Every Nigerian student knows that feeling at the end of the semester. You see your grades on the notice board or portal, but you need to know your actual standing.
Calculating your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) can look confusing at first. But once you know the basic steps, it is very simple.In this guide, I will show you exactly how to calculate your CGPA without any stress.
The 5-Point Grading SystemMost Nigerian universities use the 5-point grading system. The National Universities Commission (NUC) approves this standard method.
Before you calculate anything, you need to know the value of your grades. Here is how the grades are scored:
- A (70 – 100 marks) = 5 points
- B (60 – 69 marks) = 4 points
- C (50 – 59 marks) = 3 points
- D (45 – 49 marks) = 2 points
- E (40 – 44 marks) = 1 point
- F (0 – 39 marks) = 0 points
Terms You Need to Know
Before we do the math, let us define three basic terms.
1. Credit Unit (CU): This is the weight of a course. A major departmental course might be 3 or 4 units. A general course like GST is usually 2 units.
2. Grade Point (GP): This is the score attached to your letter grade. If you get an A, your GP is 5.3. Total Credit Point (TCP): You get this by multiplying the Credit Unit of a course by the Grade Point you scored.
3. Total Credit Point (TCP): You get this by multiplying the Credit Unit of a course by the Grade Point you scored.
How to Calculate Your GPA for One Semester
Your GPA is your result for just one single semester. To get this, you divide your Total Credit Points by your Total Credit Units.
Let us look at a practical example. Imagine you took four courses in your first semester:
- MTH 101 (3 Units): You scored an A (5 points).
- Calculation: 3 units x 5 points = 15 points.
- ENG 101 (2 Units): You scored a B (4 points).
- Calculation: 2 units x 4 points = 8 points.
- CHM 101 (3 Units): You scored a C (3 points).
- Calculation: 3 units x 3 points = 9 points.
- GST 101 (2 Units): You scored an A (5 points).
- Calculation: 2 units x 5 points = 10 points.
Now, add your Total Credit Units: 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 = 10 Units.
Next, add your Total Credit Points: 15 + 8 + 9 + 10 = 42 Points.
To get your GPA, divide the points by the units (42 / 10).
Your GPA for this semester is 4.20.
How to Calculate Your CGPA (Multiple Semesters)
Your CGPA combines your results for all the semesters you have completed. It is your overall average.
Do not just add two GPAs together and divide them by two. That is a common mistake and it will give you the wrong answer.
Instead, you must add the Total Credit Points for all your semesters together. Then, add the Total Credit Units for all semesters together. Finally, divide the total points by the total units.
Let us continue with our example to find your Year 1 CGPA.
First Semester: Total Points = 42, Total Units = 10.
Second Semester: Let us say you had 48 Total Points and 12 Total Units.
Total Points for Year 1: 42 + 48 = 90.Total Units for Year 1: 10 + 12 = 22.To get your CGPA, divide 90 by 22.
Your overall CGPA is 4.09.Nigerian University Degree Classes
Now that you have your CGPA, what does it mean?
Here is the standard degree classification for Nigerian universities under the 5-point system:
- First Class: 4.50 – 5.00
- Second Class Upper (2:1): 3.50 – 4.49
- Second Class Lower (2:2): 2.40 – 3.49
- Third Class: 1.50 – 2.39Pass: 1.00 – 1.49
Knowing how to calculate your CGPA helps you set clear academic goals. You will know exactly what grades you need in your next exams to improve your class of degree. Keep your old results handy, track your units, and always aim high.
The CGPA Formula
Note: Do not calculate the average of your GPAs. Always use total points divided by total units.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between GPA and CGPA?
Your GPA (Grade Point Average) is your academic result for just one semester. Your CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is the combined average of all the semesters you have completed since you entered the university.
How does a carry-over affect my CGPA?
When you fail a course, you get an F, which gives you zero points. However, the credit units for that failed course are still added to your Total Credit Units. Because your total units increase while your points stay low, your CGPA will drop.
What happens when I finally pass a carry-over course?
When you rewrite and pass the course, the new points you score will be added to your Total Credit Points. But remember, the credit units from the first time you failed it remain in your record. This is why you must try to pass courses on the first try.
Do all Nigerian tertiary institutions use the 5-point system?
Most federal, state, and private universities use the NUC-approved 5-point system. However, polytechnics often use a 4.0 grading system for ND and HND programs. Medical and pharmacy students also have a different grading method, usually based on unclassified passes or percentages. Always check your departmental handbook.
Can I still get a First Class if my 100-level result was poor?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires serious hard work. Since your CGPA is the total average of all your years in school, scoring straight A’s in your 200, 300, and 400 levels will slowly pull your overall CGPA back up. Every semester counts.
Why is my CGPA different from what I calculated myself?
The most common reason for this is calculating the average of your GPAs instead of using the total points and total units. Another reason could be a missing result or a wrongly recorded grade on the school portal. If your manual calculation is correct, visit your course adviser to lay a complaint.
