CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the standard grading system used by most Indian universities to measure a student's overall academic performance. Understanding how to calculate CGPA accurately is crucial for academic planning, job applications, and higher education admissions.
Key Takeaway:
CGPA is not a simple average of grades. It's a credit-weighted average that accounts for the importance of different courses based on their credit values.
What You Need to Calculate CGPA
All Semester Marksheets
Complete academic records with grades and credits
University Grading System
Your institution's specific grade point scale
Basic Math Skills
Multiplication, addition, and division
10-15 Minutes
Time needed for accurate calculation
Step-by-Step CGPA Calculation
Convert Grades to Grade Points
First, convert each letter grade to its corresponding grade point using your university's scale:
| Letter Grade | Grade Point | Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|
| S / O | 10.0 | 90-100% |
| A+ | 9.0 | 80-89% |
| A | 8.0 | 70-79% |
| B+ | 7.0 | 60-69% |
| B | 6.0 | 50-59% |
| C | 5.0 | 40-49% |
| D | 4.0 | 35-39% |
| F | 0.0 | Below 35% |
Calculate Credit Points for Each Subject
For each subject, multiply the grade point by the subject credits:
Credit Points = Grade Point × Subject Credits
Example: If you got an A (8.0) in a 4-credit subject:
Credit Points = 8.0 × 4 = 32 credit points
Calculate Semester SGPA
Sum all credit points for the semester and divide by total semester credits:
SGPA = Σ(Credit Points) ÷ Total Semester Credits
Example Calculation:
• Maths: A (8.0) × 4 credits = 32 points
• Physics: B+ (7.0) × 3 credits = 21 points
• Chemistry: A+ (9.0) × 3 credits = 27 points
Total Points: 32 + 21 + 27 = 80 points
Total Credits: 4 + 3 + 3 = 10 credits
SGPA: 80 ÷ 10 = 8.0
Calculate Cumulative CGPA
For multiple semesters, use the weighted average formula:
CGPA = Σ(SGPA × Semester Credits) ÷ Total Credits
Example Calculation (2 semesters):
• Semester 1: 8.0 SGPA (20 credits) = 160 weighted points
• Semester 2: 9.0 SGPA (22 credits) = 198 weighted points
Total Weighted Points: 160 + 198 = 358
Total Credits: 20 + 22 = 42 credits
CGPA: 358 ÷ 42 = 8.52
Common CGPA Calculation Mistakes
Simple Average Error
Mistake: Calculating (SGPA1 + SGPA2) ÷ 2
Correct: Weighted average based on credits
Ignoring Credits
Mistake: Treating all subjects equally
Correct: 4-credit courses have more weight than 2-credit courses
Wrong Grade Points
Mistake: Using incorrect grade point values
Correct: Always use your university's official scale
Rounding Errors
Mistake: Rounding too early in calculation
Correct: Keep decimals until final result
Need Help Calculating?
Use our accurate CGPA calculator to get instant results without manual calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CGPA and percentage?
CGPA is a 10-point scale representing cumulative performance, while percentage is a direct score out of 100. They can be converted using the formula: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5.
How is CGPA different from GPA?
CGPA (Cumulative GPA) is the overall average across all semesters, while GPA typically refers to a single semester's performance. CGPA is calculated from multiple GPAs/SGPAs.
What is a good CGPA score?
A "good" CGPA depends on your goals:
• 8.5+: Excellent (top-tier opportunities)
• 7.5-8.5: Very Good (most opportunities)
• 6.5-7.5: Good (decent opportunities)
• Below 6.5: Needs improvement