Whether you are a student who is just reviewing their grades for higher studies or a job opportunity, you might get confused by different grading methods like OGPA, GPA, CGPA, and SGPA.
Understanding these grading methods can reduce your hassle so in this article we are going to understand the difference between the two most popular grading methods OGPA and GPA and we are going to see which is more important for your academic and career growth.
OGPA provides a review of academic performance for multiple semesters, whereas GPA reflects performance for a single term, and most of the time people get confused between both of them. If you are also confused then don’t worry; we are here to help you. In this article we will explain the concept of GPA and OGPA in the easiest manner, so let’s start with understanding both of them.
What are GPA and OGPA in Grading System?
GPA is an average of your grades in a specific academic semester.It reflects your performance for one semester. It is a crucial indicator that denotes how well you’ve performed during a particular semester whereas OGPA is the average of all semester’s GPAs. It provides a report of your academic performance. Let’s understand both of them.
What are the key differences between GPA and OGPA?
GPA and OGPA are both used for academic evaluation.Still both of them have some key differences. Let’s discuss them one by one.
| Feature | GPA | OGPA |
| Time Period | GPA represents performance in a single semester. | OGPA reflects academic performance across all semesters in a course. |
| Purpose / Use | Used to evaluate semester wise performance for the purpose of scholarships, probation etc. | Used for academic evaluation, job applications, and admission for
higher education |
| Calculation Method | Calculated using subject-wise grade points and their respective credit hours. | Calculated as the weighted average of GPA from all semesters, based on each semester’s credit hours. |
| Update Frequency | GPA updates after each semester, it shows your performance in the last
term. |
OGPA is calculated after each semester until your final semester. Once it is finalized it remains constant. |
| Scope | It has Narrow scope and shows in one term performance | It has Broader scope it includes entire course performance. |
| Usage in Report Cards | It is Displayed on semester wise grade reports or transcripts. | It is Displayed on the final marksheet or degree certificate. |
| Impact on Career | It is Used for short-term evaluations and improvement tracking. | It Plays a key role in career decisions, recruitment, and postgraduate admissions. |
| Importance | It is Important for identifying strengths and weaknesses for specific semesters. | It is Important for showing academic consistency and final achievement. |
| Influence of One Semester | One low GPA affects only that semester. | One semester’s GPA can impact the entire OGPA, depending on its credit weight. |
| Flexibility | You can improve your GPA in the next semester. | OGPA becomes less flexible over time as earlier semester scores are already included. |
| Example Value Meaning | A GPA of 8.5 means you performed well in that specific semester. | An OGPA of 8.5 means you performed well consistently across all semesters. |
How to calculate OGPA and GPA ?
We hope you understood the difference between both of them. Now let’s discuss how to calculate OGPA and GPA one by one.
Steps to Calculate OGPA:
Step 1: Multiply grade points of each subject with their credit hours.
Step 2: Add up the total of (grade points × credit hours) for all subjects.
Step 3: Add different credit hours for each and every subject.
Step 4: Divide weighted grade points by total credit hours for OGPA.
| Subject | Grade Points | Credit Hours |
| A | 8 | 3 |
| B | 7 | 4 |
| C | 9 | 2 |
Step:1 Multiply grade point with credit of a subject
Subject A: 8×3=24
Subject B: 7×4=28
Subject C: 9×2=18
Step:2 Total of Weighted Grade Points: 24+28+18=70
Step 3: Total Credit Hours: 3+4+2=9
Step 4: Final value of OGPA=70/9 ≈ 7.78
Hope you understood how to calculate OGPA Now let’s move forward and discuss how to calculate GPA
How to calculate GPA ?
Step 1: Multiply Grade Points by Credit Hours
Step 2: Add All Grade × Credit values
Step 3: Add Total Credit Hours
Step 4: Apply GPA Formula
Let’s say you took 4 subjects in a semester with the following grades and credit hours:
| Subject | Grade Point | Credit Hours |
| Math | 9 | 4 |
| Physics | 8 | 3 |
| English | 7 | 2 |
| Chemistry | 6 | 3 |
Steps to calculate gpa
Step:1 9*4 = 36, 8*3=24,7*2 =14,6*3 =18
Step:2 36+24+14+18 = 92
Step:3 Add all Credit 4+3+2+3=12
Step:4 Apply Formula
Formula : GPA= [∑(Grade Point×Credit Hours)] / ∑Credit Hours
GPA=92/12≈7.67
What are the common mistakes in GPA and OGPA calculation?
Even though the formulas are simple many students make these mistakes:
- Ignoring Credit Hours: Always remember that GPA and OGPA are weighted averages. You must include credit hours treating all subjects equally will give wrong results.
- Using the Wrong Grading Scale: Some universities follow a 10-point scale, others a 4-point scale. Make sure you’re using the correct one as per your institution.
- Missing Subjects or Semesters: Even one missing grade or subject can significantly impact your OGPA. Make sure all semesters and subjects are included.
- Confusing GPA with OGPA: GPA can change after every semester but OGPA is calculated after combining all semester GPAs. They are related but not the same.
How to Convert GPA into OGPA ?
If you want to convert your GPA from your individual OGPA scores then we have some simple steps for you. Let’s discuss them one by one.
Step 1: Find each semester GPA with the help of your marksheet.
Step 2: Then multiply it by the credit hours of that semester.
Step 3: Add all results together for further calculation.
Step 4: Now, add the credit hours of each semester.
Step 5: Divide total GPA points by the total credit hours.
Step 6: That’s it.You got your answer.
Let’s take an example for better understanding:
| Semester | GPA | Credit Hours |
| 1 | 7.5 | 20 |
| 2 | 8.0 | 22 |
| 3 | 7.8 | 18 |
Let’s calculate your OGPA step by step
Step 1: Multiply gpa with credit hours
1st Sem: 7.5 × 20 = 150
2nd Sem: 8.0 × 22 = 176
3rd Sem: 7.8 × 18 = 140.4
Step 2 : Add above answers
150 + 176 + 140.4 = 466.4
Step 3 : Add total credit hours
20 + 22 + 18 = 60
Step 4: Now divide total grade by total credits
OGPA = 466.4 ÷ 60 = 7.77
Which is one more important between OGPA or GPA?
GPA and OGPA are both are important. Their importance depends upon requirement. For example, if you’re applying for internships, scholarships, or need short-term performance feedback, then GPA matters more, whereas OGPA is important for final transcripts, study visas, higher studies, and jobs.
