How to Calculate Your CGPA (With Worked Examples)

Few things cause more confusion on campus than CGPA. People guess, argue, and then get shocked at the end of the session. The calculation is actually simple once you see it laid out.

One note before we start: this guide uses the 5-point scale that most Nigerian universities follow. Departments can differ slightly, so confirm the exact grading table in your student handbook or with your department.

The usual 5-point scale

A (70 to 100) = 5 points
B (60 to 69) = 4 points
C (50 to 59) = 3 points
D (45 to 49) = 2 points
E (40 to 44) = 1 point
F (0 to 39) = 0 points

The three terms you need

Credit unit is the weight of the course, usually between 1 and 4. Grade point is the number that goes with your letter grade. Quality point is simply the credit unit multiplied by the grade point.

GPA is your total quality points divided by your total credit units for one semester. CGPA does the same thing across all semesters so far.

Worked example: one semester

Say you took five courses in first semester:

MTH 101, 3 units, grade B: 3 x 4 = 12
PHY 101, 3 units, grade A: 3 x 5 = 15
GST 101, 2 units, grade C: 2 x 3 = 6
CHM 101, 3 units, grade D: 3 x 2 = 6
BIO 101, 4 units, grade B: 4 x 4 = 16

Total units: 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 4 = 15. Total quality points: 12 + 15 + 6 + 6 + 16 = 55.

GPA = 55 / 15 = 3.67

Worked example: adding a second semester

Now suppose second semester had 14 total units and 49 quality points. That semester's GPA is 49 / 14 = 3.50.

Your CGPA is not the average of 3.67 and 3.50. You add everything up first:

Total quality points: 55 + 49 = 104
Total units: 15 + 14 = 29
CGPA = 104 / 29 = 3.59

Why a heavy course matters more

A grade in a 4-unit course moves your CGPA more than the same grade in a 1-unit course. If you have limited time, put more effort into the high-unit courses first.

Planning ahead

You can also work backwards. If your CGPA is 3.59 after 29 units and you want to reach 3.70 after the next 15 units, you need total quality points of 3.70 x 44 = 162.8 overall, which means about 59 quality points next semester, or an average of just under 3.93. Doing this math early tells you whether a target is realistic while you can still change something.

Keep your own record of every course, unit and grade. That way you never depend on anyone else's estimate of where you stand. When you want a quick answer, try the free CGPA calculator.

Keep reading

What to Do the Night Before and the Morning of an Exam – The last 24 hours matter more than most students think. A simple checklist for arriving calm, rested and ready.
How to Stay Focused When Studying on Your Phone – For many students the phone is both the study tool and the biggest distraction. Here is how to keep it working for you.
Study Group Tips: How to Revise With Classmates Effectively – A study group can double your learning or waste your whole afternoon. Here is how to make sure it does the first.