You just checked your semester results, and now the big question hits you—“What’s my CGPA?” You’ve heard people talk about it affecting scholarships, job opportunities, and even NYSC eligibility, but how do you actually calculate it?
If you’re a student in a Nigerian university or polytechnic, understanding how your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) works is crucial. It’s not just a number—it determines your academic standing and future opportunities.
This guide breaks everything down step by step so you can calculate your CGPA easily. And if you want to skip the manual work, use our free CGPA Calculator to do it instantly!
🎯 What is CGPA?
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the overall measure of your academic performance across multiple semesters. It is calculated by averaging the Grade Point Average (GPA) of each semester.
Why is CGPA Important?
- Determines your graduation class (First Class, Second Class, etc.)
- Affects scholarships and job opportunities
- Plays a role in NYSC mobilization eligibility
- Helps you track your academic progress
🏆 Nigerian Grading System for CGPA Calculation
University Grading System (Common Scale in Nigerian Universities)
| Score (%) | Grade | Grade Point (GP) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 – 100 | A | 5.0 |
| 60 – 69 | B | 4.0 |
| 50 – 59 | C | 3.0 |
| 45 – 49 | D | 2.0 |
| 40 – 44 | E | 1.0 |
| 0 – 39 | F | 0.0 |
Polytechnic Grading System (Common Scale in Nigerian Polytechnics)
| Score (%) | Grade | Grade Point (GP) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 – 100 | A | 4.0 |
| 70 – 79 | B | 3.5 |
| 60 – 69 | C | 3.0 |
| 50 – 59 | D | 2.5 |
| 40 – 49 | E | 2.0 |
| 0 – 39 | F | 0.0 |
📌 Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating CGPA in Nigeria
Step 1: Understand Key Terms
- Credit Unit (CU): The weight of a course (e.g., 3 CU means it carries more importance than a 2 CU course).
- Grade Point (GP): A numerical value assigned to each grade (A = 5.0, B = 4.0, etc.).
- Quality Point (QP): This is Credit Unit × Grade Point for each course.
- GPA (Grade Point Average): The average performance in a semester.
- CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average): The total average performance across all semesters.
Step 2: Calculate Your GPA for Each Semester
To calculate your GPA for a semester:
Formula:
Example of GPA Calculation for a Semester
Let’s assume you took four courses in a semester with the following results:
| Course | Credit Unit (CU) | Grade | Grade Point (GP) | Quality Point (QP) (CU × GP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTH 101 | 3 | A | 5.0 | 3 × 5 = 15 |
| ENG 102 | 2 | B | 4.0 | 2 × 4 = 8 |
| PHY 103 | 3 | C | 3.0 | 3 × 3 = 9 |
| BIO 104 | 2 | D | 2.0 | 2 × 2 = 4 |
Total Quality Points (TQP) = 15 + 8 + 9 + 4 = 36
Total Credit Units (TCU) = 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 10
GPA = 36 / 10 = 3.6
Step 3: Calculate Your CGPA Over Multiple Semesters
To calculate CGPA, sum up all the Quality Points across semesters and divide by the Total Credit Units.
Formula:
Example of CGPA Calculation Over 4 Semesters
Assume you have the following GPAs and total credit units per semester:
| Semester | GPA | Total Credit Units (TCU) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 3.6 | 10 |
| 2nd | 3.2 | 12 |
| 3rd | 3.8 | 11 |
| 4th | 3.5 | 12 |
Now, calculate the CGPA:
Total Quality Points (TQP) =
(3.6 × 10) + (3.2 × 12) + (3.8 × 11) + (3.5 × 12)
= 36 + 38.4 + 41.8 + 42
= 158.2
Total Credit Units (TCU) = 10 + 12 + 11 + 12 = 45
CGPA = 158.2 / 45 = 3.52
✅ Want an easier way? Use our free CGPA Calculator to calculate it instantly!
🎓 CGPA Classification in Nigerian Universities
| CGPA Range | Class of Degree |
|---|---|
| 4.50 – 5.00 | First Class |
| 3.50 – 4.49 | Second Class Upper |
| 2.50 – 3.49 | Second Class Lower |
| 1.50 – 2.49 | Third Class |
| 1.00 – 1.49 | Pass |
| Below 1.00 | Fail |
🚀 Tips to Improve Your CGPA in Nigeria
- Focus on High-Unit Courses – They impact CGPA the most.
- Aim for A and B Grades – Lower grades pull your average down.
- Plan Your Study Time – Avoid last-minute cramming.
- Attend Lectures & Take Notes – Lecturers often drop exam hints.
- Seek Help Early – Ask for assistance before exams approach.
- Avoid Carryovers – A failed course affects your CGPA significantly.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to calculate CGPA in Nigeria, tracking your academic performance is easy. Want a faster way? Use the CGPA Calculator to get accurate results instantly!
Stay focused, aim for excellence, and let your CGPA reflect your hard work! 🚀