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Difference Between SGPA & CGPA: Calculation & Conversion Guide

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Archana Hariram
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Students often get confused between CGPA and SGPA while calculating their academic performance. Simply put, SGPA is your average score for a single semester, while CGPA is the overall average of all your SGPA across several semesters. For example, if your first-semester SGPA is 8.2 and your second-semester SGPA is 7.8, your CGPA would be 8.0. Let’s dive in!

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What is SGPA?

SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) is used to measure your academic performance in a single semester. It is calculated based on the grade points earned in each subject and the respective credit hours. Each subject is assigned a certain number of credits, and grades are converted into grade points (for example, A = 10, B = 8, and so on).

The SGPA gives universities and students a quick snapshot of how well the student performed during that particular term. It is generally measured on a scale of 10 or 4, depending on the university.

What is CGPA?

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) represents a student’s overall academic performance across all semesters in a degree program. It is calculated as the weighted average of all the SGPA obtained during the entire course duration, considering the credits for each semester.

Unlike SGPA, which focuses on a specific term, CGPA provides a long-term view of your academic consistency and performance. Most international universities and scholarship committees use CGPA to assess eligibility for admission or funding.

Top Universities Abroad and their CGPA Requirements

Most universities evaluate the applicants based on their CGPA to evaluate academic consistency. While grading systems differ across countries, top global universities typically expect a minimum equivalent of 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale, which translates to approximately 7.5 to 8.0 CGPA on a 10-point scale used in India.

Here’s a quick overview of CGPA requirements for top universities abroad:

University 

CGPA Requirements 

Harvard University

No Minimum GPA requirement, but around 9.0/10.0 is good 

MIT

9.0/10,0

Stanford University

8.8 to 9.0/ 10.0

Oxford University

8.5 to 9.0/ 10.0 

Cambridge University 

8.5 to 9.0/ 10.0

University of Melbourne 

7.5 to 8.5/10/0 

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SGPA vs CGPA Calculation

Evaluation of your academic performance is measured by your CGPA and SGPA, both of which are essential academic indicators. SGPA calculates your semester performance, whereas CGPA checks your overall performance throughout the course. Here's a detailed description of the calculation for a better understanding.

CGPA Calculation

Your CGPA is a weighted average of your SGPAs, taking into account the total credits earned in each semester.
CGPA = ∑(SGPA × Semester Credits)/Total Credits Across all Semesters

Follow these steps to calculate your CGPA:

  1. Note the SGPA you earned in each semester.
  2. Multiply each SGPA by the total credits for that semester.
  3. Add up the results from all semesters.
  4. Divide this total by the sum of credits across all semesters to get your CGPA.

SGPA Calculation 

SGPA is calculated using the grades and credit hours for each subject in a semester. SGPA is commonly calculated on a scale of 4.0 or 10.0. The general formula for calculating SGPA is: 

SGPA = ∑(Grade Points×Credit Hours)/ Total Credit Hours for the Semester

You can calculate your SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) in a few simple steps:

  1. List all subjects you have taken in a semester, along with their respective credit hours.
  2. Multiply the grade point earned in each subject by its credit hours.
  3. Add up all the total grade points obtained for that semester.
  4. Divide the total grade points by the sum of credit hours for that semester.

What is the Difference Between SGPA and CGPA?

SGPA and CGPA are vital academic metrics used in educational institutions to evaluate and reflect your performance. While SGPA measures your performance within a single semester, providing a focused insight into recent academic achievements, CGPA offers a broader perspective by aggregating performance across all semesters. 

Here's a comparative study of the two to help you better understand the differences between them:

Feature 

SGPA 

CGPA

Full Form 

Semester Grade Point Average

Cumulative Grade Point Average 

Formula 

∑(Grade Points×Credit Hours)/ Total Credit Hours for the Semester

∑(SGPA × Semester Credits)/Total Credits Across all Semesters

Scope

Performance in a single semester 

Performance across multiple semesters within the course

Time Frame 

Calculated at the end of each semester

Calculated at the end of the course

Purpose 

Monitors short-term academic achievement and helps track semester-wise progress

Evaluates long-term academic performance.

Calculation

Weighted average of grade points for that semester

Weighted average of all SGPA obtained across all semesters.

Importance

Helps understand current semester performance

Reflects overall academic consistency.

How to Convert SGPA to CGPA?

Converting SGPA to CGPA helps you understand your overall academic performance across all semesters. Since SGPA represents your score for one semester, you can calculate your CGPA by averaging the SGPAs of all completed semesters.

Here’s how you can do it step by step:

  1. Collect your SGPA for each semester: Note down your SGPA from every semester of your course.
  2. Add all the SGPAs together: Sum up your SGPAs from each semester.
  3. Divide by the total number of semesters: Divide the total SGPA value by the number of semesters you’ve completed.

The formula to convert your SGPA into CGPA is as follows:

CGPA = Σ (SGPA × Credits) / Σ(Credits)

For example, iIf your SGPAs for four semesters are 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and 8.7, the CGPA will be - (8.0+8.5+9.0+8.7) 4=8.55on a 10-point scale. Here’s a quick SGPA to CGPA calculator for your use.

Tips to Improve CGPA Through Low SGPA

If you’re going to study abroad, it is essential to keep an eye on your CGPA. Most of the top universities abroad have high cut-offs for CGPA. Although there are ways to compensate for a 

Here's how you can improve your CGPA: 

  • Set Realistic Academic Goals: Break down your ultimate CGPA goal into achievable targets for each semester and each subject. Focus on gradual improvement rather than perfection every time.
  • Prioritize Credit-Heavy Subjects: To score well, you must decide which subjects to prioritise accordingly. Subjects with higher credit hours have a bigger impact on your CGPA. Allocate more study time and effort to score well in these courses.
  • Attend Classes Regularly and Participate: Consistent attendance helps you grasp concepts better and shows commitment. Engaging in class discussions can clarify doubts and deepen understanding.
  • Focus on Internal Assessments and Assignments: Internal tests and assignments can significantly boost your scores. Complete them diligently and meet deadlines for added advantage.
  • Explore Study Techniques: Use and explore different study materials and understand which method works best for you and helps you retain and memorize study materials.

From the Desk of 小优视频

As an Indian student planning to study in the US, UK, Canada, or Australia, it is important to understand the difference between CGPA and SGPA. While SGPA measures your performance in a specific semester, CGPA reflects your overall academic performance across all semesters. Connect with 小优视频’s expert advisors with more than 15 years to experience to track your short-term success and long-term growth, and explain how these metrics are used by top universities abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions on SGPA vs CGPA

How is SGPA calculated?

Which is more important, SGPA or CGPA?

Can SGPA be converted to CGPA?

How often are SGPA and CGPA updated?

Do all universities use both SGPA and CGPA?

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