Singapore GPA Calculator
Calculate CAP, University GPA, and Convert Between Singapore & International Systems
🇸🇬 Interactive Singapore GPA Calculator
Calculate your Cumulative Average Point (CAP) on 5.0 scale
📚 Understanding Singapore GPA Systems
🎓 University CAP (5.0)
System: NUS, NTU, SMU use 5.0 Cumulative Average Point
Range: 0.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 being perfect (A+ in all modules)
Calculation: Weighted average based on module credits (MCs) and letter grades
🏫 Polytechnic GPA (4.0)
System: All 5 polytechnics (SP, NP, TP, NYP, RP) use 4.0 scale
Range: 0.0 to 4.0, similar to US GPA system
Purpose: Used for university admissions and job applications
📖 O-Level & A-Level
System: Point-based system for subject grades
O-Level: L1R5, L1R4 aggregate scores (lower is better)
A-Level: Rank Points (RP) system, max 90 points
Key Differences:
- Scale Difference: Universities use 5.0 scale; Polytechnics use 4.0 scale
- Credit Weighting: University CAP is credit-weighted; some poly modules have equal weight
- Grade Distribution: Universities have A+, A, A-, B+, etc.; Polys use similar system
- Honors Classification: CAP determines First Class, Second Upper, Second Lower, Third Class honors
- International Recognition: Both systems recognized globally; conversion needed for overseas applications
📊 Complete GPA Conversion Tables
⚠️ Important: These are standard conversion tables used by Singapore universities. Individual institutions may have slight variations. Always check with your specific school.
NUS/NTU/SMU CAP System (5.0 Scale)
Polytechnic GPA System (4.0 Scale)
University Honors Classification
🔢 How CAP is Calculated
Understanding the CAP calculation formula is essential for tracking your academic progress and setting grade targets. The calculation is credit-weighted, meaning modules with more credits have greater impact on your overall CAP.
CAP Formula:
CAP = (Sum of Grade Points × Module Credits) ÷ (Total Module Credits)
CAP = Σ(GPi × MCi) ÷ Σ(MCi)
where GPi = Grade Point for module i, MCi = Module Credits for module i
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Multiply each module's Grade Point by its Module Credits (MCs)
- Sum all the products from step 1
- Sum all the Module Credits
- Divide the total from step 2 by the total from step 3
Example Calculation:
Module 1: Grade A (5.0) × 4 MCs = 20.0
Module 2: Grade B+ (4.0) × 4 MCs = 16.0
Module 3: Grade A- (4.5) × 4 MCs = 18.0
Module 4: Grade B (3.5) × 2 MCs = 7.0
Total Points: 20.0 + 16.0 + 18.0 + 7.0 = 61.0
Total Credits: 4 + 4 + 4 + 2 = 14 MCs
CAP = 61.0 ÷ 14 = 4.36 (Second Class Upper Honors)
💡 Essential Singapore GPA Facts
Critical Information for Students:
📌 S/U Grade Option:
Singapore universities allow Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) grading for certain modules. S/U modules don't affect CAP—only credits count if you pass. Use this strategically for difficult modules or those outside your major to protect your CAP.
📌 Module Credits (MCs) Vary:
Most modules are 4 MCs, but some range from 2-8 MCs. Higher MC modules have proportionally greater impact on CAP. A poor grade in an 8MC module hurts significantly more than the same grade in a 2MC module. Plan accordingly when choosing modules.
📌 CAP vs GPA for Overseas:
When applying to overseas universities, don't directly convert CAP to foreign GPA scales. Submit your official transcript. Most international universities understand the Singapore system. For US graduate schools, professional evaluation services (WES, ECE) handle conversions officially.
📌 First Class Honors is Prestigious:
Achieving First Class Honors (CAP 4.50+) in Singapore universities is highly competitive. Typically only 10-20% of graduates attain this. It's equivalent to summa cum laude in the US and significantly boosts career and graduate school prospects both locally and internationally.
📌 Polytechnic to University:
Polytechnic graduates applying to universities need GPA 3.5+ (poly scale) for competitive admission to NUS/NTU. GPA 3.8-4.0 strengthens scholarship applications. Some programs offer module exemptions based on poly diploma, effectively giving you a head start.
📌 Dean's List Recognition:
Universities recognize top performers each semester with Dean's List honors (typically CAP 4.50+ for that semester). This appears on transcripts and demonstrates consistent excellence. Some employers specifically seek Dean's List graduates for recruitment programs.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What CAP do I need for First Class Honors?
You need a minimum CAP of 4.50 out of 5.00 for First Class Honors at NUS, NTU, and SMU. This requires consistently achieving A- grades or better across most modules. Realistically, you need mostly A and A+ grades with very few Bs to reach 4.50+.
How is Singapore CAP different from US GPA?
Singapore uses a 5.0 scale while US uses 4.0 scale. Both A+ and A give 5.0 CAP in Singapore, whereas A+ = 4.0 in US. To roughly convert: Singapore CAP ÷ 1.25 ≈ US GPA. For example, CAP 4.50 ≈ GPA 3.60. However, official conversions vary by institution.
Can I retake modules to improve my CAP?
Yes, most Singapore universities allow module retakes, but policies vary. Typically, both attempts appear on transcripts, and only the better grade counts toward CAP. Some universities average both attempts. Check your specific university's retake policy. There may be limits on how many modules you can retake.
What is a good polytechnic GPA?
For polytechnics on 4.0 scale: 3.8-4.0 = Excellent (with merit/distinction), 3.5-3.79 = Very Good, 3.0-3.49 = Good, 2.5-2.99 = Average. For university admission, aim for 3.5+ to be competitive for popular courses at NUS/NTU. 3.8+ puts you in strong contention for scholarships.
Does CAP matter for employment?
Yes, especially for first job. Many Singapore employers (MNCs, government, banking, consulting) have CAP cutoffs, typically 3.50-4.00 for graduate programs. First Class Honors significantly improves prospects. However, after 2-3 years of work experience, practical skills and achievements matter more than CAP.
How do I calculate my projected CAP?
Use the calculator above! Input your current modules with grades and MCs, then add projected grades for upcoming modules. The system calculates based on the credit-weighted formula. Alternatively, calculate manually: multiply each grade point by its MCs, sum all products, then divide by total MCs. Track it semester by semester for accuracy.
⚠️ Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on standard Singapore grading systems. Individual institutions may have variations in:
- Grade point values for specific letter grades
- Module credit weightings and calculation methods
- S/U grade policies and eligibility
- Honors classification boundaries
- Conversion methodologies for international applications
Always refer to your institution's official academic regulations and registrar's office for authoritative CAP/GPA calculations and policies. This tool is for planning and informational purposes only.
👨🏫 About the Author
Adam Kumar
Co-Founder @ RevisionTown
Adam is a mathematics education expert with extensive experience across multiple international curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), AP (Advanced Placement), GCSE, IGCSE, A-Levels, and Singapore education systems (O-Levels, A-Levels, Polytechnic, University). His expertise in comparative education systems makes him uniquely qualified to guide students through different grading frameworks.
Through RevisionTown, Adam has helped thousands of students across Asia navigate academic calculations, understand grade conversions, and plan their educational pathways. His deep understanding of Singapore's unique education system—from primary school through university—enables him to provide accurate, practical guidance.
Adam's comprehensive knowledge of how Singapore qualifications translate internationally helps students make informed decisions about local and overseas university applications, scholarship opportunities, and career planning in an increasingly globalized education landscape.
📧 Email: info@revisiontown.com
💼 LinkedIn: Connect with Adam