UCAS Score Calculator 2025

UCAS Tariff Points Calculator — the no-nonsense, 2025-ready guide

You’ve probably seen university offers phrased as “120 Tariff points” instead of “AAB.” The UCAS Tariff exists to translate a wide mix of post-16 qualifications (A levels, T Levels, BTEC, Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, EPQ, and more) into one comparable points total. The calculator simply adds up the points for each qualification and grade you enter so you can gauge eligibility at a glance.

Below is a clear, human, and fully practical walkthrough: what’s counted, what’s not, how the math works, common point values, and how to sanity-check your total like a pro.

What the Tariff is (and isn’t)

• Purpose: A common currency for admissions expressed as points. It lets providers say “120 points” and leave room for different subject mixes.

• Reality check: Not every university uses Tariff offers. Many still require specific subjects/grades (e.g., “A level Maths at B”). If an offer mixes both (“120 points including A level Maths at B”), you must meet both the points total and the subject condition.

• Coverage: Mostly UK Level 3 qualifications (SCQF Level 6 in Scotland). GCSEs (Level 2) don’t carry Tariff points.

How the calculator thinks (the simple rule)

Under the current “new” Tariff, each qualification has:

1. a size (how big it is), and

2. a grade band (how strong the result is).

Size × Grade band = Tariff points.
You don’t need to do the multiplication yourself—the calculator applies the official tables behind the scenes. Your job is to list each qualification and pick the exact grade.

Common 2025 point values you’ll actually use

These are the standard values most applicants need. If your qualification isn’t here, the official calculator still likely supports it.

A levels (per subject)

• A* = 56

• A = 48

• B = 40

• C = 32

• D = 24

• E = 16

AS levels (per subject)

• A = 20

• B = 16

• C = 12

• D = 10

• E = 6
  (Heads-up: some universities don’t count AS toward a Tariff total—always check the course wording.)

T Levels (overall grade)

• Distinction* = 168

• Distinction = 144

• Merit = 120

• Pass (Core A–C)* = 96

• Pass (Core D–E) = 72

BTEC Nationals

Extended Diploma (3 A-level size):

• D*D*D* = 168

• D*DD = 152

• DDD = 144

• DDM = 128

• DMM = 112

• MMM = 96

• MMP = 80

• MPP = 64

• PPP = 48

Diploma (2 A-level size):

• D*D* = 112

• D*D = 104

• DD = 96

• DM = 80

• MM = 64

• MP = 48

• PP = 32

Extended Certificate (1 A-level size):

• D* = 56

• D = 48

• M = 32

• P = 16

Scottish Qualifications

Highers (per subject):

• A = 33

• B = 27

• C = 21

• D = 15

Advanced Highers (per subject):

• A = 56

• B = 48

• C = 40

• D = 32

No double counting: If you take an Advanced Higher in a subject, many providers won’t also count the Higher in the same subject toward the total.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

• A* = 28

• A = 24

• B = 20

• C = 16

• D = 12

• E = 8

What’s not counted (or counted differently)

• GCSEs: Level 2—no Tariff points.

• Same subject at different levels: Often capped (e.g., Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject rarely both count).

• Provider rules vary: Some cap “the best three A-level-equivalents,” some accept EPQ as a value-add, some don’t accept AS at all. The calculator can add them; the university decides what they’ll accept.

How to use the calculator (step-by-step)

1. List everything you’re taking at Level 3: A levels, T Level, BTEC, Highers/Advanced Highers, EPQ, etc.

2. Enter exact grades (achieved or predicted).

3. Confirm what “counts” for your target course (e.g., best three only, subject requirements, AS allowed?).

4. Add it up and compare to the course’s points target.

5. Scenario plan: Adjust combinations (e.g., add EPQ, swap a grade) to see how close you are to common thresholds like 104, 120, 128, 136, 144.

Worked examples (so you can sanity-check totals)

• AAB at A level → 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 points

• BBB at A level + EPQ A → (40 + 40 + 40) + 24 = 144 points

• BTEC Extended Diploma DMM → 112 points

• Scottish Highers AABBCC → 33 + 33 + 27 + 27 + 21 + 21 = 162 points

• T Level Merit → 120 points

Use these as control checks—if your total is wildly off, recheck grades and qualification sizes.

Smart tactics (a tiny strategy layer)

• Back-solve from the offer. If your target is 120 points, map multiple paths:

  • Three A levels at BBB (40 × 3 = 120),

  • Or BC plus strong EPQ (40 + 32 + 24 = 96… still short—so you’d need another 24+ points from either a higher grade or an additional qual),

  • Or a T Level Merit straight out of the box (120).

• Leverage EPQ. High EPQ grades are efficient point boosters, and some admissions teams love the independent-study signal.

• Mind the small print. Points won’t rescue you if there’s a hard subject requirement (e.g., “Maths at B”).

• Avoid “phantom points.” Don’t rely on AS or duplicate subjects unless the course specifically allows it.

FAQs in plain language

Do universities care more about points or subjects?
When they set a subject condition (e.g., “A level Biology at B”), that condition is king. Points totals are the supporting act.

Are all Level 3 quals treated equally?
On the Tariff, yes—by design. In practice, individual providers may prefer certain routes for certain courses.

Will GCSEs help my points?
No. They help your profile, not your Tariff total.

Can I mix A levels with BTEC or EPQ?
Absolutely. The calculator is built for mixed pathways. Just make sure your course accepts the mix and count.

Quick workflow you can copy today

1. Define 3–5 target courses with their points/subject rules.

2. Enter achieved grades first; then test predicted scenarios.

3. Spot gaps against the highest target.

4. Decide the fastest uplift (bump a grade, add/boost EPQ, clarify whether AS is accepted, etc.).

5. Lock one plan and execute—no infinite tweaking.