What is CGPA and SGPA: Difference & How to Calculate

Students often come across terms such as GPA, CGPA, and SGPA. But what exactly is SGPA and CGPA? These are Grade Point Average (GPA) which is the most commonly used metrics for calculating the scores and achievements of a student in academics. Additionally, every educational Institution has its own grading system that they use as a reference to measure students’ holistic progress and formulate their results.

It is crucial for the students to know about the grading system to keep record of their scholarly performance and adopt the necessary measures to enhance their grades. Furthermore, this blog explains in detail about the grading system, SGPA and CGPA full form, the difference between CGPA and SGPA, and how to calculate the same.

What is SGPA?

Semester / Sessional Grade Point Average or SGPA is the grading scale that involves assessing the total credits scored by the student in a single semester. In simple words, it is the evaluation of the academic performance of the student in a particular semester. SGPA is often used to determine the eligibility of a student for merit based scholarships, awards, and give feedback on their overall accomplishments on the basis of the respective grades.

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What is CGPA?

Cumulative Grade Point Average or CGPA is the numerical measurement of the total accumulative credits of the student for a whole academic year or more. It explains the overall performance of the student in the academics during the Graduation period. CGPA is one of the most acceptable grading systems by Universities and Schools. Moreover, most of the companies and prominent educational Institutions consider CGPA as the eligibility criteria for admitting & recruiting the students.

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Difference Between CGPA and SGPA

SGPA and CGPA are both used to denote the overall performance of the student in education, but the main SGPA and CGPA difference lies in their representation, duration, and other such factors. Some educational Institutions use SGPA while others use CGPA. The below-drawn table describes the difference between the both based on different parameters:

Parameter	SGPA	CGPA
Full Form	Semester / Sessional Grade Point Average	Cumulative Grade Point Average
Definition	Grade for the academic standing in a semester.	Grade for the scholarly performance in the academic year or complete course session.
Time Period	Calculated for a single semester.	Calculated for a complete academic year / session.
Importance	Considered for admission into the next semester / year.	Accepted for higher education / job opportunities.
Scope	Helps the students to understand their weaknesses and strengths in a specific subject.	Helps in understanding the ranking of the students throughout the course duration.

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How to Calculate SGPA

Colleges and Universities have specific grade systems and corresponding credits assigned to every subject and course. Even though students are aware of their grades and credits, they often get confused on how to calculate their SGPA. Consider the below-given steps that describes the best way to calculate SGPA:

• Step 1: First of all, multiply the obtained grade points with their respective credit hours. This will give credit points.
• Step 2: Add all of the above calculated credit points and that will give the summation of total credit points.
• Step 3: Add all the credit hours allotted to every subject (Separate from credit points).
• Step 4: Divide the total credit points by the total credit hours for calculating SGPA.

The formula is as follows:

SGPA = ∑ (Grade Point × Credit Hours) / ∑ (Credit Hours)

= ∑ (Credit Points) / ∑ (Credit Hours)

For instance, the following table has grade points and credits for 5 courses in a semester. So the SGPA can be calculated as:

Course	Grade Points	Credits	Credit Points
Course 1	9	5	45
Course 2	8	5	40
Course 3	7	4	28
Course 4	6	3	18
Course 5	8	4	32
		Total Credits = 21	Total Credit Points = 163

*Now, on dividing the Total Credit Points by Total Credits, the resulting value of SGPA will be 7.76 in this case.

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How to Calculate CGPA

CGPA is a broader term, used frequently in the education system. Students must know that CGPA can be calculated through SGPA. Also, CGPA can be converted into percentage.

Follow the below given steps to know how to calculate CGPA:

• Step 1: Add all the secured SGPAs and calculate the total number of semesters for the given SGPAs.
• Step 2: Divide the total of SGPAs by the total number of semesters. This would give the CGPA for the academic year or session.

The formula is stated below:

CGPA = Sum of all SGPA Values / Total Number of Semesters

For instance, a student obtained 7.0 and 8.0 SGPA in two semesters respectively. The sum of both the values is 15, which is then divided by 2 (Total number of semesters). The resulting value is 7.5 CGPA.

CGPA to Percentage

To convert CGPA into percentage multiply the calculated CGPA by 9.5, resulting in the desired percentage.

For example, the above 7.5 CGPA when multiplied by 9.5 will give 71.25% marks.

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Wrap Up!

From this blog students must have understood what SGPA and CGPA are used for? CGPA and SGPA are the essential criteria for measuring students’ academic and overall standing in the class. SGPA and CGPA full form is Semester Grade Point Average and Cumulative Grade Point Average respectively.

The key difference between CGPA and SGPA lies in their numerical representation of the grade points. While SGPA gives an idea of the scope of improvement and strengths in the particular subject during a semester, CGPA denotes the holistic development of the students in the scholastic session or year.

Although keeping high grades in College or University is important for further education and employment opportunities, they are not the ultimate criteria for a successful career journey. Meanwhile, students should also focus on their interpersonal and practical skills along with maintaining good GPAs for a smooth and accomplished career path ahead.