Introduction
How GPA is Calculated?
Types of GPA
- Semester GPA (SGPA): Semester GPA or SGPA (also referred to as Term GPA) evaluates your performance for a single academic semester or term, offering an overview of your current academic standing.
- Cumulative GPA (CGPA): CGPA, or Cumulative Grade Point Average, reflects your aggregate academic performance across all semesters or terms of your educational program.
- Weighted GPA: Weighted GPA awards additional points for higher-level courses like AP or IB depending on the degree of difficulty within your curriculum.
- Unweighted GPA: Unweighted GPA, on the other hand, assigns all classes the same weighting on the basic 4.0 scale with no regard for difficulty.
Formula for GPA Calculation
The formula for calculating GPA is simple once you know the fundamental elements. Essentially, Grade Point Average (GPA) is determined by this simple formula:
GPA = (Total Grade Points) / (Total Credit Hours)
To implement this formula effectively:
- Grade Points: For each course, multiply the grade value (A=4.0, B=3.0, etc.) by the credit hours for that course
- Total Grade Points: Add up all grade points from all courses
- Total Credit Hours: Add up all credit hours attempted
Example: GPA Calculation for a Semester
| Course | Credit Hours | Grade | Grade Points | Grade Points × Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4 | A | 4.0 | 16.0 |
| Computer Science | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| Physics | 4 | A- | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| English Literature | 2 | B | 3.0 | 6.0 |
What is CGPA?
How CGPA is Calculated?
Formula for CGPA Calculation
The formula for calculating Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is easy and simple:
CGPA = (Total grade points earned across all semesters) / (Total credit hours attempted across all semesters)
Example: CGPA Calculation for an Entire Degree
| Semester | GPA (4.0-point scale) | Credit Hours | GPA × Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 3.2 | 15 | 48 |
| Semester 2 | 3.4 | 16 | 54.4 |
| Semester 3 | 3.7 | 18 | 66.6 |
| Semester 4 | 3.9 | 15 | 58.5 |
| TOTAL | 64 | 227.5 |
GPA to CGPA Conversion: Formula & Examples
Conversion between GPA and CGPA is necessary for Indian students seeking admission to foreign universities since different nations and institutions employ different grading scales. The general formula for conversion from a 4.0 GPA scale to a 10.0 CGPA scale is:
CGPA = (GPA × 10) ÷ 4
For example, a student has a GPA of 3.7 on a 4.0 scale. To convert this to the 10-point CGPA scale: CGPA = (3.7 × 10) ÷ 4 = 37 ÷ 4 = 9.25
GPA to CGPA Conversion Table
| GPA (out of 4) | CGPA (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| 4.0 | 10.0 |
| 3.5 | 8.75 |
| 3.0 | 7.5 |
| 2.5 | 6.25 |
GPA vs CGPA
| Aspect | GPA (Grade Point Average) | CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A record of academic achievement for a given semester or term. | A cumulative record of academic achievement across all semesters or terms. |
| Scale | Typically calculated on a scale of 4.0 (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0). | Commonly calculated on a 10-point scale (in India) but can also be on a 4.0 scale. |
| Calculation Method | Based on individual course grades in a single semester, considering credit hours. | Calculated by averaging the GPA scores of all semesters, weighted by credit hours. |
| Scope | Reflects the performance in a single semester or term. | Reflects overall academic performance across all semesters. |
| Importance | Important for understanding a student’s performance in a given semester. | Crucial for evaluating the consistency and overall academic track record of a student. |
| Use | Primarily used to assess semester performance. | Used to determine overall academic success throughout a degree program. |
| Conversion | No conversion needed (usually remains on the 4.0 scale). | Conversion from GPA (4.0 scale) to CGPA (10.0 scale) is commonly required for international applications. |
| Example | A student with 3 courses: (A = 4.0, B+ = 3.3, C = 2.0), and total credits 12. GPA = 3.2. | A student who has completed 4 semesters with various GPAs, say 3.0, 3.5, 3.8, 4.0. The CGPA is an average of all semester GPAs. |
Differences Between GPA and CGPA: How Are They Used in Different Countries
| Country | Grading System Used | Scale | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Percentage/Class-based | No GPA (First Class etc.) | Uses classification system (First Class, 2:1, etc.) |
| Ireland | Percentage/Class-based | No GPA | Similar to the UK |
| USA | GPA | 4.0 scale | Used for admissions, scholarships, and academic standing |
| Canada | GPA | 4.0 scale | Similar to the US; varies slightly by province |
| Australia | GPA | 7.0 scale | Uses 7-point scale; High Distinction = 7 |
| India | CGPA | 10.0 scale (some 4.0) | CGPA used by universities; percentage often required abroad |
How This Affects Study Abroad Applications
- Countries That Use GPA (4.0 Scale) The GPA system based on a 4.0 scale is used in some countries such as the USA, Canada, and Australia. Indian applicants wishing to study in these nations usually have to convert their CGPA or percentage equivalent to this scale.
- Countries That Use Percentage-Based Grading (No GPA) In the UK, Ireland, and some parts of Europe, percentage-based systems are used in universities instead of GPA. Degrees may be categorized into First Class, Upper Second Class, etc., by percentage levels. Students from GPA or CGPA systems may need to provide equivalent percentages.
- Australia’s Unique 7.0 GPA Scale Australia has a 7-point GPA scale, in which a 7 is awarded as a High Distinction. It is different from the 4.0 GPA and 10-point CGPA systems. Indian students have to convert their marks accordingly to achieve the GPA criteria mentioned by Australian institutions.
Comparison of GPA/CGPA Systems Worldwide
| Country | GPA Scale Used | CGPA/Percentage Equivalency |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 4.0 | 4.0 = 90–100%, 3.0 = 75%, 2.0 = 60% (approximate) |
| UK | No GPA (Percentage-based grading) | First Class (1st) – 70% and above |
| India | 10.0 (CGPA), some 4.0 | % = CGPA × 9.5 (e.g., CGPA 8.0 = 76%) |
| Canada | 4.0 | 4.0 = 85–100%, 3.0 = 70–84%, varies by province |
| Australia | 7.0 | 7.0 = 85–100%, 6.0 = 75–84%, 5.0 = 65–74% |
How Different Universities Interpret GPA & CGPA?
- Ivy League schools use a strict 4.0 GPA scale, where even a 90% score may not equate to a perfect 4.0.
- Canadian and Australian universities typically accept both GPA and CGPA but apply their own internal conversion criteria.
- UK and Irish universities often rely on percentage-based or class-based classifications (e.g., First Class Honours) and may require you to submit percentage equivalents of your CGPA.
- Indian universities mostly follow the 10-point CGPA system, but US and European universities may require conversion to a 4.0 scale.
GPA/CGPA Conversion at Top Universities
| University | Country | GPA/CGPA Conversion Method | Admission GPA Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | UK | Percentage | 90-92% overall across five subjects with a score of 90 to 95% in relevant subjects |
| University of Warwick | UK | Percentage | Based on UK A-Level equivalency: A*A*A or above – 92% A*AA – 90% AAA – 88% AAB – 85% |
| University of Edinburgh | UK | Percentage | Typically requires 80–85% in Grade 12; exact percentage varies by course. |
| Trinity College Dublin | Ireland | Percentage | Requires an overall average of 80–85% across six Grade 12 subjects. |
| University College Dublin | Ireland | Percentage | Generally, 75–85% in Grade 12, depending on the specific course. |
Conclusion
Knowing the distinction between GPA and CGPA and how they are calculated in different countries is crucial while making the right decisions regarding your higher education overseas. Whether it’s score conversion, transcript alignment, or fulfilling university-specific requirements, dealing with international grading systems can be tricky — but it doesn’t have to be.
If you want to study in the UK or Ireland, let Fateh Education walk with you through each step — from the choice of university and application assistance to grade conversion and visa advice. With more than 20 years of experience and direct partnerships with the best universities, Fateh ensures your academic credentials are showcased at their best.
Ready to begin your study abroad journey? Contact Fateh today and take the first step toward your dream university in the UK or Ireland! Click now!
FAQs on GPA vs CGPA
Yes, CGPA can be converted into GPA using standard formulas (e.g., GPA = (CGPA × 4) ÷ 10), but applicants should always check the specific university's conversion policy.
No. While many universities consider GPA or percentage scores when awarding scholarships, other factors such as entrance test scores, extracurricular achievements, personal statements, etc., also play a significant role.
Neither is inherently better; GPA is common in Western countries (4.0 scale) while CGPA is widely used in India (10.0 scale). Each reflects academic performance differently.
Employers often focus on your overall academic performance, meaning they typically look at your CGPA rather than individual semester GPAs.
The maximum GPA is usually 4.0 (or 7.0 in Australia), and the maximum CGPA is 10.0 (commonly in India).
Yes, a minimum GPA/CGPA is required to study abroad. For Ireland, 60% (approximately a CGPA of 2.5–3.0 on a 4.0 scale) is typically the requirement by most universities, although you can expect few options for 55% (CGPA 2.0–2.5) in some courses. For the UK, the requirement may be as low as 50% (CGPA 2.0 or just under).
No, while a high CGPA helps, admission also depends on test scores, SOPs, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
Generally, CGPA cannot be changed post-graduation, but students may pursue additional certifications or postgraduate studies to boost their academic profile.
They can convert CGPA or percentage to GPA using standard methods or request a check if the university has a conversion formula.
Not universally; India uses the formula % = CGPA × 9.5, but other countries may not follow this, so check institutional guidelines.
In general, CGPA calculations do not differentiate between course difficulty, but some universities may apply weightage based on the nature of the course. For instance, core subjects often carry more weight than electives, and in systems that use Weighted GPA, advanced or challenging courses (like AP or IB) may receive extra grade points. However, this varies depending on the institution’s grading policy.
A GPA of 3.0 (roughly equivalent to a 7.5 CGPA) is considered acceptable by many international universities and generally meets their basic admission criteria. However, highly competitive or top-ranked institutions often expect a GPA of 3.5 or above (around 8.5+ CGPA). That said, applicants with a lower GPA may still be considered if they demonstrate strong qualifications in other areas, such as test scores, work experience, research, or extracurricular involvement.
