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IB to A-Level Equivalence Calculator (2025 Guide)

Convert IB to A-Level the right way. Understand HL/SL, UCAS tariff, typical offers, and safe DIY methods—with FAQs covering every search term you care about.

IB to A-Level Equivalence Calculator (2025): How to Translate IB Points, HL/SL, and UCAS Tariff—Clearly and Safely

IB → A‑Level Equivalence Calculator

Includes HL/SL mapping • Offer‑band estimate

Choose input mode

Enter your 6 subjects

IB total is computed as subject sum (max 42) + core (0–3). CAS completion is assumed for equivalence. Try setting three HL subjects—UK offers usually hinge on HL performance.

Equivalence model

This uses common UK admissions heuristics. You can tweak thresholds below.
Enter data to see your overall A‑Level offer band and HL trio equivalence.
IB total: —
HL trio equivalence: —
Disclaimer: UK universities set their own equivalences and may specify HL conditions (e.g., 6,6,6 at HL). Use this as a planning guide and verify with course pages.

IB Subject Score (1–7) → GPA Converter

Fast, accurate GPA mapping for IB subject grades

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Why “IB ⇄ A-Level equivalence” is tricky (and how to do it right)

Equivalence isn’t a single magic chart—it’s a translation across different academic dialects:

  • A-Level is subject-based (usually 3–4 subjects, graded A*–E).

  • IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a broader mix (6 subjects at Higher Level and Standard Level + Core: TOK/EE/CAS), graded 1–7 with a maximum of 45 points (42 from subjects + up to 3 core points).

  • UCAS Tariff is a points framework many UK universities use to compare different qualifications. It’s helpful, but not every university admits by tariff—many prefer grade-based offers (e.g., “AAA” at A-Level or “36 with 6,6,6 at HL” for IB).

Because universities set different offer patterns (points, grades, subject minimums), you should treat any conversion as an estimate unless a university explicitly publishes a mapping. The safest route is to (a) understand the logic, (b) use a transparent, conservative method, and (c) state your assumptions whenever you self-report.


What an “IB to A-Level equivalence calculator” should—and shouldn’t—do

A reliable calculator should help you:

  1. Pick a pathway:

    • Route 1 (Offer-style): Translate a target A-Level offer (e.g., AAA) into a typical IB offer pattern (e.g., “36 with 6,6,6 at HL”).

    • Route 2 (Tariff-style): Convert a UCAS tariff target to IB/HL combinations or vice versa.

    • Route 3 (Diploma total): Turn IB total points into a ballpark A-Level profile (purely indicative).

  2. Expose assumptions clearly: state if you’re using tariff points (and which table), subject-by-subject mapping, or a generic linear estimate.

  3. Avoid definitive promises: No calculator can guarantee admission equivalence. Universities may require specific HL subjects or minimum grades independent of diploma totals.

Pro tip: When in doubt, mirror how UK offers are phrased:

  • A-Level: “AAA including Mathematics”

  • IB: “36 points with 6,6 in HL Maths and Physics
    That is a style, not a universal rule—always check the page for your course and university.


IB structures in one glance (so you can translate properly)

  • Higher Level (HL) vs Standard Level (SL): HL = deeper content and more teaching hours; SL = standard depth.

  • Total score: 6 subjects (1–7 each) + up to 3 core points (TOK/EE) → out of 45.

  • Universities care about HL: When converting to A-Level, pay most attention to HL performance because A-Level is a deep subject qualification.


Three safe DIY methods (use one, disclose it)

Use these to build your own “calculator logic.” You don’t need exact UCAS tables to estimate responsibly.

Method A — Offer-style patterning

  • Start with a target A-Level offer (e.g., AAA).

  • Pick a typical IB offer pattern seen for similar courses at peer universities (e.g., 36 with 6,6,6 at HL; or 35 with 6,6,5 at HL).

  • Adjust for subject specificity (e.g., HL Maths required vs optional).

When to use: You’ve found several comparable programmes and want an IB phrasing that mirrors their admissions style.

Method B — Subject-by-subject equivalence

  • Treat HL 6/7 as often aligning with A/A* rigor (context-dependent), and HL 5 roughly in the B range.

  • SL grades are generally viewed below HL when comparing to deep subject study like A-Level.

  • Build an indicative “profile equivalence” from your three strongest HLs.

When to use: You’re translating individual strengths (e.g., HL trio) to an A-Level-like picture.

Method C — Tariff-style (UCAS) estimation

  • If a university talks in UCAS tariff, use their official calculator or published tables to sum tariff from your IB components.

  • Beware: some universities don’t use tariff at all and will set subject-level grade conditions—these override any tariff “total.”

When to use: A course explicitly sets tariff totals or you want a rough marketplace comparison.

None of these methods is “the one true way.” They’re transparent tools to communicate your profile in another system’s language.


Practical examples (indicative, not official)

  • A-Level AAA often corresponds to an IB pattern like 36 with 6,6,6 at HL (or 35 with 6,6,5), depending on course competitiveness.

  • A-Level AAB might align with 34–35 IB with 6,6,5 at HL, but maths-heavy courses can be stricter on HL Maths specifically.

  • Highly selective courses (e.g., some medicine/engineering/compsci) may prefer 38–40 with 7,6 at HL (or HL Maths AA), even if the A-Level phrasing is “A*AA”.

Always verify the course page; two degrees at the same university can phrase IB offers differently.


UCAS Tariff, decoded briefly

  • What it is: A points framework to compare qualifications (A-Level, IB, BTEC, etc.).

  • What it isn’t: A guarantee that X tariff auto-translates into an offer. Many universities don’t use tariff and publish grade-specific requirements instead.

  • How to use safely: If a course states a tariff target (e.g., 112), use the UCAS calculator to estimate your IB profile’s tariff. If the course states grades (e.g., “36 with 6,6,6 HL”), focus on meeting those grades.


FAQs — Every keyword covered (question phrased exactly, with clear answers)

Each entry keeps the keyword intact and gives a natural, no-nonsense explanation. Where numbers vary by institution, we flag that clearly.

1) a level and ib

Answer: “A level and IB” are two different pre-university pathways. A-Level is deep study in usually 3–4 subjects; IB is broader with 6 subjects (HL/SL) + Core. Universities publish separate offer styles for each.

2) ib alevel

Answer: The phrase “ib alevel” usually means converting IB performance to an A-Level-style profile. The safest comparison is through HL grades (e.g., HL 6/7 roughly maps to top A-Level outcomes, context-dependent).

3) ib to a level

Answer: “ib to a level” conversion is not official anywhere. Use offer-style or tariff-style methods to produce an estimate, and always check the course’s admissions page.

4) international baccalaureate diploma equivalent

Answer: There isn’t one single “international baccalaureate diploma equivalent.” Equivalence depends on country and course. In the UK, many universities treat a strong IB Diploma (e.g., high 30s with strong HLs) as comparable to top A-Level outcomes.

5) a level baccalaureate

Answer: “a level baccalaureate” mixes two systems. A-Levels are UK subject qualifications. “Baccalaureate” usually refers to the International Baccalaureate diploma or to national baccalaureates in other countries.

6) a level ib equivalent

Answer: For “a level ib equivalent,” universities often publish patterns (e.g., A-Level AAA ≈ IB 36 with 6,6,6 at HL). Exact equivalence varies by subject/course.

7) ap level

Answer: “ap level” refers to Advanced Placement (US). AP is another rigorous pathway separate from A-Level/IB; universities set their own AP requirements and credit policies.

8) higher level ib

Answer: “higher level ib” (HL) is the deeper IB subject level. Universities weigh HL more heavily when comparing to A-Level because A-Level also reflects deep subject study.

9) ib diploma higher level

Answer: “ib diploma higher level” means HL subjects within the IB Diploma. Offers often specify HL grade minima (e.g., 6,6 in HL subjects).

10) ib diploma level

Answer: “ib diploma level” refers to the overall qualification (IBDP). It includes HL and SL subjects plus Core (TOK/EE/CAS), scored out of 45.

11) ib higher

Answer: “ib higher” is shorthand for IB Higher Level—the advanced track per subject (vs SL). Admissions conditions typically focus on HL.

12) ib level to percentage

Answer: “ib level to percentage” has no universal chart. Some schools publish internal percentage bands for 1–7, but universities admit by grades/points, not in-house percentages.

13) ib standard level

Answer: “ib standard level” (SL) is the standard depth for an IB subject. SL is valuable, but HL is the closest analogue to A-Level depth.

14) ib standard level math

Answer: “ib standard level math” is the SL track in IB Mathematics (AA or AI). For maths-intensive degrees, many universities prefer HL Maths.

15) ib to ucas points

Answer: “ib to ucas points” means converting IB achievements to the UCAS Tariff. Use the UCAS calculator or university-published tables; note that many courses publish grade-based IB offers instead.

16) ibdp level

Answer: “ibdp level” = International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme—the full diploma out of 45.

17) international baccalaureate a level equivalent

Answer: There is no single “international baccalaureate a level equivalent.” Rough guide: strong HL results (6/7) often align with A/A* at A-Level, but check course pages.

18) international baccalaureate hl

Answer: “international baccalaureate hl” is HL inside IB. HL grades are the key reference point when universities compare to A-Levels.

19) international baccalaureate standard level

Answer: “international baccalaureate standard level” (SL) is standard depth; still respected, but for equivalence with A-Level depth, HL is the focus.

20) international baccalaureate ucas points

Answer: “international baccalaureate ucas points” = tariff points attributed to IB components. Not all universities use tariff; many use grade-specific offers.

21) ib advanced certificate in teaching and learning research

Answer: This is an IB educator qualification, not a pre-university student award. It doesn’t convert to A-Level/UCAS in the same way as IBDP student grades.

22) 104 ucas points in ib

Answer: “104 ucas points in ib” depends on the UCAS tariff mix across your IB components. Use the official UCAS calculator; some courses don’t accept tariff and demand HL grade minima instead.

23) 112 ucas points in ib

Answer: As above—“112 ucas points in ib” is a tariff view, typically achievable through particular combinations of HL/SL grades. Confirm with UCAS tables and your target university’s preferences.

24) 128 ucas points in ib

Answer: “128 ucas points in ib” is a higher tariff target. Use UCAS to sum your components. Remember: if a course lists grade-based IB offers, that supersedes tariff.

25) 24 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: “24 ib points a level equivalent” signals a pass in the IB Diploma, not commonly equivalent to competitive A-Level offers for selective courses. Entry standards vary by university and subject.

26) 27 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 27 is above the minimum pass. In A-Level terms, it’s generally below the typical AAA/AAB competitive range. Always check specific course requirements.

27) 28 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 28 remains on the lower side for selective admissions; equivalence to A-Level depends on course and HS record. Check foundation or less competitive pathways if needed.

28) 30 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 30 is sometimes competitive for non-selective degrees or foundation years. For courses listing A-Level BBB/AAB, many universities might expect mid-30s in IB.

29) 32 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 32 can approach some courses asking A-Level BBB; many prefer 33–35+ in IB. Verify per course.

30) 32 ib points in a levels

Answer: “32 ib points in a levels” means translating 32 IB into an A-Level picture—often around BBB in spirit, but subject minima matter.

31) 32 ib points in ucas

Answer: “32 ib points in ucas” mixes IB total with UCAS tariff. Use the UCAS calculator to translate your subject grades into tariff.

32) 33 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 33 starts to touch A-Level BBB/AAB territory at some institutions, but HL subject requirements drive real offers.

33) 34 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 34 is often competitive for AAB-ish courses at some universities; selective programmes may ask for 35–38 with HL minima.

34) 36 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 36 is frequently seen near A-Level AAA equivalence in style (e.g., 6,6,6 at HL), though courses vary.

35) 36 ib points to a level

Answer: “36 ib points to a level” translation: think AAA-style expectations at many universities, with HL emphasis and subject specificity.

36) 37 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 37 can align with strong AAA/A*AA expectations in some contexts, particularly for competitive subjects.

37) 38 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 38 is competitive for many selective courses; some may express this as 6,6,6 HL or 7,6 HL patterns.

38) 39 ib points to a level

Answer: 39 typically maps to A*AA-style competitiveness in spirit, often with specific HL subject requirements.

39) 40 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 40 is strong across the board—often beyond A*AA in selectivity. Expect HL 7/6 subject minima for top courses.

40) 40 points ib equivalent to a level

Answer: In spirit, “40 points ib equivalent to a level” suggests a profile meeting or exceeding A*AA-type expectations, subject to course-specific HL needs.

41) 41 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 41 is highly competitive, similar to top A-Level outcomes with demanding HL criteria.

42) 42 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 42 is elite territory and competitive for top-tier programmes globally.

43) 44 ib points a level equivalent

Answer: 44 is near-perfect and exceeds most A-Level offer expectations; you’ll still need required HL subjects.

44) a level ap

Answer: “a level ap” compares A-Level with AP (US). Both are advanced; universities publish separate requirements for each.

45) a level to ib

Answer: “a level to ib” translation is the reverse direction. Use offer-style logic: A-Level AAA → IB 36 with 6,6,6 HL (indicative). Confirm per course.

46) ap a level

Answer: “ap a level” is another AP↔A-Level comparison—universities set independent requirements and credit policies.

47) ap a level equivalent

Answer: “ap a level equivalent” varies by university. Some consider AP 5s roughly comparable to high A-Level achievement for credit/advanced standing.

48) ap and a level

Answer: Students sometimes mix “ap and a level” across schooling systems; universities will read them within each system’s context.

49) ap and ib classes meaning

Answer: AP and IB are both rigorous. AP is exam-centric by subject; IB is a full diploma with HL/SL + Core. Universities respect both.

50) ap ib a level

Answer: “ap ib a level” bundles all three. For admissions, universities publish separate requirement lines for AP, IB, and A-Level.

51) ap ib accelerated cambridge honors elective 100 level 200 level

Answer: This mash-up references programme “rigor labels” (AP/IB), Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Level), and “100/200 level” (US college course levels). Admissions teams parse each credential under its own rule set.

52) beza ib dan a level

Answer: “beza ib dan a level” (Malay/Indonesian: “difference between IB and A-Level”)—IB = broad diploma (HL/SL + Core); A-Level = deep subject specialization.

53) colleges that accept ib sl credit

Answer: “colleges that accept ib sl credit” vary. Many award credit/placement mainly for HL; some also for high SL scores. Check each university’s credit policy.

54) convert ib to ucas points

Answer: Use the UCAS calculator to “convert ib to ucas points.” If a course lists grade-based IB offers, those trump any tariff total.

55) gcse ib equivalent

Answer: “gcse ib equivalent” usually compares GCSE to earlier IB years (MYP). They’re different frameworks; schools sometimes publish internal comparisons for placement, not admissions.

56) ib 28 points a level equivalent

Answer: 28 is typically below competitive A-Level equivalents for selective courses; consider foundation/alternative entry routes where available.

57) ib 32 points a level equivalent

Answer: 32 can be competitive for some programmes (roughly BBB spirit), but verify per course and HL subject requirements.

58) ib 35 points a level equivalent

Answer: 35 sits near AAB/AAA in spirit at some universities; HL subject demands may apply.

59) ib 36 points a level equivalent

Answer: 36 is often akin to AAA-style competitiveness, commonly phrased as 6,6,6 at HL in IB terms.

60) ib 42 points a level equivalent

Answer: 42 is outstanding and typically exceeds most A-Level expectations; HL subject specifics still matter.

61) ib 43 points a level equivalent

Answer: 43 is near-perfect; expect HL minima regardless of the high total.

62) ib 6 equivalent a level

Answer: “ib 6 equivalent a level” depends on level: HL 6 is often treated like a strong A; SL 6 is below HL in depth. University/course context matters.

63) ib after o levels

Answer: Many students do IB after O-Levels (IGCSE). Placement into HL often depends on strong IGCSE grades in those subjects.

64) ib and a level equivalent

Answer: “ib and a level equivalent” is always programme- and course-specific. Use HL results for comparison and check official offers.

65) ib ap a level

Answer: If a school asks about “ib ap a level,” they want to know which advanced path you took. Present your strongest path clearly and supply the official grades.

66) ib btec

Answer: “ib btec” compares IB (academic) with BTEC (vocational). Some universities accept mixed profiles; check course pages.

67) ib compared to a levels

Answer: IB is broader (6 subjects + Core); A-Levels are narrower but deeper. Universities appreciate both for different strengths.

68) ib diploma a level equivalent

Answer: There’s no single “ib diploma a level equivalent.” Use HL grades and IB total to mirror typical A-Level offers (e.g., 36 with 6,6,6 HL resembling AAA spirit).

69) ib diploma english level

Answer: “ib diploma english level” could mean English A vs B, HL vs SL. Some courses require English A (HL/SL) or set minimum grades.

70) ib diploma std level

Answer: “ib diploma std level” = Standard Level (SL) subjects within the diploma. Offers may still require HL grades in key subjects.

71) ib diploma ucas points

Answer: “ib diploma ucas points” are the tariff values you can compute via UCAS. Not every university uses tariff; many set IB grade conditions.

72) ib english level

Answer: “ib english level” relates to English A (Literature/Language & Literature) vs B and HL/SL. Degree pages specify what they accept for language proficiency or subject requirements.

73) ib exam level

Answer: “ib exam level” refers to HL vs SL for each subject—critical for equivalence to deep study like A-Level.

74) ib gcse

Answer: “ib gcse” mixes two frameworks. GCSE is a UK qualification typically compared with IB MYP rather than the DP.

75) ib language levels

Answer: “ib language levels” include Language A (native/near-native), Language B (second-language), and ab initio (beginners), each at HL/SL.

76) ib level 4

Answer: “ib level 4” likely means an IB grade 4 in a subject—usually considered a pass, but not competitive for demanding degree subjects.

77) ib level 5

Answer: “ib level 5” is stronger than 4 and may meet minimums in some courses; competitive programmes often want 6/7 at HL in required subjects.

78) ib level classes

Answer: “ib level classes” are your HL and SL courses. For equivalence to A-Levels, your HL trio matters most.

79) ib level courses

Answer: Same idea: IB courses at HL/SL across six groups. Universities read the HL trio like an A-Level set.

80) ib level meaning

Answer: “ib level meaning” = the IB grading (1–7) and course levels (HL vs SL). For A-Level equivalence, HL 6/7 are the strongest signals.

81) ib math levels

Answer: “ib math levels” refers to Analysis & Approaches (AA) and Applications & Interpretation (AI), both offered at HL and SL.

82) ib maths higher

Answer: “ib maths higher” = Math HL (either AA HL or AI HL). Many maths-heavy degrees expect AA HL.

83) ib maths levels

Answer: Same as #81—two tracks (AA/AI) at two depths (HL/SL). Check the degree’s maths track requirement.

84) ib points a level equivalent

Answer: “ib points a level equivalent” is contextual. Rough guides: mid-30s IB often aligns with AAA-ish expectations; low 30s with AAB/BBB—but subject minima matter.

85) ib points equivalent to a levels

Answer: See above—translate your HL grades and IB total into an A-Level-style pattern (e.g., “36 with 6,6,6 HL”).

86) ib points to a level

Answer: Same translation idea: “ib points to a level” means shaping your IB result into an A-Level-like profile. Use offer-style phrasing.

87) ib points to ucas points

Answer: Use the UCAS tariff calculator for “ib points to ucas points.” Remember, tariff ≠ automatic offer fulfillment.

88) ib points to ucas points converter

Answer: That’s the UCAS tool or university-published tariff charts. Use them to estimate only.

89) ib points to ucas tariff

Answer: Same concept—“ucas tariff” is the points system. Convert with UCAS, then check whether your target course actually uses tariff.

90) ib score a level equivalent

Answer: “ib score a level equivalent” is best read as a pattern, not a single number: e.g., IB 36 with 6,6,6 HL ≈ A-Level AAA in spirit (course-dependent).

91) ib score equivalent to a level

Answer: Same as above: universities publish IB offer patterns rather than a single “score equals grade” chart.

92) ib score for medicine

Answer: Medicine is highly competitive. Many programmes expect 38–40+ with HL Biology/Chemistry (and sometimes HL Maths), each with specific minima. Always check the exact medical school requirements.

93) ib score to ucas points

Answer: Use the UCAS calculator. If your course requires grades rather than tariff totals, focus on meeting those grades first.

94) ib standard maths

Answer: “ib standard maths” is SL Maths (AA or AI). Some degrees accept SL; others require HL Maths, especially for STEM.

95) ib to a level equivalent

Answer: The safest phrasing is an IB offer-style pattern mirroring the A-Level one (e.g., AAA ↔ “36 with 6,6,6 at HL,” indicative only).

96) ib to ucas points converter

Answer: That’s the UCAS tariff converter. Use it for estimates; confirm how your specific course sets offers.

97) ib ucas points calculator

Answer: The official UCAS calculator helps compute tariff from IB components; some universities also publish their own summaries.

98) ib ucas tariff points

Answer: These are the tariff points your IB profile earns. For admissions, grade conditions (e.g., HL 6s) can outweigh a tariff total.

99) ibo certificate in higher level

Answer: “ibo certificate in higher level” can refer to course certificates (single-subject IB results) or educator credentials; admissions focus on IBDP results for student entry.

100) international baccalaureate gcse

Answer: “international baccalaureate gcse” conflates frameworks. GCSE ≈ UK Y11; IB has PYP/MYP before DP. Universities assess DP for entry; GCSE/IGCSE may matter for prerequisites.

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