How to Calculate CGPA from SGPA? Easy Formula & Examples

Planning to study abroad? If yes, you’ve probably come across the terms CGPA and GPA. These two grading systems often confuse students, especially when applying to universities outside India.

Whether you're applying to a U.S., Canadian, or European university, knowing how to convert your CGPA to GPA can make your application stand out. In this guide, we’ll break it all down for you—what CGPA and GPA mean, how to convert them, and why it matters.

What is CGPA?

In simple words, CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It is a grading system used to measure a student’s overall academic performance.

CGPA is commonly used in schools, colleges, and universities in India. It is often calculated on a 10-point scale, where:

9.0–10 = Outstanding
8.0–8.9 = Excellent
7.0–7.9 = Very Good
And so on.

Rather than providing marks or percentages, many Indian institutions use CGPA to standardise results and reduce the pressure on students. The system calculates the average of grade points secured in all subjects in a given semester or academic year.

In CBSE schools, for example, CGPA has been the official grading method for Class 10 students since 2010.

What is GPA?

Now, let’s talk about GPA, or Grade Point Average. This is the most commonly used grading system in countries like the United States, Canada, and some European nations.

Unlike CGPA, GPA is usually calculated on a 4-point scale. Here's a basic breakdown:

4.0 = A (Excellent)
3.0 = B (Good)
2.0 = C (Average)
1.0 = D (Poor)

Each subject’s grade is assigned a numerical value, and the GPA is the average of all these values. Some universities also use weighted GPA systems, where harder courses may carry more weight.

GPA helps universities abroad evaluate your academic potential. That’s why many international institutions ask Indian students to convert their CGPA to GPA during the admission process.

CGPA vs GPA: Key Differences Between CGPA and GPA

Both CGPA and GPA measure academic performance, but they differ in multiple ways. Let’s understand these key differences:

1. Scale

CGPA is typically measured on a 10-point scale.
GPA is measured on a 4-point scale.
This is why direct conversion isn’t straightforward and must be done carefully.

2. Geographic Usage

CGPA is used mostly in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other parts of Asia.
GPA is used in the US, Canada, and many European countries.
Understanding where each system applies is essential when applying abroad.

3. Calculation Method

CGPA averages grade points over a semester or academic year.
GPA often considers course credits and grade points for a more detailed evaluation.
This makes GPA more nuanced, especially in universities with varying credit systems.

4. Purpose

CGPA is used more for internal evaluations and local admissions.
GPA is required for international admissions, scholarships, and job applications abroad.

How to Convert CGPA to GPA?

Now to the important part—how do you convert your CGPA into GPA? While there is no universal method, here’s a commonly used approach:

Step 1: Convert CGPA to Percentage

Many Indian universities provide a simple method:
Percentage = CGPA × 9.5
So, if your CGPA is 8.0, then:
8.0 × 9.5 = 76%

Note: Some institutions use different multipliers like 9.0 or 10.0. Check your university’s specific conversion policy.

Step 2: Convert Percentage to GPA (on a 4.0 scale)

Once you have your percentage, you can approximate your GPA using this method:
GPA = (Percentage / 100) × 4
For example:
76% / 100 × 4 = 3.04 GPA

This means an 8.0 CGPA roughly equals a 3.0 GPA.

Step 3: Use Official Evaluation Services

It’s important to note that many foreign universities don’t accept self-calculated conversions. They prefer official evaluations through agencies like:

WES (World Education Services)
ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators)
IQAS (International Qualifications Assessment Service)

These agencies review your academic transcripts and provide accurate GPA conversions based on U.S. standards.

Why is Converting CGPA to GPA Important?

If you’re planning to apply for a degree abroad, converting your CGPA to GPA is crucial. Here’s why:

1. University Admissions

Most U.S. and Canadian universities require GPA scores during the application process. Without an accurate conversion, your application might get rejected or overlooked.

2. Scholarship Eligibility

Many scholarships have minimum GPA requirements. For example, to qualify for a merit scholarship, you may need a GPA of 3.5 or above.

3. Standardization Across Systems

Each country has a different grading scale. GPA provides a standard benchmark, making it easier for international institutions to compare applicants fairly.

4. Job Opportunities

Some global companies ask for GPA instead of CGPA when shortlisting candidates, especially for internships or graduate programs.

According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), over 67% of employers screen candidates using GPA.

FAQs About CGPA to GPA

Here are answers to some common questions students have about CGPA to GPA conversion:

Q1. How accurate are online CGPA to GPA converters?

Online converters offer a rough estimate. They use general formulas, which may not apply to your specific institution’s grading policies. Use them for reference only. For official use, always rely on credential evaluation services.

Q2. Why do universities abroad ask for GPA instead of CGPA?

GPA is a standard used globally, especially in Western countries. It helps universities assess students from different education systems in a unified way. CGPA can vary in scale and interpretation, making GPA a better benchmark.

Q3. Is a percentage the same as CGPA or GPA?

No, they’re different. Percentage is a direct score (out of 100), while CGPA and GPA are averages based on grade points. You can convert between them, but they measure performance differently.

Q4. Is a 7.0 CGPA a good score for studying abroad?

Yes, a 7.0 CGPA roughly equals 66.5% or a GPA of around 2.6–2.8. It may meet the minimum GPA requirement for many universities, but top-tier universities might require higher GPAs (3.0+).

Q5. Do international universities accept CGPA directly?

Some universities in the UK or Europe may accept CGPA or percentage directly. But most U.S. and Canadian universities require a GPA. Always check the university's admission guidelines.

Conclusion

Your academic scores matter—especially when aiming for global opportunities. Knowing how to convert CGPA to GPA helps you align with international standards and improves your chances of admission and scholarships.

The key is accuracy. Avoid guesswork. Use trusted conversion formulas for estimates, but when applying abroad, consider getting your transcripts evaluated officially.

Still confused? Don’t worry. Academic counsellors, university help desks, or WES services can guide you through the process.

You’ve worked hard to earn your grades—make sure they shine the right way on the global stage.