What Are CGPA and GPA?
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) and GPA (Grade Point Average) are ways of summarizing your academic performance using a single number. They are calculated by taking your grades in each course, converting them to points on a specific scale, and averaging them.
Although many people use the terms interchangeably, there are useful distinctions:
- GPA often describes performance over a specific term or year (for example, your first semester GPA).
- CGPA normally refers to the cumulative average across multiple terms or your entire program.
Different countries, universities, and exam boards use different scales. Common systems include:
- 4-point scale (0.0–4.0), used widely in the United States and Canada.
- 10-point CGPA, commonly used in India and several other countries.
- Percentage scale (0–100%).
- 7-point scale, used in Denmark and in some European grading frameworks.
- 5-point scale, used in Russia and some neighboring systems.
Because these scales have different ranges and grading philosophies, a number like 8.0 on a 10-point scale does not automatically mean the same thing as a 3.2 on a 4-point scale. That is why approximate conversion tools are useful when you apply internationally.
Why Convert CGPA to Another GPA Scale?
There are several common situations where you may need to convert your existing CGPA or GPA to another scale:
- Graduate and undergraduate admissions abroad: Many U.S. and Canadian universities ask you to report a GPA on a 4.0 scale, even if your transcript shows a 10-point CGPA or percentages.
- Scholarships and funding: International scholarship programs often specify a minimum GPA requirement (for example, 3.0 or 3.5 on a 4.0 scale).
- Job applications: Multinational companies sometimes ask for GPA to compare applicants from different countries.
- Credential evaluations: When your documents are assessed by organizations like WES or ECE, they may convert your grades to a 4.0 GPA for consistency.
- Personal benchmarking: You may simply want to know how your performance compares globally or whether you are competitive for certain programs.
This converter helps you get quick, approximate equivalents between major scales so you can better understand where you stand.
Core Conversion Formulas Used
This tool primarily uses simple linear transformations between scales. A linear formula assumes that performance increases proportionally across the entire range. This is not perfect for every institution, but it is a clear and transparent starting point.
10-point CGPA to 4.0 GPA
To convert a CGPA on a 10-point scale to a 4.0 scale, a common approximation is:
In plain language:
- 4.0 GPA = 0.4 × (10-point CGPA)
So if your CGPA is 8.5 on a 10-point scale, the approximate 4.0 GPA is:
4.0 GPA = 0.4 × 8.5 = 3.4
Percentage to 4.0 GPA
For a simple mapping from percentage (0–100%) to a 4.0 GPA scale, a common linear formula is:
- 4.0 GPA = (Percentage ÷ 100) × 4
So 75% corresponds to:
4.0 GPA = (75 ÷ 100) × 4 = 3.0
Other Scale Conversions
The same idea can be applied for other ranges:
- 7-point to 4.0: multiply the 7-point value by (4 ÷ 7).
- 5-point to 4.0: multiply the 5-point value by (4 ÷ 5).
- 4.0 to 10-point: multiply the 4.0 GPA by (10 ÷ 4) = 2.5.
- 4.0 to percentage: multiply the 4.0 GPA by (100 ÷ 4) = 25.
When you use the calculator, it automatically applies the appropriate factor based on the current scale and the target scale that you select.
How to Use This CGPA to GPA Converter
The calculator is designed to be quick and straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Enter your CGPA or GPA value in the field labeled “Your CGPA”. Use the exact number shown on your transcript. Do not convert it yourself first.
- Select your current scale in the drop-down list (for example, “10-Point Scale (India, etc.)” or “Percentage (100-Point)”). The input is assumed to be on this scale.
- Select the target scale that you want to convert to (for example, “4-Point Scale (USA)” or “US Letter Grade”).
- Click the convert button to see your approximate result.
- Copy or note the result for use in application forms. Where possible, still include your original grading scale in any official documents.
Typical input ranges by scale:
- 10-point scale: 0.0 to 10.0
- 4-point scale: 0.0 to 4.0
- Percentage: 0 to 100
- 7-point scale: usually between -3 and 12 in Denmark, but final averages are often between 0 and 12
- 5-point scale: 1 to 5 or 2 to 5, depending on institution
Make sure the number you enter actually fits the scale you have selected. For example, a value like 9.5 only makes sense on a 10-point scale, not on a 4-point scale.
Interpreting Your Converted GPA
The converted number is an approximate equivalent, not an official score. Universities and employers may read it alongside other parts of your application, such as class rank, letters of recommendation, and test scores.
On a 4.0 scale, rough interpretations are:
- 3.7–4.0: equivalent to an A range (excellent, top performance).
- 3.3–3.6: A-/B+ range (very good, above average).
- 3.0–3.2: solid B range (good, meets many minimum requirements).
- 2.0–2.9: C range (satisfactory but may not be competitive for selective programs).
- Below 2.0: below average on a typical U.S. scale.
The calculator may also map your result to an approximate U.S. letter grade, using a typical pattern like:
- 4.0: A (93–100%)
- 3.7: A- (90–92%)
- 3.3: B+ (87–89%)
- 3.0: B (83–86%)
- 2.7: B- (80–82%)
Cutoffs for each letter grade can vary by institution, but these ranges give you a general idea.
Worked Example
Consider a student from an Indian university with a CGPA of 8.5 on a 10-point scale who wants to understand the approximate U.S. 4.0 GPA equivalent.
- The student enters 8.5 in the “Your CGPA” field.
- They select “10-Point Scale (India, etc.)” as the current scale.
- They choose “4-Point Scale (USA)” as the target scale.
- The calculator applies the formula: 4.0 GPA = 0.4 × 8.5.
- The output is: 3.4 on a 4.0 scale.
How to read this result:
- An approximate 3.4 GPA is usually considered a B+ level in the U.S. system.
- Many graduate programs with a minimum requirement of 3.0 would consider this above the threshold.
- Highly competitive programs may have higher average admitted GPAs, but they also look at research experience, test scores, and other factors.
Now consider a second example: a percentage score.
A student with an overall percentage of 78% wants a 4.0 GPA equivalent.
- They enter 78 as the value and choose “Percentage” as the current scale.
- They set the target to “4-Point Scale (USA)”.
- The calculator uses the formula: 4.0 GPA = (78 ÷ 100) × 4 = 3.12.
This roughly corresponds to a B to B+ range, depending on the exact policy of the target institution.
Comparison of Common Grading Scales
The table below summarizes how different ranges on several grading systems are often interpreted. This is illustrative only and not a strict conversion chart.
| Scale |
Typical Countries |
Excellent |
Good |
Average |
Minimum Pass |
| 4-Point GPA (US/Canada) |
USA, Canada |
3.7–4.0 |
3.0–3.69 |
2.0–2.99 |
1.0–1.99 |
| 10-Point CGPA |
India and others |
9.0–10.0 |
7.0–8.99 |
5.0–6.99 |
4.0–4.99 |
| Percentage (0–100%) |
Various |
90–100% |
70–89% |
50–69% |
35–49% |
| 7-Point Scale |
Denmark |
10–12 |
7 |
4 |
02 |
| 5-Point Scale |
Russia, others |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
Again, these ranges are generalized. Individual universities may define “excellent”, “good”, or “pass” using different boundaries.
Limitations and Assumptions of This Converter
It is important to understand what this tool does and does not do. The calculator is meant for informational and planning purposes only. It is not an official evaluation of your academic record.
Key limitations and assumptions include:
- Linear scaling only: The formulas assume a straight-line relationship between scales. Real-world grading often uses more complex rules, such as different weights for certain grade ranges.
- No institution-specific policies: Many universities use their own conversion tables or adjust GPAs based on course difficulty, credit hours, or grade distributions. This tool cannot account for institution-specific rules.
- No normalization or curve: Some programs use statistical normalization (curving) to adjust GPAs relative to class performance. The converter assumes raw, uncurved values.
- Country and board variations: Even within the same country, boards, universities, and programs may use different percentage boundaries for the same letter grade.
- Official reports may differ: Credential evaluation agencies (such as WES, ECE, or university admissions offices) may calculate a different GPA from the same transcript.
For any high-stakes use case (graduate school, immigration, professional licensing), you should treat the output here as a rough guide and not as a final, official figure.
To stay safe:
- Always provide your original grades and grading scale when asked by universities or employers.
- Use this converter to estimate competitiveness, not to claim a formal GPA on your resume without clarification.
- If a program publishes its own conversion chart, rely on that over any generic calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the converted GPA from this tool official?
No. The results from this converter are estimates. Official GPAs for applications are determined by the receiving institution or a credential evaluation service using their own methods.
Why is my converted GPA different from another website or from WES?
Different tools and organizations use different formulas, boundaries, or reference tables. This calculator uses transparent linear scaling, while others may use proprietary or more detailed mappings. That is why you may see slightly different numbers.
Can I report the converted GPA instead of my original CGPA?
Most universities ask you to report your original grades as they appear on your transcript. Some application systems also ask for an approximate 4.0 GPA. You can use this tool to help fill in that field, but always be honest and provide the official values as well.
Does a high CGPA on a 10-point scale always mean a high 4.0 GPA?
Generally, a strong CGPA will still be strong after conversion, but the exact number can change. In addition, admissions committees may consider other factors like the reputation of your institution, course difficulty, and grade inflation when evaluating your record.
Where can I learn more about using my CGPA for study abroad?
For deeper guidance, look for resources on topics such as how to report international grades in centralized application systems, the difference between CGPA, GPA, and percentages, and how credential evaluation services work. These materials can help you interpret your converted GPA in the context of specific countries and programs.