A-Level to UCAS Points Calculators (2025): The Field-Tested Playbook for Tariff Math, Offers, and Smart “What-Ifs”

Introduction: why UCAS points still matter in 2025 (and when they don’t)

If you’re applying to UK universities this cycle, you’ll run into two styles of entry requirements:

1. Grade-based offers (e.g., AAB, or A in Maths), and

2. Tariff-based offers expressed as UCAS points (e.g., 112 UCAS points, sometimes with a subject stipulation like “including B in Chemistry”).

UCAS points—also called the UCAS Tariff—are simply a common yardstick that assigns a numeric value to grades from many Level 3 qualifications (A-Levels, some BTECs, EPQ, certain music/dance/language awards, T Levels, and more). They make it easier to compare diverse qualification mixes. Some universities rely heavily on tariff points; others ignore them and quote grades only. The only way to know which you’re dealing with is to check the course page or use UCAS Search and the official UCAS Tariff calculator for confirmation. 

This guide shows you how to:

• Read the current A-Level → UCAS points mapping,

• Use (or build) an A-Level to UCAS points calculator the right way,

• Avoid the classic traps (like double-counting AS and A-Level in the same subject), and

• Stress-test offers with “what-if” scenarios so you know exactly how close you are to 104, 112, 120, or any other tariff target.

We’ll also walk through EPQ and AS Level add-ons, BTEC mixes, Clearing use cases, and a big FAQ that answers the most common questions students ask in 2025.

Part 1 — The current A-Level → UCAS Tariff (quick reference)

The new UCAS Tariff (introduced in 2017 and still used in 2025) assigns these values for full A-Level grades:

• A* = 56 points

• A = 48

• B = 40

• C = 32

• D = 24

• E = 16

Multiple reputable sources list these values (and you’ll see the same numbers echoed across official university pages). Always defer to UCAS or your course page for the final word. 

AS Level grades carry smaller values and are not counted if they duplicate a completed full A-Level in the same subject (many providers only count your best three full A-Levels for tariff-based offers, sometimes with caps on additional points). Typical AS values: A=20, B=16, C=12, D=10, E=6. Always read course fine print about whether AS points can supplement your A-Levels. 

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) can be a useful booster: A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12, E = 8. Several universities explicitly welcome EPQ points, sometimes with a lower grade condition if you undertake an EPQ. Check the course page. 

Sanity check: The safest places to confirm values and eligibility are the official UCAS Tariff explainer/calculator and the course page for your provider; UCAS updates its calculator regularly. 

Part 2 — Example totals for popular grade profiles (so you can eyeball offers fast)

Below are illustrative totals using the A-Level values above. Work from left to right, add carefully, and you’ll match common tariff-based offers you’ll see in 2025.

• A*A*A* = 56 + 56 + 56 = 168

• A*AA = 56 + 48 + 48 = 152

• AAA = 48 + 48 + 48 = 144

• AAB = 48 + 48 + 40 = 136

• ABB = 48 + 40 + 40 = 128

• BBB = 40 + 40 + 40 = 120

• BBC = 40 + 40 + 32 = 112

• BCC = 40 + 32 + 32 = 104

• CCC = 32 + 32 + 32 = 96

• DDD = 24 + 24 + 24 = 72

Now plug in EPQ to see how it shifts totals:

• BBB (120) + EPQ A* (28) → 148

• BBC (112) + EPQ A (24) → 136

• BCC (104) + EPQ B (20) → 124

These figures help you translate between a grade-based and a tariff-based offer at a glance. (Remember: some providers accept EPQ, some don’t; check the course page.) 

Part 3 — The right way to use A-Level → UCAS points calculators

A) Use the official calculator first

Start with the UCAS site’s own Tariff calculator: add each qualification (A-Level, AS, EPQ, BTEC, etc.), select your predicted or achieved grade, and note the total. UCAS stresses that not every qualification carries Tariff points and not every university uses Tariff in offers—so it’s a guide, not a guarantee. 

B) Cross-check with a university calculator (optional)

Many universities publish their own calculators or tables (especially during Clearing). These inevitably mirror the UCAS Tariff but may include local notes (e.g., “we count your three best A-Levels only” or “we accept EPQ to reach the total”). Use them to triangulate and to see how that provider thinks about totals. 

C) Build your own spreadsheet in 10 minutes (future-proof)

A lightweight Google Sheet/Excel can save you a lot of scrolling:

1. Create a lookup table:

   • A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16 (full A-Level).

   • AS: A = 20, B = 16, C = 12, D = 10, E = 6.

   • EPQ: A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12, E = 8. University of LancashireWikipediaIvy Education

2. Add dropdowns for Qualification and Grade in each row.

3. Use XLOOKUP/INDEX-MATCH to return the points.

4. Sum the points column at the bottom.

5. Add a separate cell for your target (e.g., 112), and show the gap: =Total - Target.

Spreadsheet built. Update only if UCAS changes the Tariff table or you add a new qual.

D) Avoid the five classic calculator mistakes

1. Double-counting AS and A-Level in the same subject. AS is usually not counted if you’ve completed the full A-Level. 

2. Forgetting qualification caps. Some offers count only your best three A-Levels and may exclude extras (EPQ, music grades) even though they have Tariff values—read the small print. 

3. Assuming every provider uses points. Plenty of courses are grade-only; tariff totals won’t help you there. 

4. Using out-of-date assumptions. UCAS updates the calculator and Tariff list; always confirm via UCAS. 

5. Counting non-Tariff quals. Not all qualifications carry points (or they might be at Level 2, e.g., GCSEs); the calculator will typically exclude them. 

Part 4 — Worked “what-if” scenarios (so you know exactly where you stand)

Scenario 1 — You’re aiming for 112 points and currently at 104

Your predicted grades: BCC (104). If the course says “112 UCAS points (no subject stipulations),” here’s how you could bridge the gap:

• Improve C → B in any one subject: +8 points (from 32 to 40) → 112.

• Keep BCC but earn EPQ grade B: +20 → 124 (if the course allows EPQ to count).

• Or swap one C for A (+16) and drop the EPQ entirely.

Check whether your course counts EPQ toward the total, or requires a subject grade (e.g., “including B in Biology”). Tariff and subject conditions can coexist.

Scenario 2 — Grade offer BBB vs tariff offer 120

Mathematically, BBB = 40 + 40 + 40 = 120. If you have BBC (112) plus EPQ A (24) = 136, that exceeds 120—but some providers still insist on BBB specifically, not a points total. Always read the firm wording; points can’t always substitute for named grades. 

Scenario 3 — Mixing A-Levels and BTEC

Suppose your offer is 112 points and your programme accepts mixed quals. You have BTEC National Extended Certificate D* (often 56 points for the 1-A-Level-sized award) plus BB at A-Level (40 + 40 = 80) → 136. That beats 112 comfortably. But if the page says “DMM in BTEC Extended Diploma or BBB at A-Level,” it may not accept mix-and-match. Check provider wording (and their calculator). 

Scenario 4 — Clearing triage: can your points unlock a place?

In Clearing, universities often display tariff cut-offs (e.g., 104+). Tot up your real grades and any accepted extras (AS, EPQ) to see where you land. Many universities host a quick calculator on their Clearing page to help you verify eligibility and call with confidence. 

Part 5 — Policy reality: how providers actually use points

• Course pages rule. UCAS provides the calculator and framework; each university decides how to apply it. Some specify both points and essential subjects/grades (e.g., “120 points including B in Chemistry”). 

• Caps are common. Many tariff-based courses will limit the number or type of additional quals that can contribute (e.g., “top three A-Levels only,” or “EPQ can contribute up to 28 points”). 

• Not all universities use tariff points. Particularly at higher-tariff providers, offers are often grade-based (AAB, AAA). Tariff calculators are still helpful for self-assessment and Clearing planning. 

• Annual refresh. UCAS updates the list of included qualifications and maintains the official calculator—use it each cycle. 

Part 6 — Build a pro-grade calculator (and avoid human error)

If you want a serious, zero-mistake tool you can reuse for mock predictions, actual grades, and Clearing, set up these components:

1) Inputs

• A row per qualification (A-Level, AS, EPQ, BTEC component, etc.).

• Data validation lists for Qualification type and Grade.

• A checkbox “Counts toward total” if your course caps the number you can include.

2) Lookup tables

• Separate sheets for A-Level, AS, EPQ, BTEC (by size), music/dance/language awards. Use columns: Qualification | Grade | Points | Size.

• A boolean “Level 3” to avoid accidentally adding Level 2/GCSE entries (which carry no tariff). 

3) Logic

• Points = XLOOKUP(Qualification & Grade, Lookup!Key, Lookup!Points)

• Eligible = AND(Level3=TRUE, Counts=TRUE)

• Total = SUMIF(Eligible, TRUE, Points)

4) Offer engine

• Add cells for Course Target (e.g., 112), Required Subject Grade (e.g., B in Chem), and a logic message:

  • “☑ Points threshold met,”

  • “☑ Subject condition met,”

  • “⚠ Need +8 points or raise Chemistry to B.”

5) Audit ribbon

• A live list of quals you’re not counting (handy when providers cap contributions).

• A flag if you attempted to count AS + A-Level in the same subject.

This mini-system mirrors how admissions and advisors audit an application—so your self-checks align with theirs.

Part 7 — Interpreting “104 / 112 / 120” (and other common thresholds)

• 104 often corresponds to BCC (40 + 32 + 32), or CC + EPQ A* (64 + 28 = 92—so you’d still need more), or a creative mix (e.g., BC plus a one-A-Level-sized BTEC Merit if permitted).

• 112 maps cleanly to BBC.

• 120 maps to BBB (or AB + EPQ B, etc.).

• 128 maps to ABB.

• 136 maps to AAB.

• 144 maps to AAA.

These are mental anchors. Your actual pathway depends on whether the course recognises EPQ or other quals and whether it has subject-specific demands. 

Part 8 — Myths vs facts (so you don’t sabotage your own offer)

• Myth: “If I hit the points, subjects don’t matter.”
  Fact: Subject requirements can be non-negotiable. You might need a B in Maths even if your total exceeds the tariff. 

• Myth: “Every extra certificate boosts my points.”
  Fact: Providers often cap contributions or exclude certain quals from the total. Read your course page, then use a calculator to test scenarios accordingly. 

• Myth: “AS adds on top of A-Level in the same subject.”
  Fact: Typically no—the full A-Level supersedes the AS in that subject. 

• Myth: “UCAS points are the currency everywhere.”
  Fact: Many courses are grade-only; use points primarily where the provider actually uses the Tariff. 

Part 9 — 2025 landscape notes

• UCAS maintains and updates the official calculator and Tariff inclusion list for each cycle. Don’t rely on a screenshot from last year—open the live tool. 

• Universities are transparent that Tariff is guidance. Even when they quote a total, read details for subject-specific minimums, caps, and accepted quals. 

• During Clearing, university calculators can be helpful secondary checks—particularly when phone lines are busy and you want confidence you meet a posted threshold before calling. 

Frequently Asked Questions (2025)

1) How many UCAS points is each A-Level grade worth?

For full A-Levels: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. 

2) Do all universities use UCAS points in their offers?

No. Many make grade-based offers only (e.g., AAB). Others use points or a hybrid (“112 points including B in Biology”). Always check the course page or UCAS Search. 

3) What’s the best A-Level to UCAS points calculator?

Start with the official UCAS calculator; it’s kept current and covers a wide range of Level 3 quals. University calculators are useful second checks and often include local notes. 

4) Can I count AS Level points and the A-Level in the same subject?

Typically no—the A-Level supersedes the AS in that subject. Many providers also cap the number of counted quals. 

5) How many UCAS points is 112 in A-Level grades?

BBC totals 112 (40 + 40 + 32). Other combos may reach 112 if EPQ or other accepted quals are allowed. 

6) How many UCAS points is 120?

BBB totals 120. You could also reach it with, for example, AB plus EPQ B (if accepted). 

7) Does the EPQ add UCAS points?

Yes. EPQ carries up to 28 points for an A* (A=24, B=20, C=16, D=12, E=8). Acceptance varies by course; many welcome it. 

8) Are GCSEs part of the UCAS Tariff?

No. The Tariff covers Level 3 (and SCQF Level 6) qualifications. GCSEs (Level 2) don’t contribute. Providers may still require them separately (e.g., Maths and English at grade 4/5/6). 

9) Are BTECs, T Levels, or other awards counted?

Many Level 3 quals have Tariff values (e.g., BTEC Nationals, EPQ, some graded music/dance/language exams, T Levels). Use the UCAS calculator to confirm your specific award and size. 

10) My offer says “112 UCAS points including B in Chemistry.” What does that mean?

You need to hit the total and achieve at least a B in Chemistry. Points aren’t a substitute for the subject condition. 

11) What if my points meet the total but my grades don’t match the named offer?

If the offer is grade-based, points alone won’t help. If it’s tariff-based with no subject stipulations, hitting or exceeding the total usually satisfies that part—subject to any caps. Check the exact wording and ask admissions if unsure. 

12) Can I use extra certificates (music, language, sports) to reach the total?

Sometimes. Many have Tariff values, but providers may limit how many you can count. Validate in the UCAS calculator, then read the course page for caps. 

13) How do I calculate points based on predicted grades?

Use tables/calculators that accept predicted grades, add them up, and compare to typical thresholds (104/112/120). Remember some universities don’t use the Tariff in offers. 

14) What’s the difference between AAB and 136 points?

Numerically, AAB = 48 + 48 + 40 = 136. But if the provider says AAB, you usually must meet the grades; hitting 136 via a different mix doesn’t necessarily satisfy it. 

15) In Clearing, should I pitch based on grades or points?

Both. Some Clearing pages show tariff cut-offs (e.g., 104+); others ask for grades. Having your total ready in a calculator speeds those calls and chat forms. Nottingham Trent University

16) Do tariff points change every year?

The framework has been stable, but UCAS updates the calculator and the list of included quals regularly. Always use the current UCAS tool. 

17) Where can I see an official table?

UCAS provides the calculator and guidance pages; many university sites also publish clear A-Level tariff tables (e.g., A* 56, A 48, etc.). Cross-check with UCAS. 

18) How do I present mixed qualifications on my UCAS application?

Enter each qualification and grade in your UCAS form. For your own planning, use the calculator to total points—but remember the university may cap which ones count.

19) Can an EPQ lower a grade condition?

Sometimes a provider will make an alternative offer (“BBB or BBC + EPQ at A”). If not explicitly stated, assume EPQ only adds points, not a grade swap. Check the course page. 

20) I’ve got BCC and an EPQ A. Is that better than BBC?

Tariff-wise, BCC (104) + EPQ A (24) = 128, which exceeds BBC (112)—but a course that wants BBC (grades) might still insist on BBC. Tariff totals help only where totals actually apply