 80+ is typically needed for First Class Honours. Requirements vary by faculty and institution, so always check directly with your school.
Sources
- ¹University of Sydney - Weighted Average Mark
- ²University of Melbourne - Weighted Average Mark
- ³UNSW - Calculating WAM
- ⁴Monash University - Weighted Average Mark
- ⁵RMIT University - Weighted Average Mark
- ⁶University of Wollongong - WAM Calculations
- ⁷University of Queensland - Final Grades and GPA
- ⁸QUT - Grading Scales and Awards Policy (MOPP C/5.2)
Your WAM compounds across every semester.
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