What is CGPA Calculator and How is it Calculated?

Introduction

CGPA, or Cumulative Grade Point Average, is a grading system used in many universities and schools to measure a student’s overall academic performance across multiple semesters. It helps institutions assess students’ progress and provides a standardized way of comparing their performance.

Many universities use CGPA instead of percentage-based evaluation, making it essential for students to understand how it is calculated and how it impacts their academic standing.

What is CGPA Calculator?

CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is the average of a student’s Semester Grade Point Averages (SGPA) over the entire course duration.

• SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average): Measures performance in a single semester.
• CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average): Measures overall academic performance across all semesters.

Why is CGPA Important?

✅ Evaluates Academic Performance: Gives an overall view of how well a student has performed throughout the course.
✅ Used in Job & Higher Education Applications: Employers and universities often look at CGPA while hiring or offering admissions.
✅ Affects Scholarships & Honors: Many institutions require a minimum CGPA for scholarships and academic honors.

How is CGPA Calculated?

CGPA is calculated using the weighted average of SGPA across all semesters.

CGPA Formula:

CGPA=∑(SGPA×CreditHours)∑TotalCreditHoursCGPA = \frac{\sum (SGPA \times Credit Hours)}{\sum Total Credit Hours}CGPA=∑TotalCreditHours∑(SGPA×CreditHours)​

Where:

• SGPA = Semester Grade Point Average
• Credit Hours = The number of credits assigned to each semester
• Total Credit Hours = The sum of all credits from all semesters

Example Calculation of CGPA

Let’s say a student completes 4 semesters with the following SGPA and credit hours:

Semester	SGPA	Credit Hours
Semester 1	7.5	20
Semester 2	8.2	22
Semester 3	7.8	24
Semester 4	8.4	26

Step 1: Multiply SGPA by Credit Hours

(7.5×20)+(8.2×22)+(7.8×24)+(8.4×26)(7.5 \times 20) + (8.2 \times 22) + (7.8 \times 24) + (8.4 \times 26)(7.5×20)+(8.2×22)+(7.8×24)+(8.4×26) 150+180.4+187.2+218.4=736150 + 180.4 + 187.2 + 218.4 = 736150+180.4+187.2+218.4=736

Step 2: Calculate Total Credit Hours

20+22+24+26=9220 + 22 + 24 + 26 = 9220+22+24+26=92

Step 3: Apply the CGPA Formula

CGPA=73692=8.00CGPA = \frac{736}{92} = 8.00CGPA=92736​=8.00

So, the final CGPA is 8.00.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CGPA

1. What is the Difference Between SGPA and CGPA?

SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average)	CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)
Measures performance in a single semester.	Measures performance across all semesters.
Changes every semester.	Final academic score over multiple semesters.
Used to track semester-wise progress.	Used for final evaluation of academic performance.

2. How to Convert CGPA to Percentage?

Many universities use different formulas to convert CGPA to percentage. Some common formulas are:

Formula 1:

Percentage=CGPA×10Percentage = CGPA \times 10Percentage=CGPA×10

Formula 2 (Used in Some Universities like CBSE, India):

Percentage=(CGPA−0.5)×10Percentage = (CGPA – 0.5) \times 10Percentage=(CGPA−0.5)×10

For example, if your CGPA is 8.00:

• Using Formula 1: 8.00 × 10 = 80%
• Using Formula 2: (8.00 – 0.5) × 10 = 75%

Check with your university for the exact conversion formula.

3. What is a Good CGPA Score?

A good CGPA depends on your university’s grading system, but generally:

• 9.0 – 10.0 → Excellent (Top-performing students)
• 8.0 – 8.9 → Very Good
• 7.0 – 7.9 → Good
• 6.0 – 6.9 → Average
• Below 6.0 → Needs Improvement

4. Can I Improve My CGPA in Later Semesters?

✅ Yes! Since CGPA is an average of SGPA from multiple semesters, performing well in later semesters can increase your overall CGPA.

Tips to Improve CGPA:
✔ Score Higher in High-Credit Subjects – Subjects with more credits impact CGPA more.
✔ Improve Weak Areas – Identify subjects where you lost marks and work on them.
✔ Stay Consistent – A steady SGPA across semesters leads to a better CGPA.
✔ Seek Guidance – Ask professors or tutors for help in difficult subjects.

5. How Many Semesters are Considered in CGPA?

CGPA is calculated using all completed semesters in an academic program. For example:

• Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree): Usually 6–8 semesters
• Postgraduate (Master’s Degree): Usually 4 semesters

Your final CGPA at the end of the program is what employers and universities consider.

6. Does CGPA Matter for Jobs and Higher Studies?

✅ Yes, CGPA is important!

• For Jobs: Many employers set minimum CGPA requirements for hiring.
• For Higher Studies: Universities often require a certain CGPA for admission to Master’s or PhD programs.
• For Scholarships: A higher CGPA increases eligibility for academic scholarships.

Conclusion

CGPA is a crucial measure of academic performance, representing a student’s overall achievements across multiple semesters. Understanding how to calculate CGPA and how it impacts your career or further studies is essential for academic success.

By focusing on maintaining consistent performance and improving semester-wise SGPA, students can achieve a strong CGPA that opens doors to better career and educational opportunities.