What is the Difference Between CGPA and SGPA?

In education, particularly in colleges and universities, you must have come across the terms 'CGPA' and 'SGPA'. These two terminologies are used to measure the academic performance of a student. However, students often get confused between them. Although they sound similar, they have different meanings and purposes. Let's understand each of the terms and how they differ.

What is SGPA?

SGPA stands for Semester Grade Point Average. It represents the average performance of a student in a given semester. Each course or subject in that semester carries a certain number of credits and grades. According to your marks, each subject is assigned a grade point (for instance, A = 9, B = 8, and so on).

The SGPA is determined by computing the weighted average of all your grade points achieved in that semester. In standard terms, SGPA indicates how well you did in a semester. Let's understand with an example: 

Suppose you achieved high grades in most of your subjects in your first semester; then your SGPA could be approximately 9.0 or 9.5 out of 10. 

Thus, SGPA = Total grade points obtained in a semester ÷ Total credit points of the semester.

What is CGPA?

CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average. It informs you of the general academic performance of a student for the entire course or program. Rather than observing one semester, CGPA aggregates all your SGPAs and provides a single number indicating your overall performance. In simple terms, CGPA is similar to the average of all your SGPAs. Let's take an example:

Suppose you have studied four semesters and your SGPAs are 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5; then your CGPA will be the average of these four.

Hence, CGPA = Total sum of all SGPA ÷ Number of semesters.

Key Differences Between CGPA and SGPA

Please find below the differences between CGPA and SGPA:

Feature	SGPA	CGPA
Full Form	Semester Grade Point Average	Cumulative Grade Point Average
Covers	One specific semester	All semesters combines
Purpose	Measures performance in one term	Measures overall academic performance
Calculation	Based on grades and credits of that semester	Average of all SGPAs
Frequency	Calculated at the end of every semester	Calculated after completing the full course
Importance	Shows progress in a single semester	Shows total performance in the degree

Why are SGPA and CGPA important?

Both SGPA and CGPA are significant since they indicate how good the student has performed in academics. Universities apply SGPA to follow the student's progress every term, whereas CGPA is applied for end results, transcripts, and placements. A good CGPA can make your resume look stronger and improve your prospects of receiving scholarships, internships, or further study opportunities.

Conclusion

In the end, SGPA is your semester report, and CGPA is your end -term academic scorecard. Your SGPA tells you about your performance in a single term, and your CGPA informs you about your steadiness over your course. Both are considered significant, but CGPA provides the larger picture of your academic life altogether. Therefore, if you wish to have a good CGPA, ensure that you do well in each semester — because every SGPA matters!