UCAS Tariff Points Calculator

UCAS tariff points provide a standard way to compare qualifications from different awarding bodies. An A-level A* is worth 56 points, an A is 48, a B is 40, a C is 32, a D is 24 and an E is 16. BTEC qualifications, Scottish Highers, the International Baccalaureate and other approved qualifications each have their own tariff values.

Not all universities use UCAS points for admissions — many (including Russell Group institutions) make offers in terms of specific grades rather than points. However, some universities set entry requirements as a tariff total (for example, 112 UCAS points), giving applicants flexibility in how they achieve the target.

Enter your qualifications and grades. The calculator converts each to UCAS tariff points and shows your total. It also lists common entry requirements and whether your total meets them. Remember that some courses require specific subjects regardless of overall points.

How UCAS points are calculated. UCAS Tariff Points (since 2017): A-Level grades A*=56, A=48, B=40, C=32, D=24, E=16. AS-Level: A=20, B=16, C=12. T-Level: Distinction*=168, Distinction=144, Merit=120, Pass=72. BTEC Extended Diploma: D*D*D*=168, DDD=144, MMM=96. Scottish Highers: A=33, B=27, C=21. Welsh Bacc: A=56, B=48 (Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate). Use UCAS Tariff calculator on ucas.com for exact totals.

Typical entry requirements by university tier. Russell Group (Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Imperial): typically 144-160 points = A*AA-A*A*A* at A-Level. Mid-tier universities (Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds): 128-144 = AAB-AAA. Lower-tariff (Bath Spa, Manchester Met, Sheffield Hallam): 96-128 = CCC-BBC. Specific courses have minimums: Medicine A*AA in specific subjects; Engineering AAB Maths+Physics; Law: AAB-AAA. Always check the specific course requirements.

Beyond UCAS points — what universities really want. Universities consider: (1) Predicted grades (most important — must match achieved); (2) Personal statement (relevance, evidence of interest beyond syllabus); (3) References from teachers; (4) Subject combinations (some courses need specific A-Levels); (5) Admissions tests (Medicine UCAT/BMAT; Law LNAT; Maths MAT/STEP; Cambridge ENGAA/NSAA); (6) Interviews (Oxbridge, medical schools, top economics). High UCAS points without strong supporting application won't secure competitive course offers.

Clearing and adjustment — second-chance routes. Clearing (mid-August): for students who didn't get offers OR got better grades than predicted. ~30,000 places fill via Clearing annually. Adjustment (post-results, before Clearing): if you exceed firm offer, can search for higher-tariff alternatives without losing original place. Best for those scoring A*AA when predicted ABB. Most Clearing fills in 24-72 hours after results day — be ready with phone, university lists, and decisions.

UCAS Tariff — what each grade is worth 2026. A-levels: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. AS-levels: A = 20, B = 16, C = 12, D = 10, E = 6 (worth 40% of A-level). BTEC Extended Diploma (Triple): D*D*D* = 168, DDD = 144, MMM = 96. Scottish Highers: A = 33, B = 27, C = 21. Advanced Higher: A = 56, B = 48, C = 40. International Baccalaureate Diploma: 45 points max; equivalent ~3 A* if 38+ points.

How universities use UCAS points. Some universities specify UCAS points (e.g. 'ABB or 128 UCAS points'). Others specify exact grades and subjects (e.g. 'AAB including Maths A'). Russell Group universities typically grade-specific. Less competitive courses more flexible with UCAS points. Vocational courses (BTEC, NVQ) more commonly use Tariff. Mixed qualifications counted together up to maximum allowed (usually 3 A-levels + 1 AS or equivalent, no double-counting).

UCAS Tariff strategies. Best 3 A-levels usually counted (some universities take best 4 including AS). EPQ (Extended Project Qualification): A* = 28 points, A = 24. Many universities give EPQ alternative offer (one grade lower main grades if EPQ A). General Studies: many universities DON'T count. Critical Thinking: doesn't count toward most courses. Subject combinations matter — universities often specify 'essay-based subjects' for English Literature, 'STEM subjects' for engineering.

Clearing — using UCAS points after results day. Results day: third Thursday of August (A-levels). Clearing opens 5pm GMT same day. Missed grades or didn't get firm/insurance offer: search Clearing places via UCAS portal. Phone universities directly. Decision typically same day. Adjustment (for over-achievers): if you exceeded predicted grades, can swap firm/insurance for higher-ranked uni. UCAS Tariff used widely in Clearing — universities often advertise 'AAB or 136+ UCAS points' for last-minute openings.

Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish differences. Scotland: Highers (Year 11-12 equivalent, age 16-17), Advanced Highers (Year 12-13). Most Scots students apply to Scottish unis with Highers; English unis usually require Advanced Highers OR Highers + additional year. Wales: Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate = 56 UCAS points (A*) equivalent. Northern Ireland: similar to England (A-levels). International students: A-level equivalents recognised by NARIC/UK ENIC; UCAS Tariff for non-A-level qualifications varies by country.