CGPA vs GPA: Difference between CGPA and GPA
Talk to Expert
There is a huge difference between CGPA and GPA. They are used to assess the academic performance of a student. Use our free CGPA to GPA Converter:
Calculate your score and check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities.
Out of 10
- What are GPA and CGPA?
- What is GPA?
- What is CGPA?
- CGPA vs GPA: Key Differences
- How to Convert CGPA to GPA?
- Is Conversion from CGPA to GPA Always Authentic?
- Comparison of GPA and CGPA Systems Worldwide
- Difference Between CGPA and GPA FAQs
What are GPA and CGPA?
There are two metrics that are used for calculating final scores. These are GPA and CGPA. Both the GPA and CGPA are calculated semester-wise and annually as well, but have different formulae. To understand what GPA and CGPA are, check out the sections below in detail with calculation samples.
What is GPA?
When understanding GPA and CGPA, one first needs to understand GPA. The Grade Point Average, or GPA, is used to evaluate performance in each credit undertaken. The reasons why a GPA is integral for applicants abroad are:
- To apply for a scholarship to fund education abroad.
- GPAs show the competitive level of applicants among others.
- GPA can fluctuate with the scores of credit points in a certain semester or over time.
To calculate GPA, use our free GPA calculator tool to help you keep track of your performance.
How to Calculate GPA
To manually calculate GPA, one needs to know how to calculate GPA. The process is as follows:
| Metrics Through Which GPA is Calculated | Formula Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| GPA Calculation | GPA = Total Subject Scores ÷ Total Number of Subjects | If grades are 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 12, then 12 ÷ 4 subjects = 3.0 GPA |
| CGPA Calculation | CGPA = Total Semester GPAs ÷ Total Semesters | If semester GPAs are 3.2 + 3.5 + 3.8 = 10.5, then 10.5 ÷ 3 = 3.5 CGPA |
| Percentage to GPA | GPA = (% / 100) x 4 or GPA = Divide your percentage by 25 | GPA = (80 /100) x 4 = 3.2 or 80% ÷ 25 = 3.2 GPA |
| CGPA to Percentage | Multiply CGPA by 9.5 | 8.0 CGPA × 9.5 = 76% |
GPA is not just calculated through credits. GPA from a percentage is also possible. Apart from this, GPA can also be calculated via CGPA.
What is CGPA?
When discussing CGPA, applicants must know its more popular at Indian engineering universities. There may be various reasons why institutions choose to assess students based on a cumulative grade point average, and they include:
- Core placements based on CGPA
- Understanding the CGPA of the applicant in a competitive environment
- Most Indian institutions assess students based on CGPA.
- Based on CGPA, applicants can understand their overall performance in the year or semester.
A CGPA will not be acceptable when applying for education abroad; thus, it is here that CGPA vs GPA comes into play. Hence, universities abroad will require a GPA score from the applicant for admission.
How to Calculate CGPA?
To calculate CGPA, this is what you need to do:
-
List all the courses studied, calculate their credit hours and assign grade points (e.g., A = 10, B = 8).
-
Get weighted grade points by multiplying grade points with course credits for each subject.
- After adding all weighted points, divide the total credits by SGPA.
-
Calculate CGPA:
- Add all Semester GPAs.
- Divide by the number of semesters.
Here are some CGPA Calculation Formulae for reference:
-
Semester GPA = Sum of (Grade Points×Credits) / Total Credits
-
CGPA
These are used for either directly calculating CGPA or through SGPA.
CGPA vs GPA: Key Differences
GPA tracks how a student performs in a single semester, usually scored out of 4.0. CGPA, on the other hand, adds up performance across every semester to give an overall picture of academic standing throughout the course.
For students applying abroad, converting between the two isn't optional; most international universities ask for GPA, while Indian marksheets typically show CGPA. A common formula used for this conversion is CGPA = (GPA × 10) ÷ 4.
Check out the difference between CGPA and GPA in the table below:
| CGPA |
GPA |
|---|---|
| Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) calculates the applicant's overall performance. |
Grade Point Average (GPA) calculates a semester's grades. |
| Varies between ‘outstanding and fail’ based on either the numerical or grade-based assessment. |
GPA can be calculated using different data types - numbers, scales, or grades. |
| It is not widely accepted for admission to study abroad; it is only accepted within India. |
Widely accepted for study abroad admissions in countries like the USA, Canada, and Europe. |
| Anywhere above 8 grade points is a good CGPA score. |
3.4 or above is a good GPA score. |
Thus, the difference between CGPA and GPA is based solely on the method of assessment. The CGPA vs GPA difference is commonly noted in their different methods of computation, which result in distinct calculation methods.
How to Convert CGPA to GPA?
Apart from the CGPA vs GPA debate, some conversions are essential to understand. Since CGPA vs GPA have different roles and are used across different institutions, their acceptance is limited to certain areas. CGPA is scored on a 10-point scale, whereas GPA is typically scored on a 4.0-point scale. The following is a comparison of CGPA to GPA, the two-grade average points and an equivalent score point for international students’ reference:
| CGPA (10 Point) |
GPA (4.0 Point) |
Grade on a 4.0 Point Scale |
|---|---|---|
| >8.5 |
>3.7 |
A |
| 8.0 – 8.4 |
3.7 |
A |
| 7.5 – 7.9 |
3.3 |
B+ |
| 7.0 – 7.4 |
3 |
B |
| 6.5 – 6.9 |
2.7 |
C+ |
| 6.0 – 6.4 |
2.3 |
C |
| 5.5 – 5.9 |
2 |
D+ |
| 5.0 – 5.4 |
1.7 |
D |
| <5.0 |
0 – 1.3 |
F |
This is the ideal conversion from CGPA to GPA and vice versa. Thus, applicants applying abroad can have a fair idea of their academic standing. Thus, the CGPA to GPA for manual calculation can be avoided, and the table above can also be referred to. This is also an essential part of CGPA vs GPA. Want to convert CGPA to GPA? Check out the complete process - How to Convert CGPA into GPA?
Is Conversion from CGPA to GPA Always Authentic?
Typically, foreign universities recommend credential evaluations for an accurate assessment and conversion of grade point averages to meet university admission requirements. Thus, universities may suggest WES credentials or ECE based on their partnerships.
In these cases, applicants must avoid converting their CGPA scores into GPA on their own when submitting admission applications, as the information may become invalid for use.
Comparison of GPA and CGPA Systems Worldwide
| Country |
Primary Scale Used for Grading |
Highest Possible Score/Grade |
Passing Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA |
4.0 GPA |
4.0 (A) |
1.0 (D) |
| India |
10.0 CGPA |
10.0 |
4.0 |
| UK |
Percentage |
First Class (70%+) |
Third Class (40%+) |
| Australia |
7.0 GPA |
7.0 (High Distinction) |
4.0 (Pass) |
| Germany |
5.0 to 1.0 |
1.0 (Best) |
4.0 (Sufficient) |
| Canada |
4.0 GPA |
4.0 (A+) |
1.0–2.0 (D/C) |
| Switzerland |
6.0 Scale |
6.0 (Excellent) |
4.0 (Pass) |
Conversion from CGPA to GPA is, thus, authentic only if it has been converted by designated agencies that are experts in this field. Thus, applicants must first understand in detail CGPA vs GPA and then take steps towards computing one value from the other.
Difference Between CGPA and GPA FAQs
Commonly asked questions
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduates are in high demand all over the world. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill placement rate stands at is 64.6%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. This figure states that out of every 100 students, around 64 students secured employment. UNC Chapel Hill placement rate attracts international students the most. Moreover, UNC Chapel Hill graduates are working in leading sectors such as UNC Health, Wells Fargo, UNC School of Medicine, Bank of America, and more. Some of the top recruiters at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are given below:
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- UNC Health
- Wells Fargo
- UNC School of Medicine
- Bank of America
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the top universities for international students in the United States. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill placement rate stands at is 64.6%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation. As per UNC Chapel Hill, the average graduate salary of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is USD 58, 103 (INR 50.80 L), each year. UNC Chapel Hill graduates are working for top companies such as Bank of America, UNC School of Wealth, Wells Fargo, and more. UNC Chapel Hill graduates are highly skilled in Leadership, Research Skills, Public Speaking, and others.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill employability rate is 64.6%, and the graduates are employed within 6 months of graduation.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill offers various programs for its international students in USA. UNC Chapel Hill tuition fees can vary for international students from one program to another. Students are advised to refer to the program-specific fee page at UNC Chapel Hill. Additionally, the university tuition fee for undergraduate programs ranges from INR 33.63 L - 33.72 L. UNC Chapel Hill tuition fee for postgraduate programs ranges from INR 13.74 L - 63.57 L. Furthermore, check the table listed below to know about the tuition fee, courses, duration & eligibility:
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MBA/PGDM(7 courses) | INR 18 L - 64 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 - 7.5, TOEFL: 90 & Above, Duolingo, GMAT, GRE, PTE |
MS(40 courses) | INR 14 L - 44 L | Duration: 11 months-4 years Exam Accepted: TOEFL: 80 - 100, Duolingo: 130 & Above, IELTS: 7 - 7.5, GMAT, SAT, GRE, ACT |
M.A.(17 courses) | INR 18 L - 26 L | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 90 & Above, Duolingo |
B.Sc.(17 courses) | INR 34 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo, SAT, PTE: 68 & Above |
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses) | INR 34 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo |
B.A.(26 courses) | INR 34 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo |
BBA(5 courses) | INR 34 L | Duration: 4 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 100 & Above, Duolingo, SAT, PTE: 68 & Above |
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Aishwarya Bhatnagar is a specialised content curator with 8+ years of experience in EdTech content, particularly in studying abroad. She is a Study Abroad Expert at Shiksha.com (InfoEdge India Ltd) si
Read Full Bio