GPA Calculator NUS: How to Compute Your CAP

This GPA calculator for the National University of Singapore (NUS) works out your Cumulative Average Point (CAP) based on the grades and modular credits you enter. You input each module’s grade and credit weight, and the calculator returns your semester GPA and cumulative CAP. The result is a number between 0.0 and 5.0, which is the standard scale used at NUS.

Formula

The NUS CAP is a weighted average, not a simple mean. The formula is:

CAP = Σ (Grade Point × Modular Credit) ÷ Σ (Modular Credit)

Where:

• Grade Point – the numerical value assigned to each letter grade (A+ = 5.0, A = 5.0, A− = 4.5, B+ = 4.0, B = 3.5, B− = 3.0, C+ = 2.5, C = 2.0, D+ = 1.5, D = 1.0, F = 0.0)
• Modular Credit (MC) – the weight of the module, usually 4 MC for a typical semester-long course, but can range from 2 to 8 or more
• Σ – sum over all modules taken

Note: NUS does not differentiate between A+ and A for CAP purposes; both are 5.0. Also, modules taken on a pass/fail basis (e.g., Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) do not count toward CAP unless you fail them.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator above: one module with grade A (5.0 points) and 4 modular credits.

1. Grade points earned = 5.0 × 4 × 1 = 20.0
2. Total modular credits = 4 × 1 = 4
3. CAP = 20.0 ÷ 4 = 5.0

The calculator shows a CAP of 5.0 for that single module. If you add a second module with grade B+ (4.0 points) and 4 MC, the total points become 20 + 16 = 36, total credits = 8, and CAP = 36 ÷ 8 = 4.5.

How to Use the Calculator for Multiple Modules

This calculator is designed for one grade at a time. To compute your full CAP, you have two options:

• Batch method: For each distinct grade you received (e.g., all A− modules), enter the grade, the MC per module, and the number of modules with that grade. The calculator gives you the points for that group. Repeat for each grade, then sum the points and divide by total MC manually.
• Manual method: List every module individually, compute each module’s grade points (grade point × MC), sum them, and divide by total MC.

For example, if you took 5 modules: two A− (4 MC each), two B (4 MC each), and one C+ (2 MC), the calculation is:

• Points: (4.5×4×2) + (3.5×4×2) + (2.5×2×1) = 36 + 28 + 5 = 69
• Total MC: 4+4+4+4+2 = 18
• CAP = 69 ÷ 18 = 3.83

Understanding the NUS Grading Scale

NUS uses a 5-point scale, but it is not the same as many US universities. The key points:

• A+ and A both carry 5.0 points – there is no 4.0 cap
• A− is 4.5, B+ is 4.0, B is 3.5, B− is 3.0, C+ is 2.5, C is 2.0, D+ is 1.5, D is 1.0, F is 0.0
• A ‘D’ is a passing grade for undergraduate modules, but some faculties require a C or better for core modules
• An ‘F’ gives 0 points but still adds to your total MC, which lowers your CAP significantly

Most competitive graduate programmes and employers look for a CAP of 4.0 or above. A CAP below 3.0 may put you on academic probation, depending on your faculty’s rules.

Common Mistakes When Calculating CAP

Students often make these errors:

• Using a simple average: Adding grade points and dividing by the number of modules ignores MC weights. A 2-MC module affects your CAP far less than a 6-MC one.
• Including pass/fail modules: Modules graded as ‘CS’ (Competent) or ‘CU’ (Competent) do not count toward CAP. Only failures (F) count, and they add 0 points.
• Forgetting about S/U option: NUS allows students to exercise the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) option for up to 32 MCs (for most cohorts). If you S/U a module, it is excluded from CAP unless you fail it.
• Mixing up grade points: Some students mistakenly use the US 4.0 scale (A = 4.0). That is not correct for NUS.
• Rounding too early: Keep at least two decimal places in your intermediate sums. Only round the final CAP to two decimals.

Why Your CAP Matters and How to Improve It

Your CAP is the primary academic metric on your transcript. It affects:

• Dean’s List and other academic honours
• Scholarships and bursaries
• Admission to honours programmes and graduate school
• Internship and job applications, especially for competitive firms

If your CAP is lower than you want, focus on high-MC modules because they move your average more. A single A in a 4-MC module raises your CAP more than an A in a 2-MC module. Retaking a failed module replaces the F with the new grade in your CAP calculation (the old F is still on the transcript but not counted).

Limitations of the Calculator

This calculator assumes all grades are standard letter grades and all MCs are positive integers. It does not account for:

• Modules taken on exchange where grades may be converted differently
• Modules with ‘IP’ (In Progress) or ‘W’ (Withdrawn) status – these do not affect CAP
• Special grading schemes during COVID-19 (some cohorts had optional S/U for more modules)

Always verify your CAP against the official transcript on EduRec, as NUS may have faculty-specific rules (e.g., some faculties cap the number of S/U modules).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between GPA and CAP at NUS?

They are the same thing. NUS officially calls it the Cumulative Average Point (CAP), but many students and external parties use the generic term GPA. Both refer to the weighted average of grade points across all modules taken.

Can I calculate my CAP for one semester only?

Yes. Use the same formula but only include modules from that semester. The result is your Semester Average Point (SAP). Your CAP is the cumulative average across all semesters, including the current one.

How many S/U modules can I use?

For most undergraduate cohorts, the limit is 32 modular credits, which is typically 8 modules of 4 MC each. Some faculties or programmes may have different limits. Check your faculty’s handbook or EduRec for your specific allowance.

Does an A+ count more than an A?

No. Both A+ and A are worth 5.0 points at NUS. The A+ grade exists to recognise exceptional performance but does not give a higher CAP value.

What happens if I fail a module?

You receive 0 grade points, but the modular credits are still added to your total MC. This lowers your CAP significantly. You can retake the module, and the new grade replaces the F in your CAP calculation, but the F remains on your transcript.

How do I convert my NUS CAP to a 4.0 scale?

There is no official conversion. Some universities use a simple ratio (e.g., CAP/5 × 4), but this is not standard. When applying abroad, check the specific institution’s policy. Some ask for your CAP as-is, while others provide a conversion table.

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in grade | Grade (A+ to F) | - | A | 0
in mc | Modular Credits | - | 4 | 0
in count | Number of modules with this grade | - | 1 | 0
out points | Grade points earned | - | (grade_points * mc * count) | 2
out cap | CAP (per module) | - | grade_points | 2