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How to Calculate CGPA Scores? Understanding Grading Conversions for Studying Abroad

Jul 17, 2024

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Studying abroad is an exciting change. However, it requires fulfilling many requirements and criteria. One important aspect is understanding the Grading System of each study destination. Different Countries and their Universities use various scales and systems to measure academic performance. To evaluate the Academic Performance of the applicant, scores are usually calculated in CGPA, GPA, SGPA, and Percentages.

Understanding different grading systems and their calculations is essential for a smooth admission process, and that is what this latest article is about. Let’s dig into the core systems used worldwide for grading and how to convert between them effectively. 

Scroll down to read everything about this topic and find out if you fulfil the eligibility requirements to study abroad.
 

Grading System Conversions for Higher Education Abroad

While there are many tools available online, it is essential to have a basic understanding of these most sought-after grading systems. So, let’s have a detailed overview of them individually. 

1. Understanding & Calculating CGPA

Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is a standardized method to evaluate a student's overall academic performance. CGPA is widely used in countries like India and many Higher Education Institutions globally. It reflects a student's average performance across all semesters or academic years.

Score Scale: CGPA is generally measured on a 10-point scale. However, some variations exist, like the GPA is a 4-point scale in the US. 

Each grade point corresponds to a specific range of marks or percentages and their details are listed below. 

Grade Points & Corresponding Percentages (10-Point Scale):

  • 10: 95-100%
  • 9: 85-94%
  • 8: 75-84%
  • 7: 65-74%
  • 6: 55-64%
  • 5: 45-54%
  • 4: 35-44%
  • Below 4: Fail

Formula to Calculate CGPA:

CGPA= Sum of Grade Points in All Subjects ÷ Total Number of Subjects

Example: Assuming a student has the following Grade Points in 5 subjects: 8, 7, 9, 8, and 10.

CGPA=8+7+9+8+10=42 ÷ 5​ = 8.4

Thus, the Student's CGPA is 8.4. 
 

2. Understanding & Calculating GPA

Grade Point Average (GPA) is a common grading standard used predominantly in the United States and Canada. It provides a straightforward way to measure academic performance over a given period, usually a semester or year.

Score Scale: GPA is typically measured on a 4-point scale, with each grade corresponding to a specific grade point:

  • A (Excellent): 4.0
  • B (Good): 3.0
  • C (Average): 2.0
  • D (Below Average): 1.0
  • F (Fail): 0.0

Formula to Calculate GPA:

GPA = Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) for All Subjects ÷ Total Credits

Example Calculation: Assume a student is taking 4 courses with the following grades and credits:

  • Course 1: A (4.0), Credits = 3
  • Course 2: B (3.0), Credits = 4
  • Course 3: A (4.0), Credits = 3
  • Course 4: C (2.0), Credits = 3

GPA = (4.0×3)+(3.0×4)+(4.0×3)+(2.0×3) ÷ 3+4+3+3 ​=3.23

Thus, the student's GPA for the semester is 3.23. 
 

3. Understanding & Calculating SGPA to CGPA

Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) measures a student’s academic performance in a single semester. It helps assess how well a student is performing over shorter periods within their academic tenure.

Score Scale: Like CGPA, SGPA is often measured on a 10-point scale.

Formula to Calculate SGPA:

SGPA= Sum of (Grade Points × Credits) 

             for All Subjects in the Semester ÷ Total Credits in the Semester

Example Calculation: Assume a student is taking 5 courses in a semester with the following grade points and credits:

  • Course 1: Grade Point = 8, Credits = 3
  • Course 2: Grade Point = 7, Credits = 4
  • Course 3: Grade Point = 9, Credits = 3
  • Course 4: Grade Point = 8, Credits = 2
  • Course 5: Grade Point = 10, Credits = 3

SGPA = (8×3)+(7×4)+(9×3)+(8×2)+(10×3) ÷ 3+4+3+2+3 = 8.33

Converting SGPA to CGPA: To find the CGPA from multiple semesters' SGPAs, we use the following formula:

CGPA= Total Number of Semesters ÷ Sum of SGPAs for All Semesters

Example Calculation: Assume a student has the following SGPAs for 4 semesters: 8.2, 7.5, 8.8, and 9.0.

CGPA= 8.2+7.5+8.8+9.0 ÷ 4 ​= 8.375

Thus, the student's CGPA after 4 semesters is 8.375.
 

4. Understanding & Calculating Percentages to CGPA

In many countries, academic performance is traditionally measured in percentages. To align with international standards for abroad education, students often need to convert their percentages to CGPA.

Score Scale: Percentages are typically measured on a scale of 0 to 100.

Formula to Convert Percentage to CGPA: A common method to convert percentages to CGPA (on a 10-point scale) is:

CGPA=Percentage ÷ 9.5 

This divisor (9.5) is derived based on an analysis of typical grading patterns, where a 95% often corresponds to a CGPA of 10.

Example Calculation: Assume a student has a percentage score of 85%.

CGPA = 85 ÷ 9.5 = 8.95

Therefore, a percentage score of 85% converts to a CGPA of 8.95. 

Having checked the various grading systems, let’s have a glance at the tips for this calculation in the process of studying abroad.
 

Practical Tips for Grading Conversion

  • Check University Requirements: Each University might have its unique way of converting grades. Always refer to the specific guidelines provided by the University or Institution.
     
  • Use Online Converters: Several online tools can help convert grades between different systems. However, use these as a rough guide and verify with Official University Resources.
     
  • Seek Expert Guidance: Academic Advisors or Education Consultants can provide personalized assistance in understanding and converting grades.

Concluding this article, understanding how to convert and calculate your academic scores into CGPA, SGPA, and Percentages is essential for a seamless admission process when studying abroad. Each system offers a different lens to view your academic performance, and mastering these conversions ensures you meet the eligibility criteria of your shortlisted Universities or Institutions.

Initiating the process of higher education abroad can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Our Experts at KC Overseas Education are here to assist you at every step. With personalized guidance and comprehensive support, we ensure that your application stands out. This is the reason why we are among the top 10 Study Abroad Consultants in India

Are you ready to take the next step? If yes, then contact our team of Country Experts today and make your dream of studying abroad a reality!

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