TNU, TCP, GPA, CTNU, CTCP and CGPA, explained with a worked example.
For everyone · about 5 minute read · updated 31 October 2026
A transcript lists each semester's courses and grades, then six figures that summarise them. Once you know what they are, you can check any of them with a calculator.
| Figure | Meaning | How it is worked out |
|---|---|---|
| TNU | Total number of units this semester | Add the units of the semester's courses |
| TCP | Total credit points this semester | For each course, grade points × units, then add them |
| GPA | Grade point average this semester | TCP ÷ TNU |
| CTNU | Cumulative units | Units counted so far, across all semesters |
| CTCP | Cumulative credit points | Credit points counted so far |
| CGPA | Cumulative GPA | CTCP ÷ CTNU |
On the 5-point scale a student takes five courses in the first semester:
| Course | Units | Grade | Points | Units × points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSC 101 | 3 | A | 5 | 15 |
| MTH 101 | 3 | B | 4 | 12 |
| PHY 101 | 3 | F | 0 | 0 |
| GST 101 | 2 | C | 3 | 6 |
| STA 101 | 3 | B | 4 | 12 |
TNU is 3 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 3 = 14. TCP is 15 + 12 + 0 + 6 + 12 = 45. GPA = 45 ÷ 14 = 3.21. The failed course still counts its units, which is why a fail pulls the GPA down.
In the next semester the student scores a GPA of 4.00 on 6 units (24 credit points). Now CTNU is 20, CTCP is 69, and CGPA = 69 ÷ 20 = 3.45. The CGPA is worked out from all the points and all the units, not by averaging the two GPAs.
If the student retakes PHY 101 and passes with a B (4 points), the earlier F is marked retaken: not counted in CGPA and the B replaces it, if your institution counts only the latest attempt. Your institution can instead count the best attempt or every attempt.
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