If you’re planning to apply to universities abroad, you’ve probably hit this weird little roadblock: every form asks for your percentage, not your CGPA. And you’re like, “Wait, what? I only have my CGPA on my transcript!”

Everybody is stuck at this point. So, it is necessary to know the steps to do this and what the steps are. Let’s explore further to know more.

Why Do Foreign Universities Ask for Percentages Anyway?

Every place has its grading system. It just helps them compare grades from different countries without going crazy trying to decode every transcript.

That’s why you’re usually asked to convert your CGPA into a percentage—simple, clean, and easier for them to understand.

The Basic CGPA to Percentage Formula

Now for the part everyone wants: the formula. Most Indian universities follow a pretty standard rule that comes from UGC guidelines. Here it is:

Percentage = CGPA × 9.5

Yep, that’s it. One line, no rocket science.

So, if your CGPA is 8.4, you just do:
8.4 × 9.5 = 79.8%

And boom, that’s your percentage. You can mention that directly on your study abroad application, unless your university specifically says something different on your marksheet.

But Wait—Some Universities Have Their Own Formulas

Here’s the twist. Not every university uses that 9.5 multiplier.
Some tweak it a bit based on how they calculate grades internally.

For example:

So, always double-check what your college follows. You’ll usually find it printed on your transcript or mentioned in your university guidelines. That small check saves you from submitting the wrong numbers later.

When a University Wants a GPA (4.0 Scale)

Now, this part confuses almost everyone. If you’re applying to a university in the United States, they might ask for your grades in the 4.0 GPA format instead of a percentage. Here’s a general idea of how it translates (this is not exact, but just to give you a sense):

Why This Small Conversion Actually Matters

In your opinion, it may seem minor to you, but it has a very big impact.

Your academic score is a big part of your study abroad profile. For scholarship and job purposes, this matters a great deal. They represent your skills, qualities, and dedication.

Some universities even verify your academic scores through official documents later. 

Let’s Do a Real Example

Alright, say your CGPA is 7.6. Using the UGC formula:
7.6 × 9.5 = 72.2%

So in your application, you’d mention 72.2%.
Simple and clean, no guessing, no unnecessary conversions.

Before You Submit—Quick Reality Check

It is necessary to check these important steps before clicking on the submit button. These important steps are as follows:

✅ Confirm your university’s conversion formula; don’t assume it’s 9.5 for everyone.
✅ Avoid shady “online converters”—many of them use random math.
✅ Don’t round your score too high—just keep it honest.
✅ If possible, mention the formula you used in your application notes.

Your one check at the last moment can save you a lot of trouble.

CGPA vs. Percentage—Which Looks Better?

Honestly? Neither one is “better.” They just show your performance in different ways. CGPA gives an overview of your consistency, while percentage gives a clearer snapshot of your overall marks. 

Universities abroad just prefer percentages because they’re more used to that format. Your correct conversions for both are what really matter.

Summary

Look, converting your CGPA to a percentage isn’t rocket science. It’s literally just knowing your formula and doing basic math. But the accuracy does matter, especially when you’re applying abroad.

Take a few extra minutes to double-check, use your university’s rules, and don’t try to make your score look better than it is. Universities appreciate honesty a lot more than inflated numbers. So go ahead, do the math, fill in your real percentage, and take one more step closer to your dream university.