How to calculate CGPA, SGPA and the percentage your university wants
Understand credit weighting, calculate SGPA and CGPA correctly, and learn why percentage conversions differ between universities.
Credits are the whole point
A four-credit subject counts twice as much as a two-credit one. Averaging your grade points without weighting them by credits gives a number that is close enough to look right and wrong often enough to matter.
The formula is the sum of (grade point x credits) divided by the sum of credits.
SGPA first, then CGPA
SGPA covers a single semester. Apply the same weighted formula across all the subjects in that term.
CGPA then averages your semesters, again weighted by the credits each carried. If every semester carries the same credit load, this reduces to a simple average, which is why many students never notice the weighting.
Converting CGPA to a percentage
There is no national standard. CBSE popularised multiplying by 9.5, and many universities followed, but others multiply by 10 or subtract a fixed number.
Check your academic handbook before putting a converted figure on a job application. Using the wrong multiplier can overstate your marks by several points, which looks careless at best.
Planning the grade you need
If you know your current CGPA and your target, you can work backwards to the SGPA you need next semester. Try values in the calculator until the combined figure reaches your target, and check that the number is realistic given your credit load.
Tools mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Do failed subjects count in CGPA?
Usually yes, until they are cleared. Many universities then replace the zero with the re-sit grade, sometimes capped. Check your regulations.
Is SGPA or CGPA more important for placements?
Most recruiters look at CGPA, with a cut-off applied across all semesters. Consistency matters more than one strong term.
Why does my friend's conversion differ from mine?
Different universities use different multipliers. The grade point is the same; the mapping to a percentage is not.
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