HSK score calculator: did you pass?
HSK 2 result
115 / 200: not a pass
Against the pass mark
The pass mark is 120. You are 5 points below it.
Section scores
Listening 55, Reading 60
Weakest section
Listening, at 55 out of 100.
GraphChinese finds the topics behind your weakest section and teaches them in order, so the next score moves. The whole course, HSK 0 through HSK 6, is $49 once for lifetime access.
Find what to fixLeave writing empty for HSK 1 and HSK 2. Those papers have no writing section.
Pass marks for all six levels
| Level | Sections, 100 points each | Questions | Maximum | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSK 1 | Listening, Reading | 40 (Listening 20, Reading 20) | 200 | 120 |
| HSK 2 | Listening, Reading | 60 (Listening 35, Reading 25) | 200 | 120 |
| HSK 3 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 80 (Listening 40, Reading 30, Writing 10) | 300 | 180 |
| HSK 4 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 100 (Listening 45, Reading 40, Writing 15) | 300 | 180 |
| HSK 5 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 100 (Listening 45, Reading 45, Writing 10) | 300 | 180 |
| HSK 6 | Listening, Reading, Writing | 101 (Listening 50, Reading 50, Writing 1) | 300 | 180 |
How the score works
- Each section is out of 100. The number of questions does not change that. One listening question at HSK 1 is worth five points. One reading question at HSK 6 is worth two.
- The total is the sum. Two sections make 200 at HSK 1 and 2. Three sections make 300 from HSK 3.
- 60% passes. That is 120 of 200, or 180 of 300.
- Only the total counts. The HSK sets no minimum for a single section.
The score report shows the section scores and the total. There is no grade band above a pass, so 181 and 280 are both a pass at HSK 4. A university or employer can ask for more than the exam does, such as a higher total or a minimum in each section.
For what is in each section, see the HSK exam format. Speaking is not part of this score. It is a separate exam, the HSKK.
Frequently asked questions
What score do you need to pass the HSK?
120 out of 200 at HSK 1 and HSK 2, and 180 out of 300 at HSK 3, 4, 5 and 6. That is 60% of the total at every level. More in HSK passing scores.
How is the HSK total calculated?
Each section is reported out of 100, whatever its number of questions. The total is the section scores added together: two sections at HSK 1 and 2, three sections from HSK 3 up.
Can I pass with one low section?
Yes. The pass mark applies to the total, so a high reading score can cover a low listening score. Some universities set their own minimum for each section, so check the requirement you are applying against.
Why is there no writing score at HSK 1 and HSK 2?
Those two papers have only listening and reading, and score out of 200. Writing starts at HSK 3, where the paper scores out of 300.
Does this work for the new HSK 3.0?
No. This calculator is for the current six-level HSK only. The score scale for the nine-level HSK 3.0 has not been published, so there is nothing to calculate yet. See the new HSK, explained.