📘 Difference Between GPA and CGPA (With Examples)

Introduction

Many students get confused between GPA and CGPA, especially when applying for universities, scholarships, or jobs. Although both measure academic performance, they are not the same. In this post, we’ll explain the difference between GPA and CGPA, how they are calculated, and when each one is used.

📊 What Is GPA?

GPA (Grade Point Average) represents a student’s performance for a single semester or term.

📌 Key points about GPA:

Calculated for one semester

Based on subject grades and credit hours

Usually measured on a 4.0 scale

Changes every semester

Example:

If you score well in one semester, your GPA for that semester will be high—even if previous semesters were weak.

📈 What Is CGPA?

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) represents your overall academic performance across all semesters.

📌 Key points about CGPA:

Includes all completed semesters

Shows long-term performance

Used for degree completion

Required for graduation and transcripts

🧮 GPA vs CGPA – Calculation Difference

Feature

GPA

CGPA

Time Period

One semester

All semesters

Usage

Semester result

Overall result

Updates

Every semester

Gradually

Importance

Short-term

Long-term

🧠 GPA vs CGPA – Example

Assume a student has these GPAs:

Semester 1 GPA: 3.2

Semester 2 GPA: 3.5

Semester 3 GPA: 3.8

👉 CGPA = (3.2 + 3.5 + 3.8) ÷ 3

👉 CGPA = 3.5

🎓 Which Is More Important?

Both are important, but for different purposes:

GPA is important for:

Semester awards

Academic warnings

Short-term performance

CGPA is important for:

Degree completion

Scholarships

Job applications

Higher education

Most universities focus more on CGPA.

🌍 GPA and CGPA Grading Scale

Most institutions use:

4.0 GPA scale

Some use 5.0 or 10.0 scale

Always check your university’s grading policy.

🛠️ Calculate GPA & CGPA Easily

Manual calculation can be confusing and time-consuming. Use our free GPA Calculator on this website to calculate:

Semester GPA

Cumulative GPA

Credit-based results

✅ Conclusion

GPA shows how you performed in a single semester, while CGPA reflects your entire academic journey. Understanding the difference helps you plan your studies better and avoid confusion during applications.

Use our GPA Calculator to stay on track and monitor your progress easily.