How GPA and CGPA Are Calculated in Singapore
Many Singapore institutions calculate GPA or CGPA by multiplying course grade points by credit units, adding the results, and dividing by total credit units.
Exact grade point scales and terminology vary by institution, so use this as a planning estimate.
Singapore universities commonly refer to this figure as the Cumulative Average Point (CAP) rather than GPA, though the underlying credit-weighted calculation is the same idea used elsewhere.
CAP Scales at Singapore Universities
NUS and NTU both use a 5.0-point CAP scale, while SMU and some other institutions use a 4.0 scale, so the same letter grade can map to a different point value depending on where you study. Always check your specific university's official grade-point table before comparing results across institutions.
Some modules may be taken on an S/U (Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) basis rather than a graded basis; these typically don't contribute grade points to your CAP calculation, though they still usually count toward your credit total for graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CAP and GPA in Singapore?
CAP (Cumulative Average Point) is simply the term used by Singapore universities for what's functionally a GPA: a credit-weighted average of your grade points across all completed modules.
Do NUS, NTU and SMU use the same scale?
No. NUS and NTU commonly use a 5.0-point scale, while SMU and some other institutions use a 4.0 scale, so grade point values for the same letter grade can differ between universities.
How are letter grades mapped to grade points in Singapore?
Each university publishes its own official conversion table (for example A+, A, A- down to F), and the point values assigned to each letter differ slightly by institution and scale.
Does S/U grading affect my CAP?
Modules taken as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory typically don't contribute grade points to your CAP calculation, since they aren't given a standard letter grade, though they usually still count toward credit requirements.
What CAP is considered equivalent to a First Class Honours in Singapore?
This varies by university and scale, but many institutions set their highest honours classification (equivalent to a UK First) at a CAP roughly in the top 10-15% of the scale, for example around 4.50+ on a 5.0 scale. Check your specific university's classification table.
Can I use this calculator across multiple semesters?
Yes, enter each module with its credit units and grade point value across however many semesters you want to include, and the tool will produce your cumulative weighted average.