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25 February 2025

6 minutes read

How to Calculate CGPA: A Complete Guide

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

25 February 2025

6 minutes read

GPA

Key Takeaways

  • How to calculate CGPA – Use the correct formula by dividing total grade points by the number of subjects or credits.
  • Convert CGPA to Percentage – Multiply CGPA by 9.5 or follow your university’s specific conversion method.
  • Improve Your CGPA – Focus on high-credit subjects, maintain consistency, and track semester performance. 

Did you know that a 9.5 CGPA on a 10-point scale can be equivalent to 90-95% in some grading systems? Yet, many students struggle to convert CGPA to percentage accurately. With different grading systems, it’s confusing to determine your overall academic performance whether for study abroad applications or job opportunities.

The solution? Understanding how to calculate CGPA using a CGPA formula, CGPA calculator, and percentage to CGPA conversion. By learning to calculate SGPA and semester grade points, you can effortlessly convert CGPA into percentage and evaluate your cumulative grade point average with clarity.

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How to Calculate CGPA from Marks?

If you’ve ever wondered how to calculate CGPA, you’re not alone. Many students struggle with CGPA score calculation, especially when trying to convert marks into CGPA and percentage. But don’t worry, it’s simpler than you think!

how to calculate cgpa

Your CGPA score represents the average of grade points across all subjects in a semester or course. The formula remains standard across different grading systems, but how to find CGPA from marks depends on factors like credit points, total subjects, and grading scales. Let’s break it down in the easiest way possible. To calculate CGPA from marks, use this formula:

CGPA=(Total Grade Points Earned in All Subjects)/(Total Number of Subjects)​

How to Calculate CGPA Using Subject GPAs?

  1. Identify Grade Points Earned: Each subject is assigned a grade point (e.g., A = 9, B+ = 8).
  2. Multiply the Grade Points by Credit Points: Some subjects carry more weight, so multiply the grade points obtained by the number of credit points.
  3. Divide the Total Grade Points by the Total Number of Credits: This gives your CGPA score calculation.

Example Calculation

SubjectMarksGradeGrade Points (GP)Credit Points (CP)GP × CP
Math90A+10440
Physics85A9327
Chemistry78B+8324
English88A9218
Computer95A+10220
Total14129

CGPA=129​/14 = 9.21

CGPA Calculation for Semester-Based Systems

For students with multiple semesters, how to calculate overall CGPA follows the same method:

  1. Calculate SGPA for Each Semester (Sum of Grade Points ÷ Total Credits).
  2. Find the Total CGPA by averaging the SGPA scores across all semesters.

Formula for Multiple Semesters:

Overall CGPA={∑(SGPA×Credits in Semester)}/Total Number of Credits Across Semesters​​

Example:

SemesterSGPACredits
Sem 18.522
Sem 29.020
Sem 38.824
Total66

Overall CGPA={(8.5×22)+(9.0×20)+(8.8×24)}/66​=8.77

How Grading Systems Affect CGPA Calculation

Not all universities follow the 10-point CGPA system. Some use 4.0-point scale GPA conversion, which changes the way CGPA to GPA is calculated. Here’s how:

  • 10-Point Scale (Common in India): CGPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points by total number of subjects.Convert CGPA to percentage by multiplying it by 9.5.
  • 4.0-Point Scale (Common in the U.S.): A+ = 4.0, A = 3.7, B+ = 3.3, and so on. Convert CGPA into a 4.0-point scale using a percentage to GPA converter.

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How to Convert CGPA to Percentage?

Now that you understand how to calculate CGPA, let’s move to the next big question, how to convert into percentage. Many universities and employers ask for percentage instead of CGPA, making this conversion essential for students.

how to calculate cgpa

But different institutions use different methods, so it’s crucial to get it right!

Standard Formula for CGPA to Percentage Conversion

The most commonly used CGPA to percentage formula is:

Percentage=CGPA×9.5

Example Calculation
If your CGPA is 8.4, then your percentage score would be:

8.4×9.5=79.8%

Many Indian universities, including CBSE and AICTE-affiliated institutions, follow this standard CGPA by 9.5 formula.

How Different Universities Convert CGPA?

Not all institutions use the 9.5 multiplier. Some universities follow their own CGPA to percentage conversion method. Here’s a comparison:

University/SystemCGPA to Percentage Formula
CBSE (India)CGPA × 9.5
AICTE (Engineering Colleges)CGPA × 10
Pune University(CGPA – 0.75) × 10
Mumbai UniversityCGPA × 7.1
VTU (Visvesvaraya Technological University)CGPA × 9.1
Anna UniversityCGPA × 10
U.S. Universities (4.0-point scale)(CGPA ÷ 10) × 4

Pro Tip: Always check your university’s official conversion method before submitting applications, especially for study abroad programs.

Online Tools for Quick CGPA to Percentage Calculation

If math isn’t your thing, don’t worry! Several percentage calculators and CGPA to percentage converters are available online. Here are some reliable options:

  • CBSE CGPA to Percentage Calculator – Ideal for CBSE students following the 10-point CGPA system.
  • AICTE Percentage ConverterHow is CGPA calculated in engineering.
  • Percentage to CGPA Calculator – Converts percentage back into CGPA for institutions that require it.
  • GPA and CGPA Converter – Helps students applying to U.S. universities (4.0-point scale).

Final Tip: If you’re applying for study abroad, check university guidelines before using any converter to avoid miscalculations and how much CGPA is good.

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Common Mistakes in CGPA to Percentage Calculator

Converting CGPA into a percentage might seem straightforward, but students often make mistakes that lead to inaccurate results. Whether you’re using a percentage to CGPA converter or manually trying to calculate your CGPA, avoiding these errors is crucial.

How to study for College Exams ? Just do this for best GPA!

Let’s break down the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

1. Using the Wrong CGPA to Percentage Formula

Not every university follows the CGPA by 9.5 formula. Some use CGPA × 10, while others have their own CGPA scale. Before you convert your CGPA into a percentage, always check your institution’s official percentage to CGPA conversion method. Refer to your university’s grading policy instead of relying on a generic conversion formula.

2. Ignoring Credit Weightage for Each Subject

Your CGPA is the average of all grade points for each subject, but some subjects carry more credit points than others. If you divide by the total number of subjects instead of total number of credit points, you’ll get an incorrect result. Always multiply the grade points by the credit points for each subject before calculating the semester grade point average (GPA and CGPA).​

3. Confusing SGPA and CGPA

Students often calculate their SGPA for one semester and assume it’s their CGPA, which is incorrect. Your SGPA is the semester grade point average, while your CGPA stands for cumulative grade point over different semesters. Use the correct formula to calculate your SGPA for each term, then find your total CGPA by averaging all semesters.​

4. Incorrect Rounding-Off Method

If your university follows a 4.0-point scale, the rounding-off method can affect your final CGPA score calculation. A CGPA on a 4.0-point scale often needs conversion before it can be converted into a percentage. Instead of rounding off too early, calculate your CGPA from percentage first, then convert percentage into CGPA based on your university’s guidelines.

Example Conversion:

CGPA Division on a 10-Point ScaleEquivalent GPA on a 4-Point Scale
10 CGPA4.0 GPA
9.0 CGPA3.6 GPA
8.0 CGPA3.2 GPA
7.0 CGPA2.8 GPA

5. Misusing Online CGPA to Percentage Calculators

Online CGPA calculators are useful, but not all are accurate. Many percentage to CGPA calculators apply only one method, even though different universities use different CGPA scales. Always double-check the formula used in the calculator before trusting the result. If unsure, manually calculate CGPA from percentage or verify using your university’s grading guidelines.

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Tips to Improve Your CGPA

Struggling with low grades? Improving CGPA takes effort and strategy. Whether you want to convert your CGPA into a percentage for job applications or calculate the CGPA accurately, these tips will help you boost your scores.

1. Focus on High-Credit Subjects

Your CGPA is calculated based on weighted grade points, meaning subjects with more credit points earned have a bigger impact. Target these to add the grade points where they matter most.

2. Keep Track of Your Semester Performance

Your CGPA would improve if you maintain consistency calculated for each semester. Don’t let one bad semester ruin your overall percentage.

3. Use the Percentage to CGPA Formula Wisely

If your percentage is 85, ensure that you accurately use the percentage to CGPA formula to track improvements. Knowing how to calculate the percentage from CGPA helps in setting realistic academic goals.

4. Understand Weighted Averages in CGPA Calculation

Your CGPA is the average of all subjects, but some courses carry more weight. Work on subjects with a higher weighted average to push your grades up.

5. Improve Exam Strategies

Understanding CGPA and the percentage of marks helps in planning study techniques. Focus on understanding CGPA rather than memorization, and practice problem-solving to improve results.

By following these steps, you can help yourself calculate and manage your grades effectively to achieve a strong form of CGPA!

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Conclusion

Understanding how to calculate CGPA is crucial for tracking your academic progress. Whether you’re trying to convert your CGPA into a percentage or improve your average score, the key is to focus on the total by the number of subjects and the number of given credit points earned. Since CGPA is average of grade points, it’s essential to track your performance based on the marks received every semester.

If you’re looking for an easier way to learn how to calculate CGPA and manage your study plans, Ambitio can help you calculate and optimize your academic journey. Sign up today for expert guidance on building a strong academic profile!

FAQs

What is CGPA?

CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average, measuring overall academic performance.

How is CGPA calculated?

CGPA is calculated by summing grade points and dividing by total credits.

What is the difference between SGPA and CGPA?

SGPA is for one semester, while CGPA is cumulative across all semesters.

How do I convert SGPA to CGPA?

Add all SGPA scores and divide by the number of semesters.

How do I calculate CGPA from marks?

Convert marks to grade points and calculate the average.

How do I convert CGPA to percentage?

Multiply CGPA by 9.5 to get the percentage.

Why is CGPA important for studying abroad?

CGPA helps foreign universities assess academic standing for admissions.

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