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The difference between GPA and CGPA often confuses students, especially when applying to universities abroad. GPA, or Grade Point Average, reflects a student’s performance in a single term or semester, while CGPA, or Cumulative Grade Point Average, represents the overall academic performance across multiple terms.
For instance, many U.S. universities use a 4.0 GPA scale, while Indian institutions commonly follow a 10-point CGPA system. According to QS research, over 60% of universities worldwide require GPA or CGPA scores during admissions, making it crucial for students to understand how these grading systems work.
Knowing the difference helps you evaluate your academic standing and present your profile more effectively for higher education or job opportunities. In this guide, we’ll break down GPA vs CGPA, their calculation, and which one matters most for your academic journey.
If you're a student, you've likely seen GPA and CGPA on your report card. While both measure academic performance, they are used differently. Understanding their purpose, calculation, and global grading variations can be helpful, especially if you're planning to study abroad or apply for scholarships.
Many universities and employers look at CGPA for degree qualifications, while GPA is used for semester-wise evaluations. Some countries rely solely on GPA (like USA and Canada), while others use CGPA (like India and Australia).
Want to understand GPA in detail? Read this comprehensive guide on GPA and how it impacts your academics.
Differences Between GPA and CGPA
Aspect
GPA
CGPA
Definition
Grade point average for one semester or term
Cumulative grade point average across multiple semesters
Purpose
Short-term academic evaluation
Long-term performance measurement
Calculation
Total grade points earned in a semester ÷ total subjects
Total grade points earned across semesters ÷ total subjects
Usage
Determines performance in individual semesters
Used for degree qualifications, scholarships, and job applications
Common Scale
Typically 4.0 scale (US, Canada), 10.0 scale (India)
Mostly 10.0 scale (India), converted to 4.0 scale for international applications
Importance
Matters for semester performance, scholarships
Required for graduation, higher education, and job applications
Differences Between GPA and CGPA: How Are They Used in Different Countries
Universities worldwide use different grading scales, which means GPA or CGPA might need conversion when applying abroad.
Country
GPA Scale
CGPA Scale
How It’s Used
India
10.0 scale (some universities use 4.0)
10.0 scale
University grading, job applications
USA
4.0 scale
Not commonly used
University admissions, scholarships
UK
Percentage-based grading, sometimes converted to GPA
Indian students applying to USA or Canada may need to convert their CGPA to GPA. Most universities provide a conversion scale or accept a WES (World Education Services) evaluation.
UK universities focus on percentage-based grading, so CGPA or GPA may need to be translated into degree classifications like First Class, Upper Second (2:1), or Lower Second (2:2).
Australian universities use a 7-point scale, so CGPA or GPA may be adjusted accordingly.
Schools and universities use GPA to track a student’s progress, determine eligibility for scholarships, and assess academic standing. It is based on the grades earned in different subjects, weighted by their credit hours.
Types of GPA
Semester GPA (SGPA): Calculates grades for one semester only.
Cumulative GPA (CGPA in some countries): Averages GPA scores from multiple semesters to reflect overall academic performance.
Formula for GPA Calculation
GPA= ∑Credit Hours/∑(Grade Points×Credit Hours)
Grade Points: Numeric values assigned to letter grades (e.g., A = 4.0, B = 3.0 in a 4.0 scale).
Credit Hours: Weightage assigned to each subject (e.g., a major subject might have 4 credits, while an elective might have 2).
Example: GPA Calculation for a Semester
Subject
Grade
Grade Points
Credit Hours
Grade Points × Credit Hours
Mathematics
A
4.0
3
12.0
Physics
B+
3.3
4
13.2
English
B
3.0
2
6.0
Computer Science
A-
3.7
3
11.1
Total Grade Points Earned: 42.3 Total Credit Hours: 12
GPA=42.3/12=3.53
A student’s semester GPA is 3.53 on a 4.0 scale.
How CGPA is Calculated?
CGPA provides a complete picture of a student's academic performance across multiple semesters. It helps universities and employers understand overall consistency in studies rather than just one term’s performance.
If you're applying to universities abroad, you might need to convert your GPA to CGPA or vice versa. Different countries follow different grading scales, and knowing how your grades translate can help avoid confusion during applications.
How is GPA Converted to CGPA?
Many universities in India and other countries using a 10-point scale require conversion when applying to places like the US, Canada, or Australia, which use a 4.0 or 7.0 GPA scale. The basic conversion formula is:
CGPA=(GPA/Max GPA Scale)×Max CGPA Scale
For example, if your GPA is 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, the equivalent CGPA on a 10.0 scale would be:
(3.6/4.0)×10=9.0
GPA to CGPA Conversion Table
GPA (4.0 Scale)
Equivalent CGPA (10.0 Scale)
4.0
10.0
3.8
9.5
3.6
9.0
3.4
8.5
3.0
7.5
2.5
6.5
Some universities may use slightly different conversion formulas, so always check their official grading policies.
Common Grading Systems in Different Countries
Grading systems aren’t universal. A 9.0 CGPA in India isn’t the same as a 3.6 GPA in the US, and UK universities use class-based degree classifications instead of GPA. Here’s how grading works in different countries:
Comparison of GPA/CGPA Systems Worldwide
Country
GPA Scale Used
CGPA/Percentage Equivalency
India
10.0 scale (some use 4.0)
9-10 CGPA = 90%+ (First Class with Distinction)
USA
4.0 scale
3.7-4.0 GPA = 90%+ (A grade)
UK
Percentage-based grading
70%+ = First Class Honours
Canada
4.0 scale
3.5+ GPA = 85%+ (A Grade Equivalent)
Australia
7.0 scale
6.0+ GPA = 85%+ (High Distinction)
In the UK, degrees are classified as First Class (70%+), Upper Second (60-69%), Lower Second (50-59%), and Third Class (40-49%).
Canada and USA use similar GPA scales, but grading policies can vary by university.
Australia’s 7.0 scale is unique, with 6.0+ considered High Distinction and 5.0+ as Distinction.
Confused about SGPA? Learn what it is and how it differs from GPA and CGPA in this guide on SGPA.
How Different Universities Interpret GPA & CGPA?
Not all universities calculate GPA and CGPA the same way. If you’re applying for higher education abroad, you might need to convert your CGPA to a different GPA scale based on the university’s policies. Some institutions follow a direct conversion, while others weigh grades differently based on credit hours or grading curves.
For example:
Harvard and Stanford use a strict 4.0 GPA scale, where a high percentage does not always guarantee a 4.0 GPA.
Universities in Canada and Australia accept both GPA and CGPA, but may adjust scores based on their grading policy.
Indian universities generally use a 10-point CGPA system, but conversion for USA universities can differ based on the institution.
GPA/CGPA Conversion at Top Universities
University Name
GPA/CGPA Conversion Method
Admission GPA Requirement
Harvard University (USA)
Uses a strict 4.0 GPA scale with weighted grading
3.8+ GPA preferred for graduate programs
University of Toronto (Canada)
Converts CGPA (10.0 scale) to 4.0 GPA
3.0–3.5 GPA required for most programs
University of Oxford (UK)
Uses percentage-based grading (UK Honours system)
First Class (70%+) or Upper Second (60-69%)
University of Melbourne (Australia)
Uses 7.0 GPA scale, converts CGPA from 10.0 scale
Minimum 5.5 GPA (7-point scale) for top programs
IIT Bombay (India)
Uses CGPA (10.0 scale), some programs follow percentage grading
8.0+ CGPA required for top graduate admissions
Tip: If you’re applying abroad, always check the university’s official conversion policy or use a service like WES (World Education Services) for accurate GPA calculation.
If your GPA or CGPA isn’t where you want it to be, making small adjustments to your study habits and course strategies can help you increase your scores over time.
Tips to Improve GPA & CGPA
Prioritize Courses with Higher Credit Hours
Subjects with more credit hours have a bigger impact on GPA.
Focus on high-weightage subjects to maximize your semester score.
Manage Time Effectively
Set a weekly study schedule to avoid last-minute stress.
Break down tough subjects into smaller, manageable tasks.
Use Academic Resources
Attend tutoring sessions or online courses for difficult subjects.
Join study groups to clarify doubts and get peer support.
Avoid Failing Subjects
A failed subject drastically lowers CGPA and may require retaking the course.
Even a passing grade (C or D) is better than an F in most universities.
Stay Consistent Across Semesters
A high CGPA depends on steady performance across all semesters.
Even if your GPA was low in an earlier semester, improving later scores can still boost your CGPA.
Remember: Universities look for improvement trends, so even if your GPA started low, consistent growth shows academic commitment.
Convert CGPA to GPA Using upGrad's Online Calculator
upGrad Abroad’s CGPA to GPA Calculator makes CGPA to GPA conversion process quick and accurate.
How upGrad Abroad’s CGPA to GPA Calculator Helps You
Automatically converts your CGPA (10.0 scale) to GPA (4.0 scale) based on international grading policies.
Supports conversions for universities in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia.
Saves time by eliminating complex calculations and formula errors.
Steps to Use upGrad Abroad’s CGPA to GPA Calculator
Enter your CGPA or percentage from your academic transcript.
Select your grading system (e.g., 10.0 scale (India), 7.0 scale (Australia), or percentage-based).
Get an instant GPA equivalent based on the conversion standards of top universities.
Use the results to apply for higher studies abroad without worrying about incorrect GPA calculations.
Tip: Many universities provide their own GPA conversion charts, so check specific requirements before submitting applications.
FAQs on GPA & CGPA
Are GPA and CGPA the same?
No, they are not the same. GPA (Grade Point Average) is the average score for a single semester or term, while CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the overall average across multiple semesters or the entire course duration.
What is 7.6 CGPA in GPA?
The exact conversion depends on the scale used by the institution. On a 10-point scale, 7.6 CGPA is often equivalent to around 3.0–3.2 GPA on a 4-point scale. Always check the official conversion method of the university you are applying to.
How much is a 3.5 GPA in CGPA?
On most common conversion scales, a 3.5 GPA corresponds to about 8.5–9.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale. However, this may vary depending on the academic board or the university’s formula.
What is 75% to GPA in India?
A 75% score in India usually converts to a GPA of about 3.0 on a 4-point scale. Some institutions may use slightly different formulas, so it’s best to confirm the conversion from the official grading policy.
How is GPA calculated in universities?
GPA is calculated by assigning grade points to each subject based on your marks or letter grades. These points are multiplied by the course credits, added together, and then divided by the total number of credits to get the average.
What is a good CGPA for studying abroad?
For most universities abroad, a CGPA of 7.5–8.0 (on a 10-point scale) or a GPA of 3.0 and above is considered competitive. Top-ranked institutions may look for higher scores along with strong overall profiles.
Can CGPA be converted into a percentage?
Yes, many Indian universities use a formula like: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5 (for CBSE) or a similar method depending on the board. But conversion rules differ, so always verify with your institution.
What GPA is required for scholarships?
Most scholarships require at least a 3.0 GPA (or 7.5 CGPA), though prestigious or competitive ones may demand 3.7 or higher. Besides GPA, factors like extracurriculars and essays are also considered.
Is CGPA used in job placements?
Yes, many companies in India and abroad consider CGPA during campus placements. While some firms set a cutoff (like 7.0 or 7.5), others focus more on skills and interview performance.
Do all countries accept CGPA scores?
Not exactly. Some countries, like the US and Canada, prefer GPA, while others may accept CGPA or percentages. When applying abroad, universities often provide a conversion guide for clarity.
Can I improve my CGPA in the final year?
Yes, you can. Since CGPA is cumulative, improving grades in your last semesters can raise your overall score. However, the higher your current CGPA, the harder it becomes to make large jumps.
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