Calculating marks is a crucial part of college and academic life. The GPA technique is the most used approach for this, and while it may seem complex, the conversion of scores from SGPA to CGPA is a straightforward concept. Although the SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) and CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) may sound similar, they serve different purposes and are independently determined, underscoring the need for a clear understanding of both concepts. Here in this article, let's understand their conversion process and how to calculate SGPA and CGPA.

What is the SGPA?

SGPA stands for Semester Grade Point Average (also called Sessional Grade Point Average in some institutions). It represents your academic performance during a single semester.

The calculation takes into account all the grades you've earned in different subjects, weighted by their credit values. At the end of each semester, all your subject grade points are added up to determine your SGPA for that term.

What is the CGPA?

CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. Unlike SGPA, which focuses on one semester, CGPA shows your overall performance across multiple semesters or your entire academic program.

It's calculated by combining the marks from all your exams and sessions throughout the academic year or course duration. Your CGPA gives you a complete picture of your academic standing and helps you track your progress over time.

Difference Between CGPA, and SGPA:

It is very important for the students to understand the key differences between SGPA and CGPA since they are the indicators of one’s academic performance and success. Their distinction is important for students planning to attend college or apply for jobs, as many universities and organisations use CGPA as a selection criterion. Here we have explained their differences in the table to make you understand better.

Criteria

SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average)

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)

Definition

SGPA is the average of the grade points scored by the candidate in a specific semester.

CGPA is the average of cumulative grade points scored by the students across all semesters of their course.

Time Period

It is calculated for any one specific semester.

It is calculated for the entire academic course.

Scope

It is used to evaluate the performance in individual semesters.

It is used to evaluate the overall performance throughout the programme.

Calculation

Calculated using the average of grade points earned in all subjects in a specific semester, weighted by credit hours.

It is calculated using the weighted mean of the SGPA of all the semesters of the course.

Purpose

It is used to measure the short-term academic progress of a student.

It is used to measure long-term academic achievements and for jobs.

Usage

It is used for semester-based grading.

It is used to assess overall academic performance and final degree classification.

How to Calculate SGPA

SGPA is calculated by considering both credit points and grade points earned by a candidate during a semester.

Steps to Calculate SGPA:

  1. Multiply the credit points of each subject by the grade points obtained in a semester.

  2. Add the results for all subjects.

  3. Divide the total by the sum of credit points for the semester.

SGPA Formula:

SGPA = (Sum of (Credit Points × Grade Points)) / Total Credit Points

How to Convert SGPA to CGPA

Once you have your SGPA for each semester, converting it to CGPA is straightforward.

CGPA Formula:

CGPA = (Sum of SGPAs of all semesters) / Number of semesters

Example:

Let's say you completed two semesters:

  • Semester 1 SGPA = 8

  • Semester 2 SGPA = 7

CGPA = (8 + 7) / 2 = 7.5

CGPA to Percentage Conversion:

Many universities and colleges require percentage scores instead of CGPA. So to convert CGPA into percentage, most institutions follow a standard formula as mentioned below:

CGPA to Percentage Formula:

Percentage = CGPA × 9.5

Quick Conversion Table:

CGPA

Calculation

Percentage

7.0

7.0×9.5

66.5%

7.5

7.5×9.5

71.25%

8

8.0×9.5

76.0%

9

9.0 × 9.5

85.5%

9.8

9.8 × 9.5

93.1%

Note: Conversion formulas may vary slightly depending on the university or board.

Conclusion

Calculating and converting SGPA to CGPA is a simple process that helps understand a student’s academic performance accurately. Understanding these grading systems enables students to track their progress, plan academic goals, and prepare for higher education and career opportunities accordingly. A strong CGPA reflects consistent academic effort and encourages healthy competition focused on learning rather than just scoring marks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How is CGPA calculated using SGPA?

Answer: CGPA is calculated by adding the SGPAs of all semesters and dividing the total by the number of semesters completed.

Q2. Are SGPA and CGPA the same?

Answer: No. SGPA represents performance in a single semester, while CGPA reflects overall performance across multiple semesters.

Q3. What do SGPA and CGPA indicate in college?

Answer: SGPA shows semester-wise academic performance, whereas CGPA measures cumulative performance throughout the academic programme.

Q4. What percentage does a 9.8 CGPA equal?

Answer: Using the standard formula (CGPA × 9.5), a 9.8 CGPA is approximately 93%.