In today’s global education landscape, understanding different grading systems is crucial, especially if you’re planning to study abroad. One common point of confusion is the conversion between CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) and GPA (Grade Point Average). Though both are used to measure academic performance, they differ in scale and calculation methods. This blog post will be your one-stop guide to converting CGPA to GPA!
What is CGPA?
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is widely used in Indian education systems and some other countries to measure a student’s overall academic performance across all subjects. CGPA is usually calculated on a scale of 10 or 4, depending on the institution.
What is GPA?
GPA, or Grade Point Average, is predominantly used in the United States and other countries following the US education system. It measures a student’s academic performance on a scale of 0 to 4.0 or sometimes up to 5.0 for advanced or honors courses.
CGPA Calculation:
Here’s a quick breakdown of how CGPA is typically calculated:
- Calculation: CGPA is calculated by dividing the average grade points of all semesters earned by the total number of semesters. You can also calculate by summing the product of grade points and credits for all subjects, divided by the total number of credits. It offers a holistic view of your academic prowess throughout your undergraduate journey.
- Grade Points: The performance in each subject determines its grade point.
- Credit Points: Each subject has a specific number of credits based on importance and duration.
CGPA = Average grade points of all semesters / Total number of semesters
Example Calculation of CGPA
Example Data for 3 Semesters
| Semester | Grades | Credits |
| 1 | 9, 8, 7, 8, 10 | 4, 3, 3, 4, 3 |
| 2 | 9, 8, 7, 8, 9 | 4, 3, 3, 3, 4 |
| 3 | 10, 7, 8, 9, 10 | 4, 3, 3, 4, 3 |
1. Calculate GPA for Each Semester
Semester 1:
Calculate GPA:
GPA1=143 / 17=8.41
Multiply each grade point by the corresponding credit:
9×4=36
8×3=24
7×3=21
8×4=32
10×3=30
Add up all the products:
36+24+21+32+30=143
Sum the credits:
4+3+3+4+3=17
- Calculate GPA:
GPA1=143 / 17=8.41
Semester 2:
GPA2=141 / 17=8.29
Semester 3:
GPA3=151 / 17=8.88
GPA Calculation:
The calculation involves:
- Grade Points: Each grade is assigned a point value (e.g., A = 4, B = 3).
- Credit Hours: Each course is assigned some credit hours.
- Calculation: GPA is the weighted average of the grade points, calculated by multiplying the grade points by the credit hours, summing these values, and dividing by the total credit hours.
GPA= Sum of (Grade Point × Credits) / Sum of all credits
Example Calculation of GPA:
Suppose a student has completed 5 courses with the following grades and credit hours:
| Course | Grade | Grade Points | Credit Hours |
| Math | A | 4.0 | 4 |
| Science | B | 3.0 | 3 |
| English | A | 4.0 | 3 |
| History | B+ | 3.3 | 2 |
| Geography | A | 4.0 | 3 |
To calculate the GPA:
- Multiply the grade points by the credit hours for each course:
- Math: 4.0×4=16
- Science: 3.0×3=9
- English: 4.0×3=12
- History: 3.3×2=6.6
- Geography: 4.0×3=12
- Sum the total grade points and total credit hours:
- Total Grade Points = 16+9+12+6.6+12=55.6
- Total Credit Hours = 4+3+3+2+3=15
- Divide the total grade points by the total credit hours:
GPA=55.6 / 15=3.71
Why Convert CGPA to GPA?
If you’re applying to universities abroad, particularly in the US, you’ll need to convert your CGPA to GPA to meet their admission requirements. This conversion helps admission committees understand your academic performance in a familiar format.
Why Convert CGPA to GPA?
If you’re applying to universities abroad, particularly in the US, you’ll need to convert your CGPA to GPA to meet their admission requirements. This conversion helps admission committees understand your academic performance in a familiar format.
Conversion Methods
There is no universal formula for converting CGPA to GPA, but here are some commonly accepted methods:
- Direct Conversion Using Formula GPA=CGPA / 2.5
For a rough estimate, you can use this simple ratio. For example, to approximate your GPA on a 4.0 scale from a CGPA out of 10, divide your CGPA by 2.5.
Example: If your CGPA is 8.0, your GPA would be 3.2. - Conversion Using Formula GPA = (CGPA / Maximum CGPA) * 4.0 .For a smooth conversion of your CGPA to a US GPA on a 4.0 scale, divide your CGPA by the maximum CGPA (often 10), and multiply by 4. This method makes it easier to present your academic achievements to universities abroad.
For example, if your CGPA is 8.5:
GPA = (8.5 / 10) * 4.0 = 3.4
Therefore, your equivalent GPA on a 4.0 scale would be 3.4.
- WES iGPA Calculator: The World Education Services (WES) provides an iGPA Calculator that converts international grades to the US GPA system. This tool is widely accepted by many universities.
- University-specific Guidelines: Some universities provide their conversion scales or guidelines. Always verify the specific application requirements of each institution you are considering.
Tips for Accurate Conversion
- Check the Scale: Ensure you know the scale your CGPA is on (e.g., out of 10 or 4).
- Use Reliable Tools: Utilize conversion tools like the WES iGPA Calculator for more accurate results.
- Contact Admissions Offices: If you need clarification, reach out to the admissions offices of the universities you’re applying to for guidance.
Here is a CGPA to GPA conversion table to make your life easier!
| 10 Point CGPA | USA Grade Approximate | Approximate 4 Point GPA |
|---|---|---|
| 10.0 | A | 4.00 |
| 9.0 | A | 3.6 |
| 8.0 | B | 3.2 |
| 7.0 | B | 2.8 |
| 6.0 | C | 2.4 |
| 5.0 | C | 2.0 |
| 4.0 | D | 1.6 |
| 3.0 | F | 1.2 |
| 2.0 | F | 0.8 |
| 1.0 | F | 0.4 |
Grade Equivalencies: Percentage, CGPA (10-point), and GPA (4.0)
| Letter Grade | Approximate Percentage Range | CGPA (10-point) | GPA (4.0 Scale) |
| A+ | 95% – 100% | 9.1 – 10.0 | 4 |
| A | 90% – 94% | 8.1 – 9.0 | 3.7 – 4.0 |
| B+ | 85% – 89% | 7.5 – 7.9 | 3.3 – 3.7 |
| B | 80% – 84% | 7.0 – 7.4 | 3.0 – 3.3 |
| C+ | 75% – 79% | 6.5 – 6.9 | 2.7 – 3.0 |
| C | 70% – 74% | 6.0 – 6.4 | 2.3 – 2.7 |
| D+ | 65% – 69% | 5.5 – 5.9 | 2.0 – 2.3 |
| D | 60% – 64% | 5.0 – 5.4 | 1.7 – 2.0 |
| F | Below 60% | Below 5.0 | 0 |
Difference between CGPA and GPA
While CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) and GPA (Grade Point Average) evaluate academic performance, they differ in scope and the timeframes they represent. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Scope:
- CGPA: Represents the overall average grade across all semesters in a program. (Think of it as a report card for your entire degree).
- GPA: It reflects the average grade for a specific period, say a semester or term.
Scale:
- CGPA: Typically calculated on a 10-point scale (though variations exist), with 10 being the highest. (Common in countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh).
- GPA: Usually on a 4.0 scale (some institutions might use a 5.0 scale), with 4.0 representing the highest achievement. (Predominant in the US and many other countries).
Applications:
- CGPA: Used for evaluating a student’s overall academic performance and is crucial for internal university matters like placements or scholarships.
- GPA: Useful for tracking progress within a program and plays a significant role in applications to universities abroad.
In essence:
- CGPA: Big picture – reflects your entire academic journey in a program.
- GPA: Smaller snapshot – indicates performance in a specific term or semester.
Conclusion:
Converting CGPA to GPA is not an insurmountable challenge; rather, it’s a manageable task with the right guidance. While CGPA provides an overarching view of your academic journey, GPA offers a more detailed assessment of individual terms or semesters. By following our simplified formula and utilizing conversion tables, Indian students can confidently navigate the transition to the US GPA system. Trust in the process, arm yourself with knowledge, and embark on your journey to academic excellence across the globe with Walk International by your side.