24 Dec
If you’re someone planning to Study Abroad in USA, UK or simply want to understand how your grades translate into different systems, you’ve likely encountered terms like CGPA and GPA. Both are grading scales, but they are used in different countries and serve distinct purposes. In this blog, we’ll break down what CGPA and GPA mean, how to convert CGPA to GPA, and their differences and many more.
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What is GPA?
GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It is a numerical representation of a student’s performance in a single term or semester. GPA helps assess how well a student has performed in their courses.
The assessment of GPA comprises five grades ie; A, B, C, D & E, where A grade represents higher position and F denotes Failing grade. Universities in America follow a 4 point GPA scale.
GPA = Number of Courses / Total Sum of Grade Points
In this, sum all the earned grade factors and divide by the entire variety of courses taken. Maintaining a strong GPA can advantage international students to get scholarships and admission to prestigious universities.
What is CGPA?
CGPA or Cumulative Grade Point Average is a grading system used in many countries, including India. It represents the overall academic performance of a student over an entire course or program. One who achieves a higher GPA score will be contributed with a high CGPA score.
CGPA=Total Number of Semesters / Average Grade Points (All Semesters)
Typically, CGPA is calculated on a scale of 10 or sometimes 4, depending on the institution’s grading system. For example, a CGPA of 9.0 on a scale of 10 represents excellent academic performance.
How to convert CGPA to GPA?
It is essential to understand how to convert CGPA to GPA when applying to institutions or programs abroad that use the GPA system. Most universities require GPA scores for admissions, scholarships, and other academic evaluations. Here’s a process to convert your CGPA to GPA:
- Understand the Conversion Formula
There isn’t a universal conversion formula because institutions may have their own methods. However, a common approximation is:
GPA = (CGPA / 10) × 4
This formula assumes that the CGPA scale is 10 and the GPA scale is 4.
Example: If your CGPA is 8.5:
GPA = (8.5 / 10) × 4 = 3.4
- Check University Guidelines
Some universities provide specific conversion charts or tools on their websites. Always cross-check the institution’s requirements to ensure accuracy.
- Use Online Conversion Tools
Several websites and tools are available to help you convert CGPA to GPA quickly. While convenient, verify their reliability before using them for official purposes.
- Consult with Education Counselors
If you’re unsure about the process, consult an academic advisor or an education counselor. They can guide you based on your target university’s specific requirements.
How to convert Indian CGPA to US GPA?
Converting an Indian CGPA to a US GPA involves understanding the difference between GPA and CGPA in grading scales. While Indian universities often use a 10-point grading scale, most US institutions use a 4-point GPA scale.
- Understand the Indian CGPA Scale
- In India, CGPA is typically calculated on a scale of 10. A CGPA of 9.0 out of 10 is generally considered as an excellent achievement. The standard conversion formula in India is by multiplying the CGPA with 9.5 to obtain the equivalent percentage.
- The minimum required grade for a student to pass the board exams is D1.
- Here are some of the corresponding grades for the Indian CGPA scale:
- 9.1–10: Grade A1
- 8.1–9.0: Grade A2
- 7.1–8.0: Grade B1
- 6.1–7.0: Grade B2
- 5.1–6.0: Grade C1
- 4.1–5.0: Grade C2
- 3.1–4.0: Grade D1
- Understand the US GPA Scale
- The US GPA system uses a 4.0 scale, where:
- 4.0 represents an A (Excellent)
- 3.0 represents a B (Good)
- 2.0 represents a C (Average)
- 1.0 represents a D (Poor)
- 0.0 represents an F (Fail)
- The US GPA system uses a 4.0 scale, where:
- Conversion Formula
- While there’s no universally agreed formula, the most common method is to scale your CGPA to a 4.0 scale using this formula:
US GPA=(CGPA/10)×4
- While there’s no universally agreed formula, the most common method is to scale your CGPA to a 4.0 scale using this formula:
- Example CGPA Calculation
- Suppose you are a student with the following GPA scores for 6 semesters:
- Semester 1 GPA: 3.5
- Semester 2 GPA: 3.8
- Semester 3 GPA: 3.2
- Semester 4 GPA: 3.6
- Semester 5 GPA: 3.9
- Semester 6 GPA: 3.7
- Suppose you are a student with the following GPA scores for 6 semesters:
- Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Sum of all GPAs:
3.5+3.8+3.2+3.6+3.9+3.7=21.7 - Total number of semesters:
6 - Apply the formula:
CGPA=21.7/6=3.62 - Final CGPA:
3.62 (on a 4-point scale)
- Sum of all GPAs:
CGPA to GPA converter Table
This table provides a conversion of Indian CGPA (on a 10-point scale) to US GPA (on a 4-point scale), along with the corresponding grades
| CGPA (Scale of 10) | US GPA (Scale of 4) | Letter Grade | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.0 | 4.0 | A+ | Outstanding |
| 9.5–9.9 | 3.8–3.9 | A | Excellent |
| 9.0–9.4 | 3.6–3.7 | A | Very Good |
| 8.5–8.9 | 3.4–3.5 | A- | Good |
| 8.0–8.4 | 3.2–3.3 | B+ | Above Average |
| 7.5–7.9 | 3.0–3.1 | B | Average |
| 7.0–7.4 | 2.8–2.9 | B- | Satisfactory |
| 6.5–6.9 | 2.6–2.7 | C+ | Needs Improvement |
| 6.0–6.4 | 2.4–2.5 | C | Below Average |
| 5.5–5.9 | 2.2–2.3 | C- | Poor |
| 5.0–5.4 | 2.0–2.1 | D | Marginal Pass |
| Below 5.0 | Below 2.0 | F | Fail |
Conclusion
In conclusion, How to convert CGPA to GPA may seem like a difficult process, but with the right approach and tools, it’s a simple process. Check the specific requirements of the universities you’re applying to and ensure your calculations are accurate.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between CGPA and GPA?
CGPA is the overall average of grade points across all subjects or semesters in an academic program. Whereas, GPA refers to the grade points earned in a specific term or semester.
In simple terms, CGPA covers the cumulative performance, while GPA focuses on a shorter period, like one semester.
2. Is there a universal method to convert CGPA to GPA?
No, there isn’t a single universal method. The formula is common but may not always apply, as grading scales and conversion standards vary among universities. Some universities may consider additional factors like:
Difficulty level of your institution.
Weighted grades for credit hours.
Official evaluations from credential agencies
3. Does CGPA to GPA conversion affect admission chances?
Admissions committees typically evaluate applications holistically. Besides GPA, they assess:
Test scores (e.g., GRE, TOEFL, SAT).
Statement of Purpose (SOP).
Recommendation letters.
Extra-curricular achievements.
Ensure the conversion is accurate and present other strong aspects of your profile to increase your chances.
