Key takeaways
- GPA is your academic performance for one semester, while CGPA is your cumulative performance across multiple semesters.
- You can use online tools like myPathway.app GPA Calculator to calculate your GPA and CGPA.
- Your CGPA determines your class of degree, with a CGPA of 3.60–4.00 earning First Class in most Ghanaian universities.
In this article, we’ll explain how to calculate GPA and CGPA, regardless of which university you are in Ghana, using examples to help you understand the process better.
What is GPA and CGPA?
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a numerical representation of your average performance in a single semester. It is calculated based on your grades in all the courses taken during that semester, converted into grade points using a standard scale.
CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average), on the other hand, reflects your overall academic performance. It is the average of all GPA results across multiple semesters that determines your academic standing throughout your university journey.
Most universities in Ghana use a 4.0 grading scale, which is outlined below:
| Scores | Grade | Grade points |
| 80-100 | A | 4.0 |
| 75-79 | B+ | 3.5 |
| 70-74 | B | 3.0 |
| 65-69 | C+ | 2.5 |
| 60-64 | C | 2.0 |
| 55-59 | D+ | 1.5 |
| 50-54 | D | 1.0 |
| 0-49 | F | 0 |
How to calculate your GPA?
Before we begin, here are a few terms you need to understand:
- Grade points (GPT): Numerical values assigned to letter grades according to the university’s grading scale.
- Weighted grade points (WGP): Credit hours of a course multiplied by its grade points.
- Total grade points: The sum of the weighted grade points
- Total credits: The sum of the credit hours in a semester
- Cumulative credits: The sum of the credit hours across completed semesters.
To calculate your GPA:
- Multiply the grade points earned in each course by the corresponding credit hours to get the weighted grade points.
- Sum the weighted grade points to get the total grade points.
- Divide the total grade points by the total credits taken in that semester.
That is, GPA = Total grade points ÷ Total credits
Example calculation
Consider the following results from Gloria’s first semester at the University of Ghana:
| Course | Credits | Score | Grade | Grade point |
| Statistics | 3 | 85 | A | 4.0 |
| Critical thinking | 3 | 71 | B | 3.0 |
| Academic writing | 3 | 77 | B+ | 3.5 |
| Algebra | 3 | 83 | A | 4.0 |
| Anatomy | 3 | 66 | C+ | 2.5 |
To calculate her GPA, first find the weighted grade point for each course
| Course | Credits | Grade point | WGP (credits × grade points) |
| Statistics | 3 | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Critical thinking | 3 | 3.0 | 9.0 |
| Academic writing | 3 | 3.5 | 10.5 |
| Algebra | 3 | 4.0 | 12.0 |
| Anatomy | 3 | 2.5 | 7.5 |
| Total credits = 15 | Total grade points = 51 |
Then, add all the weighted grade points (51) and divide by the total credits (15).
51 ÷ 15 = 3.40
So, Gloria’s GPA for her first semester is 3.40.
How to calculate your CGPA?
CGPA represents your cumulative academic performance over multiple semesters. There are two ways to calculate it:
- Find the total grade points from all completed semesters and divide by the cumulative credits. That is, CGPA = Total grade points across all semesters ÷ Cumulative credits.
- Multiply each semester’s GPA by the corresponding total credits, sum the values, and divide by the cumulative credits. That is, CGPA = [(GPA1 × Total Credits1) + (GPA2 × Total Credits2) + …] ÷ Cumulative credits.
Example calculation
Let’s walk through this with Gloria’s academic record for her first year, which includes both Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Semester 2 results:
| Course | Credits | Score | Grade | Grade point |
| Statistics | 3 | 70 | B | 3.0 |
| Critical thinking | 2 | 65 | C+ | 2.5 |
| Academic writing | 3 | 80 | A | 4.0 |
| Algebra | 2 | 66 | C+ | 2.5 |
| Anatomy | 3 | 78 | B+ | 3.5 |
Semester 2 GPA = 3.19
Using the course-by-course method
This method treats all courses across all semesters as one long list and calculates the CGPA in the same way as the GPA.
CGPA = Total grade points across all semesters ÷ Cumulative credits
Total grade points for semester 1 = 51
Total grade points for semester 2 = 41.5
Total grade points across all semesters (51 + 41.5) = 92.5
Cumulative credits (15 + 13) = 28
CGPA = 92.5 ÷ 28
CGPA = 3.30
Using the weighted GPA-per-semester method
Alternatively, you can use each semester’s GPA and total credits:
CGPA = [(GPA1 × Total Credits1) + (GPA2 × Total Credits2) + …] ÷ Cumulative credits
Semester 1 GPA = 3.40
Semester 2 GPA = 3.19
CGPA = [(3.40 × 15) + (3.19 × 13)] ÷ 28
CGPA = 3.30
From both methods, we see that Gloria’s CGPA at the end of year 1 (Level 100) is 3.30.
University grade classifications
Your final CGPA determines your class of degree. Below are the typical classifications used in Ghana:
| Classification | CPGA range |
| First class | 3.60 – 4.0 |
| Second class upper | 3.00 – 3.59 |
| Second class lower | 2.50 – 2.99 |
| Third class | 2.00 – 2.49 |
| Pass | 1.00 – 1.99 |
| Fail/ No award of degree | 0 – 0.99 |
In some universities, such as the University of Ghana, the FGPA (Final Grade Point Average) determines your graduating class and assigns different weightings to different years.
FAQs
Can I convert my WASSCE grades to GPA?
Yes, you can convert your WASSCE grades to GPA. Convert your grades to grade points using the intended GPA scale (e.g., A1 = 4.0, B2 = 3.5, etc.). Then, sum up the grade points and divide by the number of subjects.
What CGPA is considered first-class in Ghana?
A CGPA of 3.60 to 4.00 is considered First Class in most universities in Ghana. An exception is the University of Ghana, which, although it uses the same range, applies it to an FGPA system instead.
Wrapping up
Calculating your GPA and CGPA doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You can simplify this process by using myPathway.app GPA calculator, where you enter your grades and credit hours.
Remember, every grade counts, so take each semester seriously and study hard. Have any questions? Please share them in the comments below.
