As a student, keeping yourself abreast of grade and grade point calculations is important. You must be aware of the different evaluation methods to be in the know. Various colleges have different approaches to identifying, measuring, and evaluating your work.
It is, therefore, important to have a general understanding of these terms and how they’re calculated. Terms such as GPA and CGPA are commonly used in international grading systems. Hence, it is a big flex to know the difference between them, how to perform the required calculation, and how to convert one to the other.
This article will inform you of all we have mentioned above, especially how to convert a 10-point CGPA to a 4-point GPA.
Table of contents
- What is GPA?
- What is the CGPA?
- What are the differences between GPA and CGPA?
- Importance of GPA and CGPA
- How to calculate GPA and CGPA
- How to convert 10 point CGPA to 4 point GPA
- How can I learn the criteria the University uses to assess your CGPA?
- How do US Universities calculate CGPA?
- How do German Universities calculate the CGPA?
- How is the CGPA calculated in Canada?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
What is GPA?
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a jargon you’ll come across in both schools and colleges. It is a number that tells you how well you did on your studies on average. You can represent the GPA with either figures or letters.
For instance, an A-grade usually represents a number that is usually 4. So, if you get an A, your GPA will be 4, and if you get a B, your grade drops to 3. So your review framework moves too.
Most times, depending on where you live and what school you attend, you can use a different approach to estimate your grade point average.
Here’s a typical way to calculate your GPA.
Suppose you took three courses worth 3 credits each. The GPA for each of them are:
Dividing the grade by the number of credits gives 12 for subject 1, 6 for subject 2, and 9 for subject 3. Subject 1-A (4 on the GPA scale) Subject 2-C (2 on the GPA scale) Subject 3-B (3 on the GPA scale) Adding these numbers together yields an overall grade of 27, which is the total GPA (Divide by 9 (3+3+3)) to get 3. As a result, credits play an important role in determining grades.
What is the CGPA?
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is typically used to assess a student’s overall academic performance. Also, it is calculated by dividing the total number of credits by the average GPA the student receives each semester.
According the CGPA framework, certain grades are designated to a set of imprints. For instance, Grade Point 9 for 90-95 imprints and frequently academic institutions have access to CGPA change table.
What are the differences between GPA and CGPA?
While the definition of both terms points out that they measure a student’s performance in a course, there are differences between the two. Although the major difference between GPA and CGPA is that the former measures a student’s performance in one semester while the latter measures one’s performance for an entire course, including all units and semesters.
We have compiled the following list of guidelines to assist you in comprehending the primary distinctions between them:
Duration
The CGPA covers a longer semester, such as the entire bachelor’s degree, including all semesters, while the GPA applies only to shorter durations.
Interdependent
A CGPA collects grades, and, other things being equal; you must have a good GPA each semester to get a good regular score in your chosen degree. A such, both the GPA and CGPA are intertwined and to get a good CGPA, you need to make sure that you score better GPAs throughout the semesters.
Main Emphasis
In providing advanced studies academic performance, universities often consider a student’s GPA to assess consistency across course duration, with less emphasis on CGPA.
Generally, if you plan to study abroad, universities and colleges will ask you to submit your GPA rather than the CGPA which is more emphasized in Indian colleges.
Appraisal scores or grades
While the GPA uses grades such as A,B, C, D, or E, the CGPA has grade points from 1 to 10, divided into specific ranges of grades.
Rating system
One of the most common differences between GPA and CGPA is that Indian universities use a GPA system of 10 points, whereas the UK and some countries abroad use a 4-point GPA system.
Additionally, the CGPA often uses a uniform grading system by dividing grade ranges that can vary between universities and countries.
Assessment scores
While CGPA often uses grade points from 1 to 10 that are split throughout a given range of marks, GPA uses grades like A, B, C, D, or E.
Grade Point Calculator
One of the most prevalent variations between GPA and CGPA is that institutions in India use a 10-point GPA scale, whereas the UK and many other foreign nations use a 4-point GPA scale.
Additionally, CGPA frequently uses a standard grading method by dividing the range of grades, which might vary depending on the university or the nation.
Importance of GPA and CGPA
Now that we have listed the differences, let’s see why they are important.
- To get a good CGPA, you need to keep your GPA constant
- Universities usually require a GPA and a CGPA. Both are on the grade book, so you should pay attention to both.
- Areas where CPA and CGPA are important include:
Application for higher education
Application for various scholarships
Recruitment of internships - For cutoffs for various programs and scholarships, students are accepted or denied based on differences of only one decimal point.
How to calculate GPA and CGPA
GPA Calculation Table
| Grade | Percent Grade | 4.0 Scale | 4.0 + Scale |
| A + | 97 – 100 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| A | 93 – 96 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| A – | 90 -92 | 3.7 | 3.7 |
| B + | 87 – 89 | 3.3 | 3.3 |
| B | 83 – 86 | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| B – | 80 – 82 | 2.7 | 2.7 |
| C + | 77 – 79 | 2.3 | 2.3 |
| C | 73 – 76 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| C – | 70 – 72 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
| D + | 67 – 69 | 1.3 | 1.3 |
| D | 65 – 66 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
| D – | Below 65 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| F | Below 65 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
GPA Example
| Courses | Credit Hours | Grade | Point for Grades | Weighted Grade Pts. |
| Physics | 4 | A | 4 | 4 x 4 = 16 |
| Maths | 3 | B | 3 | 3 x 3 = 9 |
| English | 3 | B | 3 | 3 x 3 = 9 |
| Science | 5 | A | 4 | 5 x 4 =20 |
| Total = 15 | Total = 54 |
GPA = 54/15 = 3.6
CGPA Formula
CGPA Example & Calculation
| Semesters | Credit Hours | GPA | Weight Average GPA |
| 1 | 22 | 3.5 | 22 x 3.5 = 77 |
| 2 | 20 | 3.2 | 20 x 3.2 = 64 |
| Total = 42 | Total = 141 |
CGPA = 141/42 = 3.36
How to convert 10 point CGPA to 4 point GPA
The CGPA is determined in India using a ten-point system, with a score of 10 representing the highest possible score. Students at some colleges are also graded on a scale of one to ten using a percentage system.
A student’s ability to maintain their grade point average (GPA) and cumulative grade point average (CGPA) throughout a course is crucial because it reflects their overall performance.
To convert a 10-point CGPA to a 4-point GPA, you can use the following formula:
GPA = (CGPA/10) x 4. For example, if your CGPA is 8.5 out of 10, then your GPA would be:
GPA = (8.5/10) x 4 = 3.4
Therefore, your GPA on a 4-point scale would be 3.4.
When filling out an online application for admission, candidates must also include their own grade point average.
To switch CGPA over completely to GPA scores, follow the table beneath. If it’s not too much trouble, remember that this is just for reference.
| 10 point CGPA | Equivalent 4 Point GPA |
|---|---|
| > 8.5 | 4 |
| 8.0 – 8.4 | 3.7 |
| 7.5 – 7.9 | 3.3 |
| 7.0 – 7.4 | 3.0 |
| 6.5 – 7.9 | 2.7 |
| 6.0 – 6.4 | 2.3 |
| 5.5 – 5.9 | 2.0 |
| 5.0 – 5.4 | 1.7 |
| 4.5 – 4.9 | 1.3 |
| 4.0 – 4.4 | 1.0 |
Candidates should remember that the method above is intended to assist them in estimating their chances of being accepted to study abroad. It is not required of candidates to convert their CGPA to GPA.
If at all, institutions with a connection to universities would manage these conversions.
How can I learn the criteria the University uses to assess your CGPA?
Here are simple steps to take to learn how your university assesses your academics
- Learn about previous admissions patterns at the university
- Research the academic records of applicants to the universities of your choice
- Forecast with greater knowledge of how the university will evaluate your CPA.
If you don’t have a lot of time to prepare, you should ask for assistance from others around you, especially those who have helped others get admission in the past.
How do US Universities calculate CGPA?
American universities use GPA to measure academic achievement. However, there is no official standardized assessment system, leaving it up to individual universities or other regulatory bodies to choose and follow a set of methods for assessing applicants.
A 4-point grading system is commonly used in colleges and universities. This means that students are graded on a scale of 0 to 4, with 4 being the maximum CGPA achievable.
However, some universities also use a 9 or 10-point grading system.
How do German Universities calculate the CGPA?
CGPA calculations in Germany differ significantly from those in the US and India. Hence, Germany uses a 5-point grade system for their enrolled students. This system is based on a modified Bavarian formula.
It considers the highest and lowest possible marks obtained in the applicant’s home education system and converts your grades relative to them.
How is the CGPA calculated in Canada?
In Canada, each university has its own grading system and amplitude is inconsistent across universities or even regions. Students may be advised to report results as it is or convert them.
However, some universities provide conversion guidelines to candidates. For instance, on its website, McGill University provides CGPA equivalence based on your country.
FAQs
A grade point average (GPA) is a number that indicates an average score.
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is usually used to measure a student’s overall academic performance.
Yes, 3.5 is a great GPA score.
Conclusion
Tracking your grades and grade points is important; you should be familiar with different assessment techniques. Terms such as GPA and CGPA are commonly used in both Indian and international grading systems, so it is important to know the differences between them and the calculations and conversions required. Everything you need to know about the difference between GPA and CGPA can be found in this article.
References
Recommendations
