Grade inflation, also called grading leniency, is the general awarding of higher grades for the same quality of work over time, which devalues the grades themselves; higher average grades alone do not prove grade inflation unless it can also be shown that the quality of the work does not merit the higher grade. It is frequently discussed in relation to education in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Poland, Germany, Turkey, South Korea, Japan, China and India.
Facts
Partially Attested
Origin Year1894 is the earliest documented reference the article cites (a Harvard University report on lax grading standards), used to argue grade inflation is longstanding; it is not presented as the phenomenon's own start date. Core ClaimGrade inflation, also called grading leniency, is the general awarding of higher grades for the same quality of work over time, which devalues the grades themselves. 1 FAQs
How has grade inflation been measured in practice?
At Harvard College the share of solid A grades rose from 24 percent in 2005 to 60.2 percent by spring 2025.
One recent example comes from Harvard College. A report from its Faculty of Arts and Sciences found that solid A grades made up 24 percent of final grades in 2005, 40.3 percent in 2015 and 60.2 percent by the spring of 2025. In February 2026 a faculty subcommittee recommended capping A grades at 20 percent of each class, with four extra A grades allowed per class to give small seminars more flexibility. This is one institution's data, not a general finding.
Sources
1. Grade inflation (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia FoundationArguments section, Harvard 1894 report quote
the following quote about lax standards from a Harvard University report in 1894 has been used to claim that grade inflation has been a longstanding issue
Lead paragraph, first sentence
Grade inflation (also known as grading leniency) is the general awarding of higher grades for the same quality of work over time, which devalues grades.
Lead paragraph, education-level
Grade inflation (also known as grading leniency) is the general awarding of higher grades for the same quality of work over time, which devalues grades.
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