CGPA is the average of all SGPAs earned across semesters. It reflects your overall academic performance, unlike SGPA, which measures one semester. To calculate, add up all SGPAs and divide by the number of semesters. In India, CGPA can be converted to percentage by multiplying with 9.5 (eg, CGPA 8 = 76%). While GPA is the global standard (0–4 scale), CGPA (0–10) is widely used in India. A good CGPA improves chances of scholarships, higher education and job opportunities, making it an important academic metric for long-term success.
Grades are one of the most important factors in a student’s academic journey. Whether you are applying for higher studies, scholarships or jobs. Your performance is often measured through CGPA. Many students confuse it with SGPA or GPA but CGPA has its own unique role.
In this guide, we will explain what CGPA is, how it is calculated, how to convert it into percentage, and its differences from GPA and SGPA. We’ll also include real-life examples, tables and FAQs so you can easily understand this grading system and how it affects your future.
What is CGPA?
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It reflects your overall academic performance across all semesters in a course or program.
- Full Form: Cumulative Grade Point Average
- Scope: Considers grades from all semesters, not just one
- Scale: Usually 0–10 in India, 0–4 internationally
- Usage: Used in schools, colleges, and universities worldwide
In simple terms, SGPA tells you how you performed in one semester, while CGPA gives your total performance throughout the course.
Read also: SGPA to Percentage: A Complete Guide for Student (2025)
How to Calculate CGPA?
CGPA is calculated as the average of SGPAs earned in each semester.
Formula: CGPA=(SGPA1+SGPA2+SGPA3+…+SGPAn)nCGPA = \frac{(SGPA_1 + SGPA_2 + SGPA_3 + … + SGPA_n)}{n}CGPA=n(SGPA1+SGPA2+SGPA3+…+SGPAn)
Where:
- SGPA = Semester Grade Point Average
- n = Total number of semesters
Step-by-Step Example of CGPA Calculation
Step 1: Convert Marks into Grade Points
| Marks Range | Grade | Grade Point |
| 90–100 | O | 10 |
| 80–89 | A+ | 9 |
| 70–79 | A | 8 |
| 60–69 | B+ | 7 |
| 50–59 | B | 6 |
| 40–49 | C | 5 |
| Below 40 | F | 0 |
Step 2: Calculate SGPA for One Semester
| Subject | Credits | Marks | Grade Point | Credit Points (Credits × Grade Point) |
| Mathematics | 4 | 92 | 10 | 40 |
| Physics | 3 | 85 | 9 | 27 |
| Chemistry | 3 | 75 | 8 | 24 |
| English | 2 | 65 | 7 | 14 |
| Computer Sci | 4 | 88 | 9 | 36 |
Total Credit Points = 141
Total Credits = 16
SGPA=14116=8.81SGPA = \frac{141}{16} = 8.81SGPA=16141=8.81
So, SGPA for Semester 1 = 8.81
Step 3: Calculate CGPA Across Semesters
| Semester | SGPA |
| Sem 1 | 8.81 |
| Sem 2 | 7.90 |
| Sem 3 | 8.20 |
| Sem 4 | 8.00 |
CGPA=(8.81+7.90+8.20+8.00)4=8.23CGPA = \frac{(8.81 + 7.90 + 8.20 + 8.00)}{4} = 8.23CGPA=4(8.81+7.90+8.20+8.00)=8.23
So, the Final CGPA = 8.23
CGPA vs Percentage: Conversion Formula
Many universities abroad ask for percentage instead of CGPA. In India, the formula is:
Percentage=(CGPA×9.5)Percentage = (CGPA × 9.5)Percentage=(CGPA×9.5)
Example: If CGPA = 8.0
Percentage = 8 × 9.5 = 76%
Difference Between CGPA, SGPA, and GPA
| Criteria | CGPA (Cumulative GPA) | SGPA (Semester GPA) | GPA (Grade Point Average) |
| Definition | Average grade points across all semesters | Average grade points for a single semester | General average grade points (depends on system) |
| Scope | Entire course/program | One semester only | Can mean semester or cumulative |
| Scale | India: 0–10, Abroad: 0–4 | India: 0–10 | Mostly 0–4 internationally |
| Use | Final academic performance | Semester-wise performance | Global benchmark |
| Significance | Shows long-term consistency | Shows short-term performance | Used worldwide in admissions and jobs |
Why is CGPA Important?
CGPA plays a key role in academic and career success.
- University Admissions: Essential for international study applications.
- Scholarships: Many awards require minimum CGPA cutoffs.
- Job Applications: Employers often consider CGPA for shortlisting.
- Self-Assessment: Helps students track overall progress.
- Global Recognition: Easily convertible into GPA for worldwide acceptance.
Conclusion
CGPA is not just a score but a mirror of your academic consistency. It plays a major role in scholarships, admissions and job opportunities. Unlike SGPA, which is semester-specific, CGPA gives a complete overview of your academic journey.
By mastering the calculation methods, conversion formulas and differences between CGPA, GPA and SGPA, students can better prepare for their future. Remember, while CGPA is important, it is consistent effort, learning and skills that truly define success.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does CGPA mean?
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average, showing overall academic performance across all semesters.
2. How is CGPA different from SGPA?
SGPA is semester-based, while CGPA is the cumulative average across all semesters.
3. How do you calculate CGPA?
Add all SGPAs from each semester and divide by the total number of semesters.
4. What is a good CGPA in college?
A CGPA of 7.5 or above is generally considered good for most programs.
5. Can CGPA be converted into percentage?
Yes, in India, percentage = CGPA × 9.5 (approx).
6. What is the CGPA grading scale in India?
It usually ranges from 0 to 10, where 10 is the highest.
7. What is the international GPA scale?
Most international universities use a 0–4 GPA scale.
8. Is CGPA important for studying abroad?
Yes, universities abroad often ask for GPA, so CGPA needs conversion.
9. Does every university calculate CGPA the same way?
No, formulas differ across countries and institutions.
10. What is the difference between CGPA and GPA?
CGPA is cumulative (India-centric), GPA is widely used internationally.
11. Can a low CGPA affect job opportunities?
Yes, some employers use CGPA as a benchmark for shortlisting candidates.
12. Can CGPA be improved?
Yes, by performing well in remaining semesters, your CGPA can increase.
13. What is considered an excellent CGPA?
A CGPA of 9.0 or above is usually considered excellent.
14. Do scholarships depend on CGPA?
Yes, many merit-based scholarships require a minimum CGPA cutoff.
15. Can CGPA vary across courses?
Yes, technical courses may have stricter grading than humanities.
16. What if two students have the same CGPA?
Other factors like projects, internships, and extracurriculars are then considered.
17. Is CGPA shown on degree certificates?
Yes, most universities mention CGPA or percentage on final transcripts.
18. Can CGPA be converted to SGPA?
No, CGPA is cumulative, while SGPA is semester-specific.
19. What is the minimum CGPA required to pass?
Usually, a CGPA of 5.0 or above is required to pass.
20. Why is CGPA important for students?
It shows academic consistency, impacts admissions, scholarships, and future career paths.