Written by Christian Chinonso
Founder, LearnViaHub | Academic Credential & International Student Research
✓ Last checked: 28 October 2026
Quick answer
CGPA = total quality points ÷ total credit units, where a course’s quality points are its grade point (A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1, F = 0) multiplied by its credit units. This is the method printed in the University of Lagos undergraduate regulations, which we use as our example of the 5-point scale.
Worked example: 94 quality points over 30 units gives a CGPA of 3.13. Add up all the points and all the units first, then divide once.
To see what class a CGPA falls in, or how a 4.0 differs from a 5.0, see our Nigeria grading scale and degree classes guide.
Nigeria CGPA calculator
Enter each course with its credit units and score or grade. It uses the 5-point table below.
Nigerian CGPA calculator (5-point scale)
Add your courses. Grade points follow the 5-point table on this page: A 5, B 4, C 3, D 2, E 1, F 0.
Class bands use the University of Lagos table (First 4.50–5.00, 2:1 3.50–4.49, 2:2 2.40–3.49, Third 1.50–2.49, Pass 1.00–1.49). Your university may differ. This is a planning figure, not an official result, and it does not give a US GPA.
Grade points on the 5-point scale
The table is from section 18 of the University of Lagos undergraduate regulations. We read only this university’s regulations, so other universities may use different bands. Check yours.
| Score | Letter grade | Grade point |
|---|---|---|
| 70–100 | A | 5.00 |
| 60–69 | B | 4.00 |
| 50–59 | C | 3.00 |
| 45–49 | D | 2.00 |
| 40–44 | E | 1.00 |
| 0–39 | F | 0.00 |
This table has no plus or minus grades, so there is no B+ in it. Some universities may use fractional grades, so use the table printed in your own regulations. For the full scale, degree classes and the 4-point scale some graduates hold, see our Nigeria grading system guide.
The CGPA formula and the steps
The regulation computes the cumulative GPA by multiplying each course’s grade point by its units, adding the results for all courses taken, and dividing the total by the total number of units (section 24).
- List every course with its credit units. The University of Lagos regulations say a course carries between one and four units, with no fractions (sections 7 and 8).
- Convert each score to a grade point with the table above.
- Multiply the grade point by the units to get the quality points.
- Add the quality points and add the units.
- Divide once: total quality points by total units.
A semester GPA is the same calculation using only that semester’s courses, and the CGPA uses all your semesters together.
Worked examples
Example 1: one semester (hypothetical)
| Course | Score | Grade | Units | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 78 | A (5) | 3 | 15 |
| B | 66 | B (4) | 4 | 16 |
| C | 52 | C (3) | 2 | 6 |
| D | 41 | E (1) | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 10 | 38 |
GPA = 38 ÷ 10 = 3.80.
Example 2: a second semester with an F (hypothetical)
| Course | Grade | Units | Quality points |
|---|---|---|---|
| E | A (5) | 4 | 20 |
| F | B (4) | 4 | 16 |
| G | C (3) | 4 | 12 |
| H | D (2) | 4 | 8 |
| I | F (0) | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 20 | 56 |
Semester GPA = 56 ÷ 20 = 2.80. The F earns no points, but its 4 units stay in the total. Without it the figure would be 56 ÷ 16 = 3.50, so leaving a failed course out overstates the result.
Combining the two semesters
CGPA = (38 + 56) ÷ (10 + 20) = 94 ÷ 30 = 3.13. Averaging the two GPAs gives (3.80 + 2.80) ÷ 2 = 3.30, which is wrong because the second semester has more units. Always add the points and units first.
On the University of Lagos table, 3.13 falls in the Second Class Lower band (2.40–3.49); see our degree classes guide for the bands and a caution about the overlap at 2.40–2.49.
Which courses count
The University of Lagos regulations say all courses a student has taken count in the cumulative GPA, except university course requirements and courses graded Pass/Fail (section 24). The document does not say how a repeated or carry-over course is counted, and a failed course carries 0.00 points, so the F counts in the example above by the formula. Rules on repeating a failed course differ, so check your university’s regulations for how a retake replaces or averages with the earlier grade.
Common mistakes
- Averaging semester GPAs instead of dividing total quality points by total units.
- Leaving out failed courses. The F is in the total under the formula.
- Using the wrong table. Another university may use different score bands, and some graduates hold a 4-point scale, so check your grading key.
- Mixing scales. A 4.0 is not a First Class on the 5-point scale (see our grading scale guide).
- Treating a 5-point CGPA as a US GPA. They are on different scales, and US schools or evaluators set their own method.
Related guides:
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate GPA in Nigeria?
Multiply each course’s grade point by its credit units, add the results, and divide by the total units. With A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1 and F = 0, 38 points over 10 units is a GPA of 3.80.
What is the difference between GPA and CGPA?
GPA covers one semester. CGPA covers all your semesters together, calculated with the same method across every course taken.
How do I calculate GPA on a 5.0 scale?
Use the same method with the 5-point table: 70–100 is 5.0, 60–69 is 4.0, 50–59 is 3.0, 45–49 is 2.0, 40–44 is 1.0 and below 40 is 0. The table is from the University of Lagos regulations.
Does a failed course lower my CGPA?
By the formula, yes. An F carries 0 points and its units stay in the total. Check your university’s rules on retakes.
What is a B+ on a 5.0 scale?
The University of Lagos table has no B+, only A to F. If your university uses fractional grades, it publishes the values in its regulations.
How do I get a 5.0 GPA?
A 5.0 requires an A, a score of 70 or more on the University of Lagos table, in every course you have taken.
Is a Nigerian 5.0 the same as a US 4.0?
No. They are on different scales, and we found no official conversion. See our guide to how US schools read Nigerian grades.
What class of degree is my CGPA?
Bands for the University of Lagos are 4.50–5.00 First Class, 3.50–4.49 Second Class Upper, 2.40–3.49 Second Class Lower, 1.50–2.49 Third Class and 1.00–1.49 Pass. Our degree classes guide explains the overlap at 2.40–2.49.
How we researched this
Last checked: 28 October 2026. We read the University of Lagos undergraduate regulations (sections 7, 8, 18 and 24) for the grade points, units and the CGPA method, and recomputed every example by hand.
Limits: we read one university’s regulations, which are undated, and did not read the NUC’s own grading documents, so other universities may use different bands. The regulation does not say how repeated courses are counted. The examples are hypothetical. Universities revise their rules, so confirm the current version with your examination office.
This page is for general information. LearnViaHub is not affiliated with the NUC, the University of Lagos or any other university or agency named on this page.
Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.