Every student at some point faces this question “What exactly is the difference between CGPA and GPA?”
Whether you’re applying for higher studies abroad or comparing results with friends from other universities, these two grading systems can be confusing.
Let’s clear the confusion once and for all. In this article, you’ll learn.
CGPA
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It’s a measure of your overall academic performance throughout your course combining all semesters or years.
In Indian universities and many Asian institutions, CGPA is calculated on a 10-point scale.
Formula for SGPA (10-point scale)
CGPA = Σ(SGPA of Each Semester×Credits of That Semester) / Σ(Total Credits Across Semesters)
Where SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) is your GPA for a single semester.
Example of CGPA Calculation (Indian System)
| Semester | SGPA | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Sem 1 | 7.5 | 22 |
| Sem 2 | 8.2 | 23 |
| Sem 3 | 8.8 | 22 |
| Sem 4 | 9.0 | 23 |
Step 1: Multiply SGPA × Credits for each semester
= (7.5×22) + (8.2×23) + (8.8×22) + (9.0×23)
= 165 + 188.6 + 193.6 + 207 = 754.2
Step 2: Add all credits = 22+23+22+23 = 90
CGPA=754.2÷90=8.38
Final CGPA = 8.38 / 10
GPA
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a more general term used globally (United States, Canada, Australia and more) to represent your average academic performance, typically on a 4.0 scale.
Formula for GPA (4.0 scale),
GPA=Σ(Credit Hours×Grade Points) / Σ(Credit Hours)
Each grade has a numerical value for example,
A = 4.0, A− = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0, C = 2.0, D = 1.0, F = 0.
For example, in a 4.0 scale system,
- A = 4.0
- A– = 3.7
- B+ = 3.3
- B = 3.0
- C = 2.0
- F = 0
Example of GPA Calculation
| Subject | Credits Hours | Grade | Grade Point | Product (Credits × GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 3 | A | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Chemistry | 3 | B+ | 3.3 | 9.9 |
| Math | 4 | A- | 3.7 | 14.8 |
| English | 2 | B | 3.0 | 6.0 |
Total Grade Points = 42.7
Total Credits = 12
GPA=42.7÷12=3.56
So your GPA = 3.56 / 4.0
Difference of SGPA vs GPA
| Basis | SGPA | GPA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Cumulative Grade Point Average | Grade Point Average |
| Time Period | Entire course (all semesters/years) | Single semester or year |
| Purpose | Overall performance | Short-term academic average |
| Scale Used | 10-point (India, Asia) | 4-point (U.S., Canada) |
| System Used In | India, Nepal, UAE, etc | U.S., Canada, Europe |
| Conversion | Percentage = CGPA × 9.5 | Percentage ≈ GPA × 25 |
| Example | 8.5 / 10 | 3.5 / 4 |
💡 In simple words:
- GPA = performance in one period
- CGPA = performance across all periods combined
GPA vs CGPA in Indian Universities
In India, the GPA term isn’t commonly used universities use SGPA (Semester GPA) and CGPA (Cumulative GPA).
- After each semester – students receive SGPA
- After completing the course – the average of all SGPAs becomes CGPA
Example:
| Semesters | SGPA |
|---|---|
| 1 | 7.5 |
| 2 | 8.0 |
| 3 | 8.4 |
| 4 | 8.8 |
CGPA = (7.5 + 8.0 + 8.4 + 8.8) ÷ 4 = 8.175 ≈ 8.18
CGPA to GPA Conversion (Approximate Formula)
Since both scales are different, here’s a quick method for Indian students applying abroad,
GPA (4.0 Scale)=(CGPA÷10)×4
Example:
If your CGPA = 8.4
then GPA = (8.4 ÷ 10) × 4 = 3.36 / 4.0
Always mention like this on your résumé or SOP,
CGPA: 8.4 / 10 (≈ GPA 3.36 / 4.0)
Conclusion
Both GPA and CGPA measure your academic success just at different levels.
- GPA shows your short-term academic progress (semester or year).
- CGPA shows your overall performance throughout the course.
If you study in India, track your SGPA every semester and use a CGPA calculator to know your cumulative result. If you’re applying abroad, convert your CGPA to GPA using standard equivalence or WES evaluation for accuracy.
Keep improving each semester, and your CGPA will automatically rise proving not just academic ability, but consistency and growth.