The HEC formula
For universities that grade on a 4.0 scale, the conversion recommended by the Higher Education Commission is:
Percentage = CGPA ÷ 4 × 100 (the same as CGPA × 25)
CGPA = percentage ÷ 25
So a 3.4 CGPA equals 85%, and 3.0 equals 75%. On a 5.0 scale, divide by 5 instead.
Conversion table
| CGPA | Percentage (4.0 scale) | 5.0 scale |
|---|---|---|
| 4.00 | 100.0% | 80.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.80 | 95.0% | 76.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.60 | 90.0% | 72.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.50 | 87.5% | 70.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.40 | 85.0% | 68.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.30 | 82.5% | 66.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.20 | 80.0% | 64.0% (if out of 5) |
| 3.00 | 75.0% | 60.0% (if out of 5) |
| 2.80 | 70.0% | 56.0% (if out of 5) |
| 2.50 | 62.5% | 50.0% (if out of 5) |
| 2.20 | 55.0% | 44.0% (if out of 5) |
| 2.00 | 50.0% | 40.0% (if out of 5) |
Why universities give different percentages
CGPA is an average of grade points, and each university decides which marks earn which grade. Two students with the same CGPA from different universities may have had different raw marks. Some institutions publish their own conversion formula or print the percentage on the transcript. If your transcript or degree states a percentage, use that official figure; employers and the Federal Public Service Commission accept it over any calculator result.
Using CGPA in job applications
Many Pakistani job forms, including federal and provincial public service commission applications, ask for marks or percentage and division. Common practice:
- First division: 60% or above (CGPA 2.4+ on a 4.0 scale by this formula, though many forms simply ask for CGPA directly).
- Second division: 45% to under 60%.
- Third division: 33% to under 45%.
Private employers increasingly accept CGPA as is. Graduate trainee programmes at banks and multinationals often set a minimum, commonly 2.5 to 3.0 on 4.0, and some top programmes prefer 3.0+.
From degree to salary
Your grades matter most for your first job. After two or three years, skills and experience drive pay. Explore starting salaries for different careers and our career guides. Applying for a government post? Check eligibility with the age calculator for government jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert CGPA to percentage in Pakistan?
Multiply CGPA by 25 on a 4.0 scale (HEC formula). 3.2 CGPA = 80%.
What is 3.0 CGPA in percentage?
75% on a 4.0 scale.
How do I convert percentage to CGPA?
Divide the percentage by 25. 82% ÷ 25 = 3.28 CGPA.
What CGPA is considered good in Pakistan?
Above 3.0 out of 4.0 is generally considered good; 3.5+ is excellent and often needed for scholarships.
Should I use the calculator or my transcript percentage?
If your university states an official percentage, use it. The formula is for when no official figure is given.