Starting university can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the grading system. One of the most important concepts you’ll encounter is CGPA your Cumulative Grade Point Average.
If you’ve heard advice like “Keep your CGPA high in your first two years to aim for a first class,” but you’re not sure what CGPA is or how to calculate it, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will break down everything you need to know, with actionable steps and examples to help you understand and calculate your CGPA.
What is CGPA?
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is a measure of your overall academic performance in university. It is calculated based on the grades you earn in your courses over a semester or multiple semesters.
- It determines your class of degree (e.g., First Class, Second Class Upper).
- It can affect your eligibility for scholarships, internships, or postgraduate programs.
How is CGPA Different from GPA?
- GPA (Grade Point Average): This refers to your performance in a single semester.
- CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average): This is an average of all your GPAs across multiple semesters.
To get your CGPA, you’ll need to calculate your GPA for each semester first. Let’s dive into the process.
How to Calculate Your GPA
To calculate your GPA, you need two key things:
- Course Credit Units – The weight assigned to each course. (e.g., a core course might have 3 credit units, while an elective might have 2).
- Grade Points – The numerical value assigned to the grade you earn in a course.
Here’s a typical grading scale on a 5.0 system:
Grade Score Range Grade Point
- A =70–100 = 5.0
- B = 60–69 = 4.0
- C = 50–59 = 3.0
- D = 45–49 = 2.0
- F = 0–44 = 0.0
GPA Formula:
GPA = Total Grade Points Earned / Total Credit Units
Example
Imagine you took the following courses in your first semester:
| Course | Credit units(CU) | Grade | Grade Points |
| Mathematics | 3 | A | 5 |
| Biology | 2 | B | 4 |
| Chemistry | 3 | C | 3 |
| Physics | 2 | F | 0 |
Total Credit Units (CU): 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 10
Total Grade Points: 15 + 8 + 9 + 0 = 32
GPA =32/10 =3.2
How to Calculate Your CGPA
Once you know your GPA for each semester, calculating your CGPA is easy.
CGPA Formula
CGPA =Total Grade point Earned Across All Semester/ Total Credit Unit Across
Example
Let’s say you’ve completed 2 semesters with the following GPAs:
| Semester | GPA | Credit Units | Grade points |
| Semester 1 | 3.2 | 10 | 32 |
| Semester 2 | 4.0 | 12 | 48 |
- Total Credit Units: 10 + 12 = 22
- Total Grade Points: 32 + 48 = 80
CGPA = 80/22 =3.64
Your cumulative GPA after two semesters is 3.64.
How to Calculate CGPA on a 4.0 Scale
On a 4.0 grading scale, the grades are typically as follows:
| Grade | Score | Grade points |
| A | 70-100 | 4.0 |
| B | 60-69 | 3.0 |
| C | 50-59 | 2.0 |
| D | 45-49 | 1.0 |
| E | 0-44 | 0.0 |
You follow the same steps as above, but the grade points are calculated out of 4.0 instead of 5.0.
Tips to Maintain a High CGPA
- Focus on Year 1 & 2: These years carry significant weight in your CGPA calculation since they often have more credit-loaded courses. Aim for A’s and B’s in these foundational years.
- Track Your Progress: Use a CGPA calculator to monitor your performance and adjust your study habits.
- Prioritize Core Courses: Core courses often have higher credit units, so performing well in them can boost your GPA significantly.
- Seek Help Early: Struggling in a course? Reach out to your lecturers or form study groups to stay on track.
- Stay Consistent: It’s easier to maintain a high CGPA than to recover from a low one.
Difference between CGPA and GPA
The key difference between CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) and GPA (Grade Point Average) lies in what they measure and the time frame they cover:
GPA (Grade Point Average):
The Grade Point Average (GPA) is a measure of academic performance for a single semester or term, evaluating only the courses taken within that semester. It’s calculated by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit units for the semester.
GPA helps track performance for a specific semester and determines academic standing, such as eligibility for the dean’s list or academic probation, providing a snapshot of academic success for that term.
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average):
The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) measures your overall academic performance across all semesters. It considers every course and semester in your program. CGPA is calculated by dividing total grade points by total credit units.
This score determines your academic standing, classifying your degree (e.g., First Class, Second Class Upper) and is often required for scholarships, internships, or further education, providing a comprehensive view of your academic achievement.
Example to Illustrate the Difference:
Semester 1:
Courses Taken: Mathematics (3 credits, A), Chemistry (3 credits, B), Biology (2 credits, C)
Total Grade Points = (3×5) + (3×4) + (2×3) = 15 + 12 + 6 = 33
Total Credit Units = 3 + 3 + 2 = 8
GPA = 33/8 =4.13
Semester 2:
Courses Taken: Physics (3 credits, B), English (2 credits, A), History (3 credits, C)
Total Grade Points = (3×4) + (2×5) + (3×3) = 12 + 10 + 9 = 31
Total Credit Units = 3 + 2 + 3 = 8
GPA = 31/8 = 3.88
CGPA After Two Semesters:
- Total Grade Points = 33 (Semester 1) + 31 (Semester 2) = 64
- Total Credit Units = 8 (Semester 1) + 8 (Semester 2) = 16
- CGPA = 64/16 = 4.0
| ASPECT | GPA | CGPA |
| Time frame | One semester | Cumulative Across all Semesters. |
| Scope | Single Term’s Courses | Entire Academic Program. |
| Purpose | Tracks Performance For a Term | Evaluates Overall Academic Standing. |
| Impact | Affects Term’s-based Recognition | Determines Degree’s Qualification |
Both GPA and CGPA are important tools for understanding your academic progress, but CGPA holds greater weight in determining your final achievements in university.
Which State in Nigeria has the Highest Number of Universities?
The state with the highest number of universities in Nigeria is Ogun State. It has a significant number of tertiary institutions, both private and public, making it a leading hub for higher education in the country. It has about 16 tertiary institutions but here are some of the notable universities in Ogun State include:
- Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) – A prominent federal university specializing in agriculture and related sciences.
- Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – The state-owned university offering a variety of programs.
- Covenant University – One of Nigeria’s top-ranked private universities known for academic excellence and modern infrastructure.
- Babcock University – A prestigious private university and one of the best universities in Nigeria with a strong focus on health sciences and liberal arts.
- Redeemer’s University – Known for its quality education and serene campus.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About CGPA
What is the difference between CGPA and GPA?
GPA is calculated for one semester, while CGPA is the cumulative average of all your GPAs over multiple semesters.
How do I calculate CGPA on a scale of 5.0?
Use the formula GPA = Total Grade Points / Total Credit Units
Then you should apply the 5.0 grading scale provided above.
How do I calculate CGPA on a scale of 4.0?
Follow the same steps, but use the 4.0 grading scale instead.
How do I know my GPA?
Your GPA is calculated by dividing the total grade points for a semester by the total credit units for that semester.
Why is my first-year CGPA so important?
Your early years in university often include foundational courses that set the stage for later semesters. A high CGPA in Year 1 & 2 can make it easier to maintain good standing throughout your studies.