The grade E typically means “Fail” or “Unsatisfactory” in most U.S. school systems, though it is not universally used. While A, B, C, and D are standard letter grades, E is often used instead of F to represent a failing grade—especially in elementary or middle schools.
An E indicates that a student did not meet the minimum learning standards for the course or assignment. It usually corresponds to a score below 60% or 70%, depending on the school’s grading scale. Like an F, an E does not earn credit and may require retaking the course.
Why Some Schools Use E Instead of F
Some educators prefer E because it stands for “Below Expectations” rather than “Fail,” which they feel is less stigmatizing. In this context, E still means failure—but with a more descriptive tone. Other schools use E for “Incomplete” if work was not submitted, though this is less common.
In higher education, E is rarely used—most colleges use A–F. If you see an E on a transcript, always check the school’s grading key to confirm its meaning.
What to Do If You Get an E
If you receive an E, it’s a signal to seek help:
- Talk to your teacher about what went wrong
- Review missed material
- Ask about retake or remediation options
An E is not the end—it’s a chance to improve.
Your effort next time matters more than the grade you got.