SmartCGPA

CGPA Calculator for Peru

Calculate your PPS (semester) or PPA (cumulative) using Peru's vigesimal scale (0–20). Credit-weighted averages as used by PUCP, UNMSM, Universidad de Lima and other SUNEDU-accredited universities.

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Grading System Overview (Peru)
Vigesimal scale 0–20 with credit-weighted averages

Peruvian universities use a vigesimal scale (0–20). There is no conversion to quality points like a 4.0 GPA; raw grades are used directly in the weighted average.

  • PPS / PPA: Promedio Ponderado Semestral (semester weighted average) and Promedio Ponderado Acumulado (cumulative weighted average).
  • Credits: Créditos. Grading is almost universally credit-weighted.
  • Pass mark: 11 is the legal minimum. Some institutions (e.g. PUCP, Universidad de Lima) may require 12 or 13 for specific programmes.
  • Rounding: 0.5 or higher rounds up to the next integer (e.g. 10.5 → 11 = pass).
Step-by-Step Calculation
Credit-weighted arithmetic mean
  1. Grades awarded: Each course receives a numerical grade (0–20).
  2. Credit multiplication: Grade × Credits = points for that course.
  3. Summation: Sum all points.
  4. Division: Total points ÷ Total credits.
  5. PPS vs PPA: PPS uses only the current semester; PPA includes all credits since programme start.
Grade to US Equivalent (Conversion Table)
Approximate mapping used by institutions and Fulbright
Peruvian Grade (0–20)DescriptorUS Approx.
18–20Sobresaliente (Excellent)A+ / A
16–17Muy Bueno (Very Good)A−
14–15Bueno (Good)B
12–13Regular (Satisfactory)C
11Suficiente (Passing)D
0–10Desaprobado (Fail)F

Note: An 18 is exceptionally rare in many faculties (e.g. Engineering, Law).

Worked Example
Semester 2025-I
CourseCreditsGrade (0–20)Weighted Points
Cálculo I51470
Antropología31751
Química General41248
Taller de Comunicación21836
Totals-205

Semester Weighted Average = 205 ÷ 14 = 14.64

Final rounded grade: 15 (Bueno)

Types of Averages Used in Peru
  • Promedio Ponderado Semestral (PPS): Semester average. Used for Dean's List (Quinto Superior) honours.
  • Promedio Ponderado Acumulado (PPA): Cumulative average of all courses. Equivalent to CGPA.
  • Orden de Mérito (Class Rank): Décimo Superior (top 10%), Quinto Superior (top 20%), Tercio Superior (top 33.3%). Often more important than the numerical average for employers.
Top Universities in Peru

Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP)

Scale: 0–20

Weighted average; pass 11. Uses Coeficiente de Rendimiento Académico (CRAEST).

Regulations

Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM)

Scale: 0–20

Public university standard. Pass 11. Rigorous rounding rules.

Regulations

Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH)

Scale: 0–20

Specialized in sciences; high performance required for medical residency ranking.

Regulations

Universidad de Lima

Scale: 0–20

Standard 20-point scale. Detailed merit ranking system.

Regulations

Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC)

Scale: 0–20

Credit-weighted averages; electronic transcripts include class rank.

Regulations
International GPA Conversion
  • Non-linearity: Converting a 15 to US 3.0 may under-evaluate. Credential services (WES, ECE) recognize that a 20 is harder to achieve than a US 4.0.
  • 11 threshold: While 11 is pass in Peru, US institutions may view 12 or 13 as minimum for transferable credit (≈ C).
  • Rank matters: A 14/20 student in Quinto Superior can be more competitive than a 16/20 student in a less rigorous programme, especially for UK/Europe applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (Peru)

Educational estimates only • Verify with your institution