How Is CGPA Calculated In Engineering? A Step-By-Step Guide

Ever wondered how your CGPA is calculated and how it impacts your academic performance? Whether you are studying in Indian engineering colleges or planning to study abroad, grasping the CGPA system is a must. Your CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is a measure of your overall academic performance, derived from your SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) across multiple semesters.

They generally use a standard formula in engineering to calculate CGPA: total grade points earned divided by total credit points. Some of them offer what they call the CGPA to percentage converter. Some of the universities might follow the rule that states CGPA multiplied by 9.5 gives the percentage. If you are looking for the formula to calculate SGPA and CGPA or for converting CGPA to percentage, this guide will take you through the calcification process step by step. 

How to Calculate SGPA and CGPA In Engineering Colleges?

In engineering colleges, CGPA stands for cumulative grade point average is calculated using a standard formula that takes into account SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) from multiple semesters.

The CGPA formula is:

CGPA=∑(SGPA×Credit Points)/∑(Total Credit Points)​​

To compute SGPA, universities use the formula:

SGPA= ∑(Grade Points×Credit Points)/∑(Total Credit Points)​​

Each subject is assigned credit points and a grade point based on the grading system. The CGPA is calculated by taking the average of SGPA across all semesters. Here is the step-by-step method to calculate CGPA

Calculate SGPA for each semester

• Multiply the grade points of each subject by its credit points.
• Divide the total grade points by the total credit points for that semester.

Compute CGPA from SGPA

• Add up SGPA scores from all semesters.
• Divide the total SGPA sum by the total number of semesters to get a CGPA.

CGPA would be calculated similarly in all universities, though some may have slight variations in their grading system.

Example Calculation for Better Understanding

Consider an engineering student with the following SGPA scores over four semesters:

Semester	SGPA	Credit Points
1	7.8	24
2	8.2	24
3	7.5	26
4	8.0	26

To calculate CGPA, use:

CGPA={(7.8×24)+(8.2×24)+(7.5×26)+(8.0×26)}/24+24+26+26​

CGPA=(187.2+196.8+195+208)/100 ​=787​/100=7.87

Thus, the overall CGPA of the student is 7.87 on a 10-point CGPA scale.

How to Convert CGPA to Percentage?

After understanding how CGPA is calculated in engineering colleges, the next step is to convert CGPA into percentage.

Many universities and employers require a percentage score instead of CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) to assess a student’s overall academic performance.

Formula to Convert CGPA to Percentage

One of the most commonly used CGPA to percentage conversion formulas is:

Percentage=CGPA×9.5

This formula, widely used in Indian engineering colleges, is based on the grading system set by various universities. However, some institutions use different conversion methods, so it’s essential to check their GPA to percentage calculator.

Step-By-Step Guide to Convert CGPA to Percentage

1. Calculate CGPA using the formula: CGPA= Total Grade Points Earned/Total Credit Points​​
2. Apply the CGPA to percentage conversion formula: Percentage=CGPA×9.5
3. Get the percentage score to match university or employer requirements.

Example Calculation of CGPA to Percentage

Suppose a student has a CGPA of 8.2 on a 10-point CGPA scale. Using the CGPA to percentage calculator:

Percentage=8.2×9.5=77.9%

Thus, a student with an 8.2 CGPA would have a percentage of 77.9%.

How to Convert Percentage into CGPA? 

A common way to calculate CGPA is by dividing the obtained percentage by a standard conversion factor, typically 9.5:

CGPA=Percentage/9.5​

For example, if your percentage is 80%, your CGPA would thus be:

CGPA= 80/9.5​=8.42

Some universities, including engineering at Mumbai University, use different conversion methods. The percentage method for Mumbai University is calculated using CGPA = Percentage ÷ 10. Always check the specific calculator for engineering requirements of the institution you’re applying to.

What are the factors that affect CGPA Calculation?

The CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is a measure of a student’s overall academic performance in engineering or any other course. It is calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit points. However, multiple factors can influence how a student’s CGPA would be determined.

Understanding these factors helps students make informed decisions about their studies and improve their scores effectively.

1. Grading System Used by the University

Different universities have their own CGPA grading methods. For instance, some institutions use a CGPA on a 10-point scale, while others follow a 4.0 GPA system. The conversion of CGPA into percentage or percentage to CGPA may also vary based on institutional policies.

2. Credit Points and Course Weightage

In engineering colleges, subjects carry different credit points based on their complexity and importance. A subject with higher credit points has a greater impact on the CGPA calculation than one with lower credit weightage. This is why a low grade in a high-credit course can significantly reduce the overall CGPA.

3. Semester-Wise Performance and SGPA

Each semester’s performance is measured using SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average), which contributes to the final CGPA calculation. The formula to convert SGPA to CGPA involves averaging the SGPA scores across all semesters, considering their respective credit points.

4. Calculation Method and CGPA Formula

The CGPA is calculated similarly across different institutions, but the formula may vary. In many cases, CGPA = Total Grade Points divided by the total Credit Points. Some universities require students to multiply the CGPA by 9.5 to get the percentage score, while others use different percentage to CGPA conversion methods.

5. Relative vs. Absolute Grading

Some universities, including engineering colleges abroad, follow a relative grading system, where a student’s CGPA depends on the performance of peers in the same batch. In contrast, an absolute grading system assigns fixed grades based on a marks bracket without considering other students’ performance.

Tips To Improve CGPA In Engineering to Study Abroad

A strong CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is essential for students planning to study abroad, as universities assess applicants based on their overall performance. Many top institutions require a competitive GPA score and CGPA, making it crucial to focus on ways to calculate and improve CGPA throughout your academic journey. Here are some effective strategies to boost your CGPA and enhance your study abroad prospects.

1. Focus on Consistent Performance

To calculate the CGPA effectively, ensure steady academic growth each semester. Avoid fluctuations in grades by maintaining a balanced study routine and excelling in both theory and practical subjects.

2. Understand How to Calculate CGPA and Plan Accordingly

Understanding the CGPA system in your university helps you make strategic academic decisions. Since the CGPA is calculated based on credit-weighted grades, focus more on subjects with higher credit points to maximize your overall percentage.

3. Convert Percentage to CGPA and Set a Target

Most universities use a percentage to CGPA calculator for evaluating applications. If your goal is to study abroad, check the minimum CGPA requirements and ensure your results in the form of CGPA align with admission expectations.

4. Utilize the Advantages of the CGPA System

Unlike a rigid percentage-based evaluation, the CGPA system allows students to recover from lower grades by performing better in future semesters. Take advantage of this flexibility by improving your grades progressively.

5. Seek Guidance and Use Smart Study Techniques

Utilize faculty mentorship, online resources, and peer discussions to understand how to calculate CGPA in engineering colleges effectively. Using a percentage to CGPA calculator, analyze your total marks and determine areas where you need improvement.

Conclusion

Understanding how CGPA is calculated in engineering is essential for tracking your academic performance and preparing for higher studies or job applications. Whether you’re calculating CGPA from percentage, using an online CGPA calculator for engineering, or converting SGPA to CGPA, mastering the CGPA system ensures accurate assessment of your grades.

If you’re planning to study abroad or need help improving your CGPA for engineering, Ambitio provides expert guidance, university recommendations, and personalized profile evaluation. Sign up now on Ambitio Elite and take the next step toward your dream university!

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