How to Convert CGPA to Percentage – Pakistani University Guide
If you’re a student in Pakistan applying for scholarships, higher education, or international admissions, you’ve likely faced the CGPA vs. Percentage dilemma.
Many Pakistani universities use CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) to evaluate academic performance, but most application forms – especially abroad – require percentage marks instead.
So how do you convert your CGPA into a percentage correctly?
Let’s walk you through the formulas, examples, and university-specific methods so you can make accurate conversions – and avoid costly mistakes.
What is CGPA?
CGPA stands for Cumulative Grade Point Average, a standardized system to represent overall academic performance on a scale — usually out of 4.00, 5.00, or even 10.00 depending on the university.
Example CGPA Scales Used in Pakistan:
- 4.00 scale – Most universities like PU, GCU, UCP
- 5.00 scale – Some medical and engineering universities
- 10.00 scale – Rare in Pakistan, but used internationally
Why Convert CGPA to Percentage?
While CGPA is widely accepted within Pakistan, many foreign universities, embassies, and scholarship boards ask for percentage marks during the application process.
Converting your CGPA to percentage can help with:
- International university admissions
- Scholarship eligibility
- WES / HEC / IBCC credential evaluations
- Applying for internships or jobs
General Formula to Convert CGPA into Percentage
The most commonly used formula in Pakistan (for universities with a 4.00 scale) is:
Percentage (%) = (CGPA / 4.00) × 100
Example:
If your CGPA is 3.5 out of 4.00:
(3.5 / 4.0) × 100 = 87.5%
University-Specific CGPA to Percentage Conversions
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Not all universities follow the same formula. Here’s how some major Pakistani universities handle the conversion:
- UAF (University of Agriculture Faisalabad)
- UAF uses an official conversion formula:
Percentage = (CGPA × 20)
- Example: CGPA of 3.00 × 20 = 60%
- UCP (University of Central Punjab)
- UCP follows the general formula:
(CGPA / 4.0) × 100
- GCU (Government College University Lahore)
- Typically follows the standard 4.0-based formula.
- PU (University of the Punjab)
- Also uses the (CGPA / 4.0) × 100 formula.
- But some departments (e.g., Law, Pharmacy) may issue official transcripts with conversion tables.
- FAST, LUMS, NUST, COMSATS
- These universities often provide official transcripts with either direct percentage equivalents or grade bands.
- Best to confirm with your department or registrar.
Use Our Free Online Tool
Don’t want to do the math yourself? Try our CGPA to Percentage Calculator
Built specifically for Pakistani students, it allows quick and accurate conversions for:
- UAF
- UCP
- GCU
- PU
- Other universities on a 4.00 scale
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✅ Don’t guess the formula – Always confirm with your university’s official guidelines or transcripts.
✅ Don’t assume international standards – In the US, for example, a 3.0 might be 75%, but in Pakistan, it could mean 60%.
✅ Don’t convert without context – Always mention the scale (e.g., 3.2/4.0 or 3.8/5.0) if required.
Does HEC or IBCC Provide a Standard Formula?
HEC (Higher Education Commission) and IBCC (Inter Board Committee of Chairmen) do not have a universal formula. Instead, they assess transcripts based on:
- University-issued conversion guidelines
- Official percentage transcripts (if provided)
- Grade band interpretations
It’s always a good idea to attach both CGPA and percentage formats (if available) when applying.
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