What is CGPA? - CGPA Full Form, Meaning & Conversion Formulas
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Whether you are a high school student navigating the world of grades for the first time or a college freshman facing your first course-end report card, the term "CGPA" has likely crossed your path. But what is CGPA? And why does it seem to hold much weight in the academic realm? CGPA is an academic grading system & is calculated by averaging the grade points obtained across all the semesters, rather than just one.
Willing to study abroad, but don't know the relevance of your CGPA for top universities abroad? A CGPA is a grading scale used to assess a student's academic performance through various semesters across a degree program. The CGPA thus represents the cumulative grade points of a student throughout their entire academic journey or degree, rather than just for one semester. The CGPA is often calculated by taking a weighted average of all the Semester Grade Point Averages (SGPAs) received in a degree program.
The CGPA can be expressed either as a “letter grade” or a “numeric grade point”. Each CGPA has its own relevance with the percentage of marks that the students have obtained in their semester exams. In this article, we will dive deep into the meaning of CGPA, its full form, its calculation (Percentage to CGPA conversion formula and vice-versa), and its importance. We will also learn briefly about the difference between GPA and CGPA and the formula for their inter-conversion.
- How to convert CGPA to GPA using the CGPA to GPA Calculator?
- What is the CGPA full form?
- CGPA Vs GPA
- How is CGPA Calculated?
- CGPA to Percentage Conversion
- CGPA Calculation Example
- What is the Importance of CGPA?
- What is CGPA FAQs
How to convert CGPA to GPA using the CGPA to GPA Calculator?
CGPA To GPA
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Here is the formula to convert your CGPA to GPA:
| 10 Point CGPA to 4 Point GPA Formula |
|---|
| GPA = (CGPA / Maximum CGPA) * Target GPA scale |
What is the CGPA full form?
The full form of CGPA is Cumulative Grade Point Average. In layman's terms, it's a single number (or letter) that summarises your overall academic performance across all your subjects, semesters, or years throughout your entire academic journey of completing the degree. A CGPA is useful to shape out various academic and professional opportunities such as higher education programs, scholarships, and certain job roles.
Related Blog: Calculate CGPA into Marks
CGPA Vs GPA
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While the CGPA full form and the GPA full form are closely the same, there is a significant difference between the meanings and criteria of the two. The full form of CGPA is Cumulative Grade Point Average, and that of GPA is Grade Point Average. Note that in India, the commonly used grading system is either the “percentage” or the CGPA grading system. However, most universities and colleges abroad follow a GPA grading system, and some of them use the CGPA 10-point scale as well.
The key points on the difference between GPA and CGPA are given below.
| CGPA |
GPA |
|---|---|
| The CGPA full form is the "Cumulative Grade Point Average". |
GPA full form is "Grade Point Average". |
| CGPA is the average of grade points received across all semesters at the end of a degree. |
GPA is the average grade point received for a single semester or academic year. |
| CGPA records a student’s overall performance throughout the degree. |
GPA is the record of the yearly performance of the student. |
| Colleges and universities in European countries and other parts of the world usually follow the 10-point CGPA grading system. |
Colleges and universities in the USA follow the 4-point GPA grading system. |
| CGPA can be calculated by dividing the overall percentage by 9.5. |
GPA can be calculated by dividing the overall percentage by 100 and multiplying the result by 4. |
In short, the CGPA meaning is that it provides a performance metric in terms of grades like A, B, C, D and F for the overall progress throughout the academic course/degree. It reflects your overall performance throughout your entire academic journey, not just one year or semester. So, the CGPA you get at the end shows how you performed across all the years while working towards your degree.
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The calculation of CGPA may vary from institution depending on the type of grading system accepted. However, the general principle of calculating the CGPA remains the same.
Let us learn how to calculate CGPA from GPA and percentage below.
1. Percentage to CGPA Conversion
Your CGPA can be calculated from the overall percentage you received after the completion of your degree by the following percentage to CGPA formula:
CGPA = Percentage ÷ 9.5
2. How to Find CGPA from GPA?
Your GPAs across all the semesters can be converted to CGPA by dividing the sum of all Grade Points across all semesters by the total number of credit hours. The formula for calculating CGPA from GPA is given below.
CGPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit Hours
This can be calculated as: CGPA = Sum of all GPAs across all semesters ÷ Total number of credits/credit hours across all semesters
Thus, the mathematical formula to convert GPA into CGPA is given below:
CGPA = Σ(GPAi * Credit Hoursi) / Σ(Credit Hoursi)
Here:
- i is an index that ranges from 1 to n (where n is the total number of semesters).
- Σ(GPAi * Credit Hoursi): This part represents the sum of the product of GPA and credit hours across all semesters.
- Σ(Credit Hoursi): This part represents the sum of the credit hours for all semesters.
Check out your institution's specific grading system and CGPA calculation methodology for a more detailed understanding. You can also utilise the percentage to CGPA calculator online to track your progress throughout the semester.
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CGPA to Percentage Conversion
CGPA to percentage conversion can be done by using a simple formula. Students often require CGPA to percentage conversion to reflect on their academic journeys better, as to how much of the total score out of 100 they have scored. Students also need the CGPA to percentage conversion when applying for admission to a higher course in an Indian university or for applying to a job within India, as percentage is the commonly accepted grading system in India. The CGPA to percentage formula is given below.
Percentage = CGPA × 9.5
CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table on a 10-Point CGPA Scale
The CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table on a 10-point CGPA scale is given below. This chart provides an estimated range for the percentage equivalent of CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) above 6.0 on a 10-point scale. Note that these conversions are drawn according to the above-given CGPA to Percentage formula (and vice versa). These approximations may change based on different universities and colleges abroad.
| CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table | |
|---|---|
| CGPA* | Equivalent Percentage Range (%) |
| 10.0 | 95 - 100 |
| 9.9 | 94.05 - 95 |
| 9.8 | 93.1 - 94.05 |
| 9.7 | 92.15 - 93.1 |
| 9.6 | 91.2 - 92.15 |
| 9.5 | 90.25 - 91.2 |
| 9.4 | 89.3 - 90.25 |
| 9.3 | 88.35 - 89.3 |
| 9.2 | 87.4 - 88.35 |
| 9.1 | 86.45 - 87.4 |
| 9.0 | 85.5 - 86.45 |
| 8.9 | 84.55 - 85.5 |
| 8.8 | 83.6 - 84.55 |
| 8.7 | 82.65 - 83.6 |
| 8.6 | 81.7 - 82.65 |
| 8.5 | 80.75 - 81.7 |
| 8.4 | 79.8 - 80.75 |
| 8.3 | 78.85 - 79.8 |
| 8.2 | 77.9 - 78.85 |
| 8.1 | 76.95 - 77.9 |
| 8.0 | 76.0 - 76.95 |
| 7.9 | 75.05 - 76.0 |
| 7.8 | 74.1 - 75.05 |
| 7.7 | 73.15 - 74.1 |
| 7.6 | 72.2 - 73.15 |
| 7.5 | 71.25 - 72.2 |
| 7.4 | 70.3 - 71.25 |
| 7.3 | 69.35 - 70.3 |
| 7.2 | 68.4 - 69.35 |
| 7.1 | 67.45 - 68.4 |
| 7.0 | 66.5 - 67.45 |
| 6.9 | 65.55 - 66.5 |
| 6.8 | 64.6 - 65.55 |
| 6.7 | 63.65 - 64.6 |
| 6.6 | 62.7 - 63.65 |
| 6.5 | 61.75 - 62.7 |
| 6.4 | 60.8 - 61.75 |
| 6.3 | 59.85 - 60.8 |
| 6.2 | 58.9 - 59.85 |
| 6.1 | 57.95 - 58.9 |
| 6.0 | 57.0 - 57.95 |
Note: To be admitted to good universities abroad, students must score a minimum CGPA of 6.0.
CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table on a 4-Point CGPA Scale
The CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table on a 4-point CGPA scale is given below. Note that the percentage calculation formula from CGPA to percentage on a 4-point scale is:
Percentage = CGPA × 25
This chart provides an estimated range for the percentage equivalent of CGPA above 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Note that these conversions are drawn according to the above-given CGPA to Percentage formula (and vice versa). These approximations may change based on different universities and colleges abroad.
| CGPA to Percentage Conversion Table | |
|---|---|
| CGPA* | Equivalent Percentage Range (%) |
| 4.0 | 100 |
| 3.9 | 97.5 |
| 3.8 | 95 |
| 3.7 | 92.5 |
| 3.6 | 90 |
| 3.5 | 87.5 |
| 3.4 | 85 |
| 3.3 | 82.5 |
| 3.2 | 80 |
| 3.1 | 77.5 |
| 3.0 | 75 |
CGPA Calculation Example
As CGPAs represent a student's overall academic performance during a course (or degree), here is an illustration of the calculation of CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) with an example.
Assume a student has completed two semesters with the following grades and credits for each course:
Semester 1:
| Course Name (and Course Code) | Credits (C) | Grades | Grade Points (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Literature (ENG101) | 3 | B | 8 |
| Calculus I (MAT101) | 4 | A | 10 |
| Physics I (PHY101) | 3 | C | 7 |
| Chemistry I (CHE101) | 3 | B+ | 9 |
| Programming Basics (CSE101) | 4 | A- | 9 |
Semester 1:
| Course Name (and Course Code) | Credits (C) | Grades | Grade Points (GP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Writing (ENG102) | 3 | A | 10 |
| Calculus II (MAT102) | 4 | A+ | 10 |
| Physics II (PHY102) | 3 | B | 8 |
| Chemistry II (CHE102) | 3 | A- | 9 |
| Data Structures (CSE102) | 4 | B+ | 9 |
Now, after assuming the grade points for each grade as per a normal university (given above, say grade A = 10 grade points), let us calculate the weighted grade points for each course across the two semesters. This can be done by multiplying the number of credits (C) and the grade points (GP) for each course.
Hence, weighted grade points will be:
For Semester 1:
- ENG101: 3×8 = 24
- MAT101: 4×10 = 40
- PHY101: 3×7 = 21
- CHE101: 3×9 = 27
- CSE101: 4×9 = 36
For Semester 2:
- ENG102: 3×10 = 30
- MAT102: 4×10 = 40
- PHY102: 3×8 = 24
- CHE102: 3×9 = 27
- CSE102: 4×9 = 36
Now, this is the final step of CGPA calculation. We know that CGPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points obtained across all the semesters by the total number of credits. Hence, in this case, the student's CGPA is calculated as:
Total Grade Points (All Semesters): 148 (total grade points from semester 1) + 157 (total grade points from semester 2) =305
Total Credits (All Semesters): 17 (sem 1) +17 (sem 1) = 34
CGPA: 34 ÷ 305 ≈ 8.97
What is the Importance of CGPA?
The CGPA scores serve as a crucial indicator of one’s academic success, impacting various aspects of their educational journey. The CGPAs are used by educational institutions to assess a student's academic performance while evaluating their profiles for scholarships, graduate programs or job opportunities. Some of the key points on the importance of CGPA are given below.
- Academic Standing: Your CGPA determines your academic standing (good, probation, etc.) and is a key eligibility criterion for certain academic programs or scholarships abroad.
- Higher Education & Placement: Universities and employers often consider a high CGPA as a key factor in admissions and recruitment decisions.
- Internal Motivation: A good CGPA can be a source of pride and motivation, which may help one focus on achieving more success in their academic journey.
- CGPA required for scholarship: The requirements of scholarships abroad vary, but a good CGPA often increases your chances of landing that coveted financial aid. Research your preferred scholarship's eligibility criteria to know the required CGPA range.
- CGPA to percentage conversion: Some institutions use percentage grading systems, while others rely on GPA or CGPA grading systems. Hence, several CGPA to percentage conversion tables or formulas exist to bridge this gap, although an understanding of both the percentage and the CGPA grading systems is always beneficial.
This was all about "What is CGPA', CGPA meaning, the full form of CGPA, how is CGPA calculated and CGPA Vs GPA. We hope this comprehensive guide has demystified the concept of CGPA for you. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding these academic metrics can empower you to navigate your educational path with confidence and clarity.
If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
What is CGPA FAQs
You can improve your CGPA by first learning what is the importance of CGPA. Once you are clear with the importance of CGPA, you will work more dedicatedly to improve your CGPA.
However, to improve your CGPA, you must keep your performance good throughout all the semesters' exams.
- Focus more on subjects that have high weightage in comparison to the ones that have lesser weightage.
- Maintain a good record of attendance as the attendance also contributes 5% to the overall GPA calculation (check if this applies to your grades within your university or college) and hence contribute some parts to the calculation of CGPA too.
- Manage your time effectively while memorising important concepts for your exams.
- Discuss with your professors and ask for their help in understanding the harder topics and you can also strategise the topics to target first with the help of your supervisors.
Different scholarships have different eligibility criteria for the selection of grant winners. The scholarship committees/authorising bodies judge applicants' profiles based on various parameters, some consider CGPA as a dominating factor while some consider the overall performance and growth of the applicant. However, applicants must aim to score of minimum 8 CGPA to apply for a scholarship abroad.
SGPA stands for the Semester Grade Point Average and CGPA stands for the Cumulative Grade Point Average. An SGPA represents the student's academic performance throughout one semester. However, a CGPA represents the student's performance across all semesters in a degree course.
The full form of CGPA is “Cumulative Grade Point Average”. It is a commonly accepted grading system in most European and other countries (except the USA, where the commonly accepted grading system is the GPA) and represents the student's performance throughout his degree.
While not the sole factor, a good CGPA can significantly increase your chances of landing your dream job, especially in competitive fields. So, yes, obtaining a good CGPA is important for getting selected for an interview for good jobs.
The definition of a "good" CGPA varies depending on the institution and field of study. Generally, a CGPA above 5.0 is considered respectable, while an 8.5 and above CGPA signifies exceptional academic performance.
CGPA from SGPA can be calculated based on the following formula.
CGPA = Sum of all SGPAs obtained in different Semesters ÷ Total number of semesters
A CGPA of 8.0 is generally considered equivalent to 80%. However, the exact conversion can be made by applying the formula or using the CGPA to percentage scale. Based on the CGPA conversion chart, on a scale of 10-point CGPA, an 8 CGPA translates to a percentage range between 76.0% and 76.95%.
A 10 CGPA in percentage depends on the grading system used by the university. There isn't a universally accepted conversion rate, but here are two common possibilities:
- If your university uses a 10-point grading scale where 10 is the highest achievable grade:
In this case, a 10 CGPA would be equivalent to 100%.
- If your university uses a 10-point grading scale with a letter grade system (e.g., A+ = 10, A = 9, etc.):
You would need to find the specific conversion table used by your university to translate the CGPA into a percentage. For example, some universities might use a conversion where a 10 CGPA translates to 95% or 90%.
To find the exact conversion, check your university's official website or student handbook to check their criteria for converting CGPA into percentage. Some universities may suggest multiplying "10" with your CGPA to get your final percentage while others may suggest multiplying "9.5" with your CGPA to get the final percentage. Check the same with your faculty/university counsellors.
Before learning how to convert CGPA to GPA, let us see the basic difference between these grades.
- CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is a cumulative measure of your academic performance across all semesters.
- GPA (Grade Point Average) is a measure of your academic performance for a specific semester or year.
Let us now understand how to convert a CGPA into GPA:
While it is not always a direct conversion, as GPA can vary by semester, you can generally estimate your GPA based on your CGPA if you know the maximum possible CGPA in your system.
Here's a common formula for calculating GPA from CGPA:
GPA = (CGPA ÷ Maximum CGPA) * Target GPA scale
For example:
If your CGPA is 8.5 on a 10-point scale and you want to convert it to a 4.0 GPA scale:
GPA = (8.5 / 10) * 4 = 3.
Note: If you want to calculate your GPA for a specific semester, you will need to consider the credits earned and grades obtained in that semester.
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is a metric used to assess a student's overall academic performance throughout their coursework. It is calculated by averaging the grade points earned in all completed courses throughout the semester.
Here are some of the key benefits of the CGPA grading system:
- The CGPA is not just a simpler grading system to assess your performance but is also a way to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.
- As the CGPA does not reflect the exact scores but a range of scores, it eases students out of the overwhelming pressure of having to score better than their peers. Universities abroad and in India assess a candidate's performance by their CGPA and an A usually means an excellent performance throughout the academic journey.
- The CGPA system assesses performance through exams, assignments, attendance, and other achievements, promoting broader engagement beyond exam scores. This approach enables students to earn good grades by excelling in various areas and helps teachers identify performance levels for targeted support.
A 9.9 CPA corresponds to 94.05% - 95% as per the CGPA to percentage conversion table. This amount of CGPA is generally considered to be very good to be admitted to universities abroad.
Common CGPA ranges typically fall between 0 to 10 or 0 to 4, depending on the education system.
- 10-point scale: Used in countries like India, where 6-7 is considered average, 7-8.5 is good, and 8.5+ is excellent.
- 4-point scale: Common in the US, Canada, and some European countries, where 2.0-2.5 is average, 3.0-3.5 is good, and 3.5+ is excellent.
On the 10-point CGPA scale, the percentage to CGPA conversion formula is:
CGPA = Percentage / 9.5
Therefore, the CGPA equivalent to 90% of marks would be:
90/9.45= 9.47
Therefore, 90% in CGPA is 9.47.
The CGPA is a major metric used for assessing a student's performance throughout their academic journey. A good CGPA helps in getting scholarships, and being eligibile for college/university admissions and specific courses abroad
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The CGPA can be calculated by applying the basic CGPA formula given below.
CGPA = (Total Grade Points Earned) / (Total Credit Hours Attempted)
Here is the step-by-step guidance on how you can calculate your CGPA using the above formula:
For example, suppose a student takes 4 courses with the following grades and credit hours:
Hence, Total Credit Hours: 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 12
Total Grade Points: 27 + 28 + 24 + 10 = 89
CGPA: 89 / 12 = 7.42
In this example, the student's CGPA is 7.42 on a 10-point scale.