CGPA vs GPA vs Percentage: What's the Difference?

Published on March 1, 2026 • Academic Guide

Students often get confused between the various grading terms used in academia. Here is a clear breakdown of CGPA, GPA, and Percentage.

1. Percentage (%)

This is the most traditional method, simply calculating the marks obtained out of total marks, multiplied by 100.

• Used in: Schools and many state universities in India.
• Pros: Easy to understand.
• Cons: Doesn't account for the difficulty of subjects (credits).

2. GPA (Grade Point Average)

GPA usually refers to the score for a specific term or semester. It is often measured on a scale of 4.0 (US) or 10.0 (India).

• Used in: US Universities, International schools.
• Scale: Typically 0.0 to 4.0.

3. CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average)

CGPA is the weighted average of GPAs from all semesters. It represents your overall academic performance throughout the entire course.

• Used in: Colleges (CBSE, IITs, most Indian Universities).
• Scale: Typically 0.0 to 10.0.

Comparison Table

System	Scale	Region
Percentage	0 - 100	India (State Boards)
GPA	0 - 4.0	USA, Canada
CGPA	0 - 10.0	India (CBSE/College)

Need to convert? Use our CGPA to Percentage Converter.