A-Level to UCAS Points Calculator 2026
The UCAS Tariff system is the universal points framework used by UK universities to assess applicants' qualifications for undergraduate admissions. Understanding how your A-Level grades convert to UCAS points is essential for meeting university entry requirements, evaluating your competitiveness for competitive courses, and making informed decisions during the UCAS application process. This comprehensive calculator and guide provides instant UCAS points calculations, detailed tariff tables, and expert guidance on maximizing your university prospects.
Whether you're planning which A-Levels to take, predicting your university eligibility, or finalizing your UCAS choices, this tool simplifies the complex conversion process. The UCAS Tariff assigns numerical points to different qualification grades, with A-Levels being the most common pathway. A* grades earn the maximum points, descending through A, B, C, D, and E grades. Understanding this system empowers you to strategically plan your academic journey and set realistic university targets.
Your UCAS Points
Understanding the UCAS Tariff System
The UCAS Tariff was introduced to create a standardized method for comparing different qualifications across the UK education system. Administered by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), this points-based system converts grades from A-Levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, International Baccalaureate, and numerous other qualifications into a universal numerical score. Universities specify entry requirements using UCAS Tariff points, making it easier for applicants with diverse educational backgrounds to understand whether they meet admission criteria.
The current UCAS Tariff was revised in 2017 to better reflect the distinction between qualifications and provide finer differentiation between grades. Under this system, A-Level grades receive points as follows: A* = 56 points, A = 48 points, B = 40 points, C = 32 points, D = 24 points, and E = 16 points. These values apply to full A-Level qualifications, while AS-Levels receive exactly half the points of their equivalent full A-Level grade. The mathematical relationship between grades creates a linear progression that rewards higher achievement.
UCAS Points Progression Formula:
$$\text{Points}_{\text{grade}} = \text{Points}_{\text{grade}+1} + 8$$
Each grade increment increases points by 8 (from E to D to C, etc.)
Complete A-Level to UCAS Points Conversion Table
| A-Level Grade | UCAS Points | AS-Level Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 56 | A | 20 |
| A | 48 | B | 16 |
| B | 40 | C | 12 |
| C | 32 | D | 10 |
| D | 24 | E | 8 |
| E | 16 | — | — |
Official Resource: The definitive UCAS Tariff tables and updates are maintained by UCAS at www.ucas.com/undergraduate/what-and-where-study/entry-requirements/ucas-tariff-points
How to Calculate Your Total UCAS Points
Calculating your total UCAS Tariff points is straightforward once you understand the conversion table. The process involves identifying each qualification, determining the grade achieved or predicted, looking up the corresponding UCAS points,and summing all points across your qualifications.
Step-by-Step Calculation Method
Step 1: List All Relevant Qualifications
Identify every qualification that contributes to the UCAS Tariff. This typically includes A-Levels, AS-Levels,
Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ), and potentially BTECs or other recognized qualifications. Most applicants
calculate points based on three A-Levels, which is the standard requirement for most UK universities.
Step 2: Determine Your Grades
For completed qualifications, use your actual grades. For applications before results, use predicted grades
provided by your teachers. Predicted grades form the basis of conditional offers, making accurate predictions
crucial for UCAS applications.
Step 3: Convert Each Grade to Points
Using the official tariff table, convert each grade to its UCAS point value. For example, if you achieved A*, A,
B in three A-Levels, the conversions would be 56 + 48 + 40 points respectively.
Step 4: Sum Your Total Points
Add together all individual qualification points to arrive at your total UCAS Tariff score. This total is what
you'll use when comparing against university entry requirements.
Total UCAS Points Formula:
$$\text{Total UCAS Points} = \sum_{i=1}^{n} \text{Points}_i$$
Where n is the number of qualifications and Pointsi represents the UCAS points for qualification i
Worked Example: Three A-Levels
Scenario: Calculate total UCAS points for a student with the following A-Level results:
- Mathematics: A*
- Physics: A
- Chemistry: B
Solution:
$$\text{Mathematics (A*)} = 56 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{Physics (A)} = 48 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{Chemistry (B)} = 40 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{Total} = 56 + 48 + 40 = 144 \text{ UCAS points}$$
Answer: The student has earned 144 UCAS Tariff points, which meets or exceeds requirements for many competitive university courses including engineering, sciences, and mathematics programs at Russell Group universities.
UCAS Points for Different Qualifications
While A-Levels are the most common pathway, the UCAS Tariff accommodates numerous other qualifications, ensuring fair comparison across the UK's diverse educational landscape.
AS-Level Contributions
AS-Levels (Advanced Subsidiary) represent the first year of A-Level study and carry exactly half the UCAS points of their full A-Level equivalent. An AS-Level grade A earns 20 points compared to 48 points for a full A-Level A grade. Many students take four AS-Levels in Year 12 before continuing three to full A-Level in Year 13, with the additional AS contributing extra UCAS points.
| AS-Level Grade | UCAS Points | Equivalent Value |
|---|---|---|
| A | 20 | 0.42 of full A-Level A |
| B | 16 | 0.40 of full A-Level B |
| C | 12 | 0.375 of full A-Level C |
| D | 10 | 0.42 of full A-Level D |
| E | 8 | 0.50 of full A-Level E |
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The Extended Project Qualification is a standalone qualification worth up to 28 UCAS points at A* grade. EPQs are highly valued by universities as they demonstrate independent research, critical thinking, and project management skills beyond standard A-Level curricula. The EPQ UCAS points are:
- A* = 28 points
- A = 24 points
- B = 20 points
- C = 16 points
- D = 12 points
- E = 8 points
An EPQ can significantly boost your total UCAS points and strengthen your university application, particularly for research-intensive courses.
BTEC Qualifications
BTEC Extended Diplomas are equivalent to three A-Levels and earn up to 168 UCAS points for a Distinction* Distinction* Distinction* (D*D*D*) grade. BTECs use a different grading scale (Distinction*, Distinction, Merit, Pass) but map clearly onto the UCAS Tariff, making them fully recognized by universities.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme awards points differently from A-Levels. IB students receive points based on their total IB score (maximum 45 points), with higher-level (HL) and standard-level (SL) subjects contributing differently. Many universities specify both IB point requirements and minimum HL subject grades rather than solely UCAS Tariff points for IB applicants.
Using UCAS Points for University Applications
Understanding how universities use UCAS Tariff points is crucial for strategic course selection and realistic application planning.
University Entry Requirements
Universities publish entry requirements in three main formats:
- Specific Grade Requirements: "AAB at A-Level" specifies exact grades needed
- UCAS Tariff Points: "128 UCAS points" allows flexibility in qualification combinations
- Combination Requirements: "ABB including Mathematics A" combines both approaches
When a university lists UCAS point requirements, they're typically indicating the minimum acceptable total. However, competitive courses may receive applications exceeding these minimums, so meeting the stated points doesn't guarantee admission. Always research typical offer conditions and average admitted student profiles for realistic assessment.
Typical UCAS Points for Course Types
Highly Competitive Courses (160+ points): Medicine, Veterinary Science, Dentistry at top universities typically require AAA or A*AA (minimum 144-152 points), with many successful applicants exceeding this.
Competitive Courses (128-144 points): Engineering, Law, Economics at Russell Group universities typically require ABB to AAB (128-136 points).
Standard Entry Courses (96-120 points): Many humanities, social sciences, and sciences at post-92 universities accept BBB to BBC (112-120 points).
Foundation Year Courses (48-80 points): Foundation degrees and foundation years may accept CCC to CDD (72-96 points or lower).
Important: UCAS Tariff points provide a general framework, but many universities prioritize specific A-Level subjects for certain courses. For example, Physics may require A-Level Mathematics regardless of total UCAS points. Always check individual course requirements beyond just points totals.
Maximizing Your UCAS Points
Strategic academic planning can help you achieve higher UCAS Tariff points and strengthen your university prospects.
Subject Selection Strategy
Choose Subjects You Excel In: Higher grades earn significantly more UCAS points. A student achieving AAA (144 points) has substantially more options than one achieving BBB (120 points), a 24-point difference representing an entire additional A-Level at grade E.
Consider Facilitating Subjects: Russell Group universities identify "facilitating subjects" (Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages) that keep more degree options open. While all A-Levels carry equal UCAS points, subject choice affects course eligibility.
Balance Difficulty and Interest: Selecting extremely challenging subjects hoping for high grades can backfire if you struggle to achieve top marks. Balance ambition with realistic assessment of your strengths.
Extended Project Qualification
Completing an EPQ can add up to 28 UCAS points to your total while demonstrating advanced research skills valued by admissions tutors. An EPQ grade A (24 points) is equivalent to an AS-Level A (20 points) but carries more qualitative value in personal statements and interviews.
AS-Level Fourth Subject
If you take four AS-Levels in Year 12 but only continue three to full A-Level, the standalone AS still contributes UCAS points. An AS grade A adds 20 points, potentially lifting your total from 144 (AAA) to 164 points, enhancing competitiveness.
Grade Improvement Impact
Understanding the points difference between grades helps prioritize improvement efforts:
Grade Improvement Value:
$$\Delta \text{Points} = 8 \text{ per grade level}$$
Improving from B to A adds 8 points; A to A* adds 8 points
Focusing revision effort on a subject where you're borderline between grades yields an 8-point return. Across three A-Levels, improving each by one grade level increases your total by 24 points (e.g., BBB to AAA increases from 120 to 144 points).
Common Scenarios and Calculations
Let's examine realistic scenarios students face when calculating and understanding their UCAS points.
Scenario 1: Three A-Levels Plus EPQ
Situation: A student achieves A, A, B in three A-Levels plus EPQ grade A. Calculate total UCAS points.
Calculation:
$$\text{A-Level 1 (A)} = 48 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{A-Level 2 (A)} = 48 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{A-Level 3 (B)} = 40 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{EPQ (A)} = 24 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{Total} = 48 + 48 + 40 + 24 = 160 \text{ UCAS points}$$
Result: 160 UCAS points places this student competitively for highly selective courses at top universities.
Scenario 2: Three A-Levels Plus AS Fourth Subject
Situation: A student achieves A*, A, B in three A-Levels plus AS-Level A in a fourth subject.
Calculation:
$$\text{A-Level 1 (A*)} = 56 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{A-Level 2 (A)} = 48 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{A-Level 3 (B)} = 40 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{AS-Level (A)} = 20 \text{ points}$$
$$\text{Total} = 56 + 48 + 40 + 20 = 164 \text{ UCAS points}$$
Result: 164 points demonstrates exceptional achievement suitable for the most competitive university courses.
Scenario 3: Meeting a Specific Points Requirement
Situation: A university course requires 128 UCAS points. What grade combinations achieve this?
Possible Combinations:
- ABB: 48 + 40 + 40 = 128 points ✓
- AAC: 48 + 48 + 32 = 128 points ✓
- A*CD: 56 + 32 + 40 = 128 points ✓
Multiple grade combinations achieve 128 points, offering flexibility. However, specific course requirements may mandate certain subjects at minimum grades (e.g., "including Mathematics at grade B"), narrowing acceptable combinations.
UCAS Tariff Changes and Updates
The UCAS Tariff undergoes periodic reviews to maintain relevance with evolving qualifications. The most recent major revision occurred in 2017, introducing the current points scale.
2017 Tariff Revision
The 2017 changes reduced overall point values to better distinguish between qualification levels. Under the old tariff, A-Level A* earned 140 points; under the current system, it earns 56 points. This change doesn't affect competitiveness—all points were scaled proportionally, maintaining relative standings between grades and qualifications.
Staying Updated
Always verify UCAS Tariff information with official UCAS resources, as qualification-specific points may be updated. The authoritative source is the UCAS website: www.ucas.com
UCAS Points vs. Specific Grade Requirements
Understanding when universities use UCAS points versus specific grade requirements helps you interpret entry criteria correctly.
When Points Are Sufficient
Some courses genuinely accept any qualification combination meeting a points threshold, typically humanities and social sciences without specific subject prerequisites. A course requiring "112 UCAS points from any subjects" truly offers maximum flexibility.
When Specific Grades Matter More
STEM subjects, Medicine, Engineering, and many sciences require specific A-Level subjects at minimum grades. For instance, "128 UCAS points including Mathematics A and Physics B" mandates both the total points AND specific subject grades. Meeting 128 points through unrelated subjects wouldn't qualify.
Grade Profile Matters
Universities may prefer balanced grade profiles over uneven achievement. A student with AAB (136 points) might be viewed more favorably than one with A*CD (128 points) for certain courses, despite the latter having the same or fewer total points but including an A* grade.