promedio
/pɾoˈmedjo/
The English phrase 'grade point average' is translated into Spanish as promedio.
promedio refers to an overall average. To specify that you are talking about academic grades rather than a general mathematical mean, you can use the phrase promedio de calificaciones. In more formal contexts, you may see promedio de notas or the even more academic promedio académico.
Meaning: overall average (noun)
Which one should you use?
While promedio is the standard term for a grade point average, the word media is also used in many Spanish-speaking countries to denote a mathematical average or mean.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Colombia or Venezuela, the term índice de rendimiento académico is used instead of promedio de notas. This term is often abbreviated as IRA. Additionally, coeficiente de rendimiento is another way to express this concept and is commonly abbreviated as CR.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of promedio is promedios.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈmedjo/
Did you know?
- The word media, which is used to calculate a 'grade point average' in many countries, is also the everyday Spanish word for 'socks' or 'stockings'.
- The word promedio comes from the Latin phrase pro medio, meaning 'for the middle'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, you might hear your 'GPA' described as your índice, which literally translates to 'index' rather than 'average'.
Examples in context
- El promedio de notas obtenido por el estudiante es excelente.The grade point average obtained by the student is excellent.
- Mi promedio es muy alto este semestre.My grade point average is very high this semester.
- ¿Cuál es el promedio de la clase?What is the class average?
- Necesitas mejorar tu promedio para la beca.You need to improve your grade point average for the scholarship.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing their academic performance in a library.
- DanielMaría, ¿sabes cuál es mi promedio actual?María, do you know what my current grade point average is?
- MaríaNo lo sé, pero Daniel, creo que es bueno.I don't know, but Daniel, I think it is good.
- DanielEspero que mi promedio sea suficiente para graduarme.I hope my grade point average is enough to graduate.
- MaríaSeguro que sí, no te preocupes tanto.I'm sure it is, don't worry so much.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry promedio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries promedio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
