NOUN GPA and CGPA Explained: Grading System and Easy Calculation Guide

If you are a student of National Open University of Nigeria, understanding how your GPA and CGPA are calculated is very important.

Many students wait until results are released before thinking about their GPA, but knowing how it works early helps you track your performance and improve it on time.

This guide explains everything in a simple way, from grading system to step by step calculation with examples.

Quick Summary

NOUN uses a 5-point grading system
A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1, F = 0
GPA is calculated per semester
CGPA is your overall average across all semesters

Simple formula:

GPA = Total Grade Points ÷ Total Credit Units

NOUN Grading System

Here is how scores are converted into grades and grade points:

Score (%)	Grade	Grade Point (GP)
70 – 100	A	5.0
60 – 69	B	4.0
50 – 59	C	3.0
45 – 49	D	2.0
40 – 44	E	1.0
0 – 39	F	0.0

What Is GPA in NOUN?

GPA stands for Grade Point Average. It shows your academic performance for a single semester.

Each course has:

A grade (A to F)
A credit unit

To calculate GPA, you multiply your grade point by the course unit, then divide the total by all units.

GPA Formula (Simple Version)

GPA = ∑(GP×Unit) / ∑Units

Step by Step: How to Calculate GPA in NOUN

Step 1: Assign Grade Points

Convert each grade to its point:

A = 5
B = 4
C = 3
D = 2
E = 1
F = 0

Step 2: Multiply by Course Units

Example:

GST101 (2 units, B) → 4 × 2 = 8
MTH102 (3 units, A) → 5 × 3 = 15

Step 3: Add All Grade Points

Total = 8 + 15 = 23

Step 4: Add Total Units

Total Units = 2 + 3 = 5

Step 5: Divide

GPA = 23 ÷ 5 = 4.60

What Is CGPA in NOUN?

CGPA means Cumulative Grade Point Average.

It is your overall performance across all semesters combined.

Instead of calculating one semester, you calculate everything you have done so far.

CGPA Formula

CGPA = ∑(Total Grade Points for all semesters) / ∑(Total Units for all semesters)

Example of CGPA Calculation

Let’s say:

Semester 1 GPA = 4.00 (20 units → 80 points)
Semester 2 GPA = 3.50 (24 units → 84 points)

Total Grade Points = 80 + 84 = 164
Total Units = 20 + 24 = 44

CGPA = 164 ÷ 44 = 3.73

NOUN Degree Classification

Your CGPA determines your final class of degree:

CGPA Range	Degree Class
4.50 – 5.00	First Class Honours
3.50 – 4.49	Second Class Upper
2.40 – 3.49	Second Class Lower
1.50 – 2.39	Third Class

How NOUN Calculates Your Total Score (TMA + Exam)

Before GPA, your final course score is calculated from:

TMAs (Continuous Assessment)
Exam score

Typically:

TMAs = 30 marks
Exam = 70 marks

Example:

TMA total = 26.5
Exam = 37.9

Final Score = 26.5 + 37.9 = 64.4 → Grade B

Common Mistakes Students Make

Ignoring course units when calculating GPA
Using wrong grade points
Forgetting to track results each semester
Waiting until final year to understand CGPA

Understanding this early can help you avoid academic surprises.

How to Improve Your GPA in NOUN

Focus more on high unit courses
Take TMAs seriously, they are easier marks
Avoid carryovers
Track your GPA every semester

Even a small improvement each semester can significantly boost your CGPA.

FAQs

How is GPA calculated in NOUN?

Multiply each course grade point by its unit, add everything, then divide by total units.

What is a good CGPA in NOUN?

A CGPA of 3.50 and above is considered strong, as it places you in Second Class Upper or higher.

Can I improve my CGPA in later years?

Yes. The more courses you take, the more opportunity you have to improve your overall average.

Does NOUN use a 5-point grading system?

Yes. The system ranges from 0 to 5, with A being 5.0 and F being 0.0.

Is GPA the same as CGPA?

No. GPA is for one semester, while CGPA is the overall average across all semesters.