Short answer. A quick estimate is CGPA / 10 x 4, so 8.2 gives 3.28. Evaluators such as WES work course by course from your transcript, so the official GPA can be higher or lower.
The simple method
The quick method divides your CGPA by the top of your scale, then multiplies by 4.
GPA = CGPA / 10 x 4
So a 10-point CGPA of 8.0 gives 8.0 / 10 x 4 = 3.20. A CGPA of 7.5 gives 3.00. A CGPA of 9.0 gives 3.60. The tool works the same way for scales out of 8, 7 or 5.
This method is easy. It is also only a rough guide. It is an estimate, and you should not put it on an application as your official GPA.
Why the official number can differ
Credential evaluators do not usually convert one CGPA number. WES, for example, offers a course-by-course evaluation. WES says this type of evaluation converts your semester credits and grades and calculates a GPA on a 4.0 scale. So it works from your transcript, line by line. WES also says its online GPA calculator is a preview and does not replace an official evaluation.
That means your result depends on your course grades, your credits and the rules for your country and school. The same CGPA can come out higher or lower than the simple method gives.
Why the simple method can mislead
The simple method treats a 10.0 as the same level as a 4.0. But in many Indian programmes, a CGPA near 10 is rare. A CGPA of 8 can be a strong result there. If an evaluator reads 8 as a strong grade, the US GPA may come out above 3.20. If an evaluator uses a stricter table, it may come out lower. The simple method cannot tell which.
Other methods you will see
Some tools convert CGPA to a percent first, then use a percent to letter grade chart. You can try this with our CGPA to percentage pages and our percentage to GPA page. The answers will differ a little, which is itself a sign that every method is an estimate.
What to do for an application
Read the admissions page of each school. Many say whether they accept a CGPA as it is, ask for a WES or similar report, or run their own conversion. Follow what they ask. Keep your transcript and your degree certificate ready.
Worked example
Example. A student has a CGPA of 8.2 on a 10-point scale.
Simple method: 8.2 / 10 x 4 = 3.28.
A course-by-course evaluation may give a different number, because it uses each course grade and credit. Treat 3.28 as a planning figure only.
Questions
How do I convert a 10-point CGPA to a 4.0 GPA?
Divide the CGPA by 10 and multiply by 4. A CGPA of 8.5 gives 3.40. This is an estimate, not an official figure.
Is the result the same as my WES GPA?
Not always. WES uses a course-by-course method on your transcript, so the result can be higher or lower than the simple method. WES also calls its calculator a preview.
Which number should I put on an application?
Follow the instructions of the school. Many ask for your CGPA with the scale shown, or for an evaluation report. Do not invent a US GPA unless they ask for one.
Can I convert a CGPA out of 7 or out of 5?
Yes. Pick the scale in the tool. The simple method divides by the top of the scale, then multiplies by 4. A 6.0 out of 7 gives 3.43.
Why is my CGPA of 8 only a 3.2?
Because the simple method is linear. A real evaluation may treat 8 as a higher grade. That depends on the grades of your courses and on the evaluator's rules.
Does my CGPA to percentage formula matter?
It can, if a tool converts through a percent. Different universities use different formulas, so check the one for your university on our CGPA to percentage pages.
Last checked by the StudyCount team.