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Article Summary
- GPA (Grade Point Average) measures short-term academic performance, as it is calculated for a single semester or term by averaging grade points across subjects, commonly using 4-point, 5-point, or 10-point scales, and changes every semester based on results.
- CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) reflects overall academic consistency, calculated by averaging the GPAs of all semesters completed in a program, and is typically shown on final mark sheets and degree certificates for higher studies, jobs, and placements.
- The key difference between GPA and CGPA lies in scope and usage, where GPA highlights semester-wise performance while CGPA shows cumulative achievement; conversions between CGPA and GPA vary by university policies and credential evaluators like WES, with no universal formula.
Understanding the academic grading system is essential for students, especially those applying for higher education, scholarships, or jobs, both in India and abroad. Two commonly used grading terms that often confuse students are GPA and CGPA. Although they sound a little similar, GPA and CGPA serve different academic purposes. This blog explains the difference between GPA and CGPA in simple terms with definitions, examples, tables, and conversion methods to help you fully understand the concept in an easy way.
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What is GPA?
GPA is a numerical measure used to evaluate a student’s academic performance for a specific period, usually one semester or term. It shows how well a student has performed in their subjects during one academic term. Instead of marks or percentages, grades are converted into points and averages.
Key Features of GPA:
- Calculated per semester or term
- Represents short-term academic performance
- Used by schools and universities
- Commonly calculated on a 4 points, 5 points, or 10 points scale
- Changes every semester based on performance
Example of GPA
If a student scores the following grade points in one semester:
| Subject | Grade Points |
| Maths | 8 |
| Science | 7 |
| English | 9 |
| History | 8 |
Step 1: Apply the formula GPA = (Total Grade Points) / (Total Number of Subjects)
Step 2: Calculate the GPA
GPA = (8+7+9+8) / 4
GPA = 32 / 4
GPA = 8.0
Also Read: Grading System in Canada
What is CGPA?
It is a numerical value that represents a student’s overall academic performance across all semesters or academic years of a course. CGPA shows how well a student has performed throughout their entire course, not just in one semester. It is calculated by averaging the GPAs of all semesters.
Key Features of CGPA
- Calculated for the entire duration of a program
- Usually based on a 10-point or 4-point grading scale
- Used for higher studies, placement, and job applications
- Mentioned on final mark sheets and degree certificates
- Reflects overall academic consistency
Example of CGPA
If a student has the following GPAs:
| Semester | GPA |
| Semester 1 | 7.5 |
| Semester 2 | 8.0 |
| Semester 3 | 8.2 |
| Semester 4 | 7.8 |
CGPA = (7.5 + 8.0 + 8.2 + 7.8) / 4 = 7.8765, so the student’s CGPA is 7.88 rounded.
Also Read: Grading System in India: University Scale, Marks, Grades
How are GPA and CGPA Calculated?
GPA and CGPA are calculated by averaging grade points, but the calculated period differs. GPA is calculated by finding the average of all grade points earned in a single semester or term, while CGPA is calculated by averaging the GPAs of all semesters completed during the entire course. These calculations help evaluate both short-term academic performance and overall academic consistency.
| GPA | GPA = Total Grade Points in a Semester ÷ Total Subjects |
| CGPA | CGPA = Sum of All GPAs ÷ Number of Semesters |
How to Convert CGPA to GPA?
Converting CGPA to GPA helps standardise academic scores, especially for international education and study abroad applications. However, there is no single universal conversion formula. The conversation method varies based on factors like University-specific grading policies, country-specific education systems, and credential evaluation agencies such as WES (World Education Services) and ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
Most institutions convert CGPA to GPA by applying a 10-point CGPA scale to a 4.0 scale using their official guideline to ensure fair academic comparison across different education systems.
| CGPA (10 Point Scale) | GPA (4.0 Point Scale) | Grade |
| >8.5 | >3.7 | A |
| 8.0 – 8.4 | 3.7 | A |
| 7.5 – 7.9 | 3.3 | B+ |
| 7.0 – 7.4 | 3 | B |
| 6.5 – 6.9 | 2.7 | C+ |
| 6.0 – 6.4 | 2.3 | C |
| 5.5 – 5.9 | 2 | D+ |
| 5.0 – 5.4 | 1.7 | D |
| Below 5.0 | 0-1.3 | F |
Note: The table above is for reference only. Always check official university or credential evaluator guidelines for accurate conversion.
What is the Difference Between GPA and CGPA?
This section explains to you the key difference between the GPA and CGPA, including their example, calculating period and importance. It helps students clearly understand how GPA reflects semester-wise performance, while CGPA represents overall academic achievement across the entire course.
| GPA (Grade Point Average) | CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) |
| Grade Point Average | Cumulative Grade Point Average |
| Measures a student’s academic performance in a single semester or term | Measures a student’s overall academic performance across all semesters |
| One semester or academic term | Long-term cumulative |
| Average of grade points earned in all subjects of one semester | Average of GPAs of all complete semesters |
| Changes every semester | Changes cumulatively as semesters are added |
| It reflects current academic performance | It reflects overall academic consistency |
| It is mentioned on the semester mark sheet | It is mentioned on the final mark sheet and transcript |
Also Read: Grading System in Canada
Understanding the difference between GPA and CGPA is essential for students to accurately track their academic performance and plan their future goals. While GPA (Grade Point Average) reflects a student’s performance in a single semester or term, CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) provides a complete overview of academic achievement across the entire course. Both play an important role in higher education, study abroad applications, scholarships, and job opportunities. By clearly knowing the GPA vs CGPA difference, students can focus on consistent performance each semester to build a strong CGPA and improve their overall academic profile.
FAQs
The main difference between GPA and CGPA is the calculation period. GPA measures academic performance for a single semester, while CGPA reflects overall performance across the entire course.
Most universities consider CGPA more important. However, some institutions may also review individual semester GPAs, specifically for recent academic performance.
When students apply to study abroad, they must convert their CGPA to GPA. Different colleges manage this process in different ways; some have an internal method to convert grades in accordance with their own standards.
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