CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the credit-weighted average of the grade points you've earned across every completed semester. Unlike a simple average of your semester scores, CGPA gives more weight to subjects with higher credit values — which is exactly why students who "average their SGPAs" often get a slightly wrong number.
The CGPA Formula
CGPA = Σ(Credit × Grade Point) ÷ Σ(Credit)
In words: multiply each subject's credit value by the grade point you earned in it, add all those products together, then divide by the total number of credits across all subjects (all semesters, if calculating overall CGPA).
Worked Example
| Subject | Credits | Grade Point | Credit × Grade Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4 | 9 | 36 |
| Physics | 3 | 8 | 24 |
| Programming Lab | 2 | 10 | 20 |
| Communication Skills | 2 | 7 | 14 |
Total credits = 4+3+2+2 = 11. Total (Credit × Grade Point) = 36+24+20+14 = 94.
SGPA for this semester = 94 ÷ 11 = 8.55
To get overall CGPA, repeat this calculation across all semesters combined — sum every subject's (credit × grade point) from every semester, and divide by the sum of every credit from every semester.
Why CGPA Isn't the Simple Average of Your SGPAs
If two semesters have different total credits (common when elective loads vary), averaging the two SGPA numbers directly gives a slightly inaccurate CGPA. The correct method always weights by credits, not by semester count.
Does the Grading Scale Matter?
Most Indian universities use a 10-point scale, but the specific grade-point mapping (what percentage or marks range equals a "9" vs an "8") varies by university. Always check your university's official grading policy before relying on a converted percentage for official documents.
Use the Free CGPA Calculator
Rather than doing this by hand every semester, use our free CGPA calculator — enter each subject's credits and grade point, and it computes your SGPA and running CGPA instantly, entirely in your browser.