UCAS Points for A Levels
2025 GuideHere’s the clean take: UCAS points translate your A level grades into a single score. Courses sometimes ask for a points total (e.g., 120 points) instead of a grade set (e.g., AAB). Points make mixed pathways easier to compare, but subject requirements can still apply.
A Level grade → UCAS points
These are the commonly used A level Tariff values. They’re the backbone of most “points” offers.
| Grade | Points | What it means for offers |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 56 | High-impact: three A*s = 168 points |
| A | 48 | Three As = 144 points |
| B | 40 | Three Bs = 120 points |
| C | 32 | Three Cs = 96 points |
| D | 24 | Three Ds = 72 points |
| E | 16 | Three Es = 48 points |
Numbers shown are standard for full A levels. Other qualifications (AS, EPQ, BTEC, Scottish Highers) have their own scales.
How universities use points (no jargon)
- Flexible route: A points offer lets you meet the target through different grade combos.
- Subject guardrails: A course can still require “B in Maths” even with a points total.
- Context matters: Competitive courses often prefer explicit grades over pure points.
Quick A Level Points Estimator
Pick your three best A levels (add more if you’re taking four). This is a guide, not an official calculation.
Smart tactics for A level points
- Depth beats scatter: Strong grades in the right subjects usually outperform a bigger pile of lower grades.
- Know your must-haves: If a course wants Maths at B, points won’t bypass that.
- Bonus proof: Extras like EPQ can add points and showcase research skills, but they rarely replace core subject expectations.
- Be realistic, then stretch: Choose targets you can hit—and one that nudges you upward.
Common questions
Do all universities use UCAS points?
No. Some publish grade-based offers (AAB), others use points, and some use a mix. Always read the entry requirements for the exact course.
Can I mix A levels with other quals?
Usually yes, if the course accepts them. Each qual has its own Tariff scale; universities decide what combinations count.
Is “120 points” the same as “BBB”?
Often, yes—BBB totals 120. But a course might still ask for a specific subject grade on top of the total.
Do retakes change my points?
Points follow the grades you achieve. Course policies on resits vary, so check the entry notes for the course.
Example combos that hit common targets
- 96 pts: CCC (32+32+32)
- 104 pts: BCC (40+32+32)
- 112 pts: BBC (40+40+32)
- 120 pts: BBB (40+40+40)
- 136 pts: AAB (48+48+40)
- 144 pts: AAA (48+48+48)
- 168 pts: A*A*A* (56×3)