A-Level Grade Calculator
Calculate UCAS tariff points from A-Level grades. See which universities your grades qualify for.
Source: Ofqual — Exam regulation
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Founder, Calks.uk
Last updated: · Verified against HMRC and GOV.UK 2026/27 rates
A-Level Grades
Total UCAS Points
128
ABB
Strong university options
UCAS Points:
Russell Group typically requires AAA-ABB (144-128 pts). Check individual course requirements.
Disclaimer
This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.
How It Works
A-level grades range from A* to E, with grade boundaries set by exam boards after marking. Most A-levels consist of two or three exam papers, each with different weightings. Some subjects also include non-exam assessment (coursework, practical endorsements or portfolios). The calculator combines component marks using the correct weighting for your exam board.
Uniform Mark Scale (UMS) was used by legacy specifications to standardise marks across different exam sessions. Current linear A-levels do not use UMS — grades are determined from raw marks against boundaries set each year. This calculator works with both raw marks (current specifications) and UMS (legacy qualifications).
Enter your subject, exam board and marks for each component. The calculator applies weightings and compares your total against published grade boundaries. Results are estimates, as boundaries change annually. Check your exam board's website (AQA, Edexcel, OCR or WJEC) for the most recent published boundaries.
A-Level grading 2025/26. A* — 90%+ (UMS or raw mark equivalent). A — 80%+. B — 70%+. C — 60%+. D — 50%+. E — 40%+. U (Unclassified) — below 40%. Some subjects (Chemistry, Physics) have lower boundaries (A* often 84-86%). Grade boundaries adjusted yearly based on cohort performance — published 1-3 days before results day. AS-Levels (separate qualification): worth 40% of full A-Level for UCAS Tariff.
UCAS Tariff points 2026. A-Level: A* = 56; A = 48; B = 40; C = 32; D = 24; E = 16. AS-Level: A = 20; B = 16; C = 12; D = 10; E = 6. BTEC Extended Diploma: D*D*D* = 168 (≈ 3×A*); DDD = 144 (≈ 3×A); MMM = 96 (≈ 3×C). Scottish Highers: A = 33; B = 27; C = 21. Welsh Bacc Skills Challenge Certificate: A = 56 (equivalent to A* A-Level).
UK university entry requirements by tier. Russell Group (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial): typically 144-160 UCAS points = A*AA to A*A*A*. Specific subject requirements: Medicine A*AA usually, Law AAA-A*AA, Maths/Physics A* in specific subject. Mid-tier (Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds): 128-144 = ABB to AAA. Lower-tariff (Bath Spa, Manchester Met): 96-128 = CCC to BBC. Always check course-specific requirements — points alone don't guarantee admission.
Predicted vs achieved grades. Schools predict grades for UCAS applications. Predictions often optimistic — UK research shows 25-30% of A-Level predictions are too high. Universities give 'offer' based on predictions but verify with actual results day. Missed predicted grades: may lose firm offer. Insurance choice (backup): typically 1-2 grades lower. Adjustment scheme: if you exceed predictions, can swap to higher-ranked university within 5 days of results.
Clearing — second chance route. Clearing opens results day (third Thursday August) 8am. ~30,000 places filled via Clearing annually. Phone universities directly (lines busy). Course availability lower-tariff usually but some Russell Group spots exist for high-achievers. Adjustment (overachievers): different process — exceeded firm offer, search higher-ranked. 5-day window. UCAS portal shows available courses. Most Clearing places fill in 24-72 hours. Decision must be confirmed within hours typically.
Example: A-level Chemistry (AQA), Paper 1: 72/105, Paper 2: 68/105, Paper 3: 35/90
- Total raw marks: 72 + 68 + 35 = 175/300
- Percentage: 58.3%
- AQA grade boundary reference: A ≈ 187, B ≈ 163, C ≈ 139
- Estimated grade: B
Source: Ofqual — Exam regulation
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the A-Level Grade Calculator do?
- Calculate UCAS tariff points from A-Level grades. See which universities your grades qualify for.
- A-Level grading and UCAS points.
- A-Levels graded A*-E (no U for pass anymore). UCAS points: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. Russell Group typically requires A*AA-AAA (152-160 points). Modern A-Levels are 'linear' since 2017 — all exams at end of year 13, no AS contribution to A2 grades.
- A-Level vs T-Level vs BTEC.
- A-Level: 2 years, all exam, broad academic curriculum. T-Level: 2 years, industry-focused with 9-week placement, equivalent to 3 A-Levels (T-Level Distinction* = 168 UCAS points = A*A*A*). BTEC: vocational, mix of coursework and exam, BTEC Extended Diploma = 3 A-Levels worth. Universities accept all three but specific courses prefer particular routes.
- Predicted grades and university offers.
- Predicted grades by teachers in autumn term of year 13 — these go to UCAS. Universities make conditional offers based on predicted grades. Achieved grades must meet conditions. If you exceed predicted (eg predicted AAB, achieved A*AA): can use 'Adjustment' to upgrade university (5 days post-results). If below: enter 'Clearing'.