An A Level UCAS points calculator converts your A-Level grades into a numerical score using the official UCAS Tariff. Each grade is assigned a fixed points value, and your total is the sum of all your A-Level subjects combined. Universities use this score as part of their entry requirements when assessing your UCAS application.
This calculator is designed specifically for A-Level students. It covers all standard A-Level grades from A* down to E, so you can calculate your UCAS points for A-Levels whether you are working with predicted grades or confirmed results. If you also hold BTECs, an EPQ, or other qualifications, use the full UCAS points calculator to combine everything in one total.
How to Calculate UCAS Points for A-Levels
Calculating your UCAS points for A Levels using this tool takes under a minute. Follow the steps below.
Enter your subject name in the first field — for example, Mathematics, English Literature, or Biology. This is for your own reference and does not affect the points calculation.
Select your grade from the dropdown. Choose the grade you have achieved or expect to achieve. If you are using predicted grades, these are provided by your school or college and appear on your UCAS application.
Add each A-Level separately by clicking “Add another A-Level.” Most university offers are based on three A-Level subjects, though some courses consider four or more. Include all subjects to get an accurate total.
Click “Calculate My UCAS Points” to see your result. Your total score appears with a per-subject breakdown and an indication of the university tier your points typically correspond to.
A-Level UCAS Points Table
The table below shows the official UCAS tariff points for each A-Level grade. These values are set by UCAS and apply to all A-Level subjects regardless of exam board. Use this as a quick reference when working out your UCAS points for A-Levels by hand, or use the calculator above for an instant total.
| Grade | UCAS Tariff Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Note: The A* grade was introduced in 2010 and is awarded for outstanding performance. Not all universities include A* in their standard conditional offers, but the UCAS Tariff assigns it 56 points — 8 more than a grade A.
Example A-Level UCAS Points Calculations
The examples below show how different A-Level grade combinations add up to a total UCAS tariff points score. These are typical combinations to help you understand what your own score might look like.
A*AA — High Achiever
| Mathematics | A* | 56 |
| Chemistry | A | 48 |
| Biology | A | 48 |
Total UCAS Points (152)
AAB — Strong Result
| History | A | 48 |
| English Literature | A | 48 |
| Politics | B | 40 |
Total UCAS Points (136)
ABB — Mid Range
| Psychology | A | 48 |
| Sociology | B | 40 |
| Media Studies | B | 40 |
Total UCAS Points (128)
BBB — Solid Pass
| Geography | B | 40 |
| Art | B | 40 |
| French | B | 40 |
Total UCAS Points (120)
How A-Level UCAS Points Are Calculated
Understanding how the UCAS points calculation works for A-Levels helps you interpret your result and plan your applications with confidence. The rules are straightforward but worth knowing before you use any A-Level UCAS points calculator.
The basic rule
Each A-Level subject is assigned a points value based on the grade achieved. Your total UCAS tariff points for A-Levels is simply the sum of all your individual subject scores. There is no weighting for subject difficulty — an A in Mathematics and an A in Media Studies both contribute 48 points.
Rules to be aware of
| Rule | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Level 3 qualifications only | Only Level 3 qualifications count towards UCAS tariff points. GCSEs are not included regardless of grade. |
| No double counting | If you retake a subject, only one result counts — typically the higher grade. You cannot add both attempts together. |
| Same subject taken twice | If you studied the same subject at two different schools or colleges, only one result is counted. |
| Exam board does not matter | AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC — the points value is the same regardless of which exam board you sat with. |
| AS-Levels are separate | AS-Levels contribute their own points value and are not counted as half an A-Level. They are a standalone qualification in the tariff. |
Points vs grade requirements
A total UCAS points figure and a specific grade requirement are not interchangeable. A university offering AAB is asking for those exact grades — it is not the same as offering 136 points. A student with ABB and an A* EPQ may have 164 points in total but still not meet an AAB grade requirement. Always check whether a university is making a points offer or a grades offer, as these are treated differently in the admissions process.
Adding an EPQ to Your A-Level UCAS Points
An Extended Project Qualification can add meaningful UCAS tariff points on top of your A-Level total. An EPQ is an independent research project typically undertaken alongside A-Levels, and it carries its own points value in the UCAS Tariff.
EPQ points values
| EPQ Grade | UCAS Tariff Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 28 |
| A | 24 |
| B | 20 |
| C | 16 |
| D | 12 |
| E | 8 |
Worked example — ABB with an EPQ
ABB + EPQ Grade A
| History | A | 48 |
| English Literature | B | 40 |
| Politics | B | 40 |
| EPQ | A | 24 |
Total UCAS Points (152)
In this example, an ABB result would give 128 points on its own. Adding a grade A EPQ brings the total to 152 — the same as A*AA without the EPQ. Some universities make reduced grade offers to students who complete an EPQ, for example dropping from AAB to ABB if the EPQ is graded A or above. Always check individual course requirements to see whether an EPQ is recognised and whether it affects your offer.
To include your EPQ in your overall calculation, use the full UCAS points calculator on the homepage which supports A-Levels and EPQ together in one total.
Do All Universities Use A-Level UCAS Points?
Not all universities make offers based on UCAS tariff points. Understanding the difference between a points offer and a grades offer is important before you submit your application.
Grade offers vs points offers
Most Russell Group universities specify exact grade requirements rather than a points total. An offer of AAB means the university wants those specific grades — it does not automatically accept 136 points achieved in a different way. A student with ABB and an A* in a fourth subject may have more points overall but still not meet an AAB grade requirement.
Many mid-range and post-92 universities do make points-based offers, which gives more flexibility. A points offer of 120 can be met with BBB, or with BBC plus a grade B EPQ, or with other combinations that add up to the same total. This is where knowing how to calculate your UCAS points for A-Levels gives you a real planning advantage.
How to check what type of offer you will receive
The entry requirements on each course page on the UCAS website and the university’s own site will state whether the offer is grade-based or points-based. Look for language such as “we require ABB” for a grades offer, or “we require 128 UCAS points” for a points offer. If you are unsure, contact the university admissions team directly before applying.
Key point: Your UCAS points total is a useful planning tool and comparison guide. But always confirm the exact entry requirements for your chosen course with the university directly, as offers differ between departments even within the same institution.
What Your A-Level UCAS Points Score Means
Once you have your total, the next step is to compare it against what universities actually ask for. Here is what your score typically means and what to do next.
| Your Score | What It Means | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| 152 to 168 | Strong Russell Group range | Check specific grade requirements on each course page — points alone may not be enough for competitive courses like Medicine or Law. |
| 128 to 152 | High-ranking university range | Compare offers across high-ranking universities. Look at whether offers are grade-based or points-based. |
| 96 to 128 | Mid-range university range | Widen your search to include mid-range universities. Consider adding an EPQ to boost your total if results are not yet confirmed. |
| 64 to 96 | Post-92 university range | Look at post-92 universities and vocational degree courses. Clearing is also worth researching as an option after results day. |
| Below 64 | Foundation year range | A Foundation Year programme is the most straightforward route into higher education. Many universities offer these for students who narrowly miss standard entry requirements. |
If your results are not yet confirmed, use your predicted grades in the calculator to understand which courses are realistic, then set your firm and insurance choices accordingly on UCAS. The earlier you know your range, the better placed you are to make informed decisions on results day.
How Many A-Level UCAS Points Do You Need?
The number of UCAS points you need depends entirely on the university and course you are applying for. The table below gives a general guide to the A-Level points ranges associated with different university tiers. Always check the specific entry requirements on each university’s course page, as requirements vary significantly between courses and can change each year.
| A-Level Points (3 subjects) | Typical University Tier | What to Do Next |
|---|---|---|
| 152 to 168 | Russell Group / Top Universities | A*AA, A*A*A, A*A*A* |
| 128 to 152 | High-Ranking Universities | AAB, AAA, A*AB |
| 104 to 128 | Mid-Range Universities | ABB, BBB, ABC |
| 80 to 104 | Post-92 Universities | BCC, CCC, BBC |
| 48 to 80 | Lower Entry / Foundation Routes | CDD, DDD, DEE |
Important: Many universities, particularly Russell Group institutions, specify exact grade requirements such as AAB rather than a points total. An offer of AAB and an offer of 136 points are not the same thing. Always read your offer letter carefully and confirm requirements directly with the university.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate UCAS points for A-Levels?
Select A-Level from the dropdown above, choose your grade, and click calculate. Add each subject separately to get your combined total. A* is worth 56 points, A is 48, B is 40, C is 32, D is 24, and E is 16.
How many A-Levels are included in UCAS points?
There is no set limit on how many A-Levels contribute to your UCAS tariff points total. However, most universities base their entry offers on your best three A-Level grades. Adding a fourth A-Level increases your total points but does not always strengthen your application if the university only considers three subjects.
Do AS-Levels count towards UCAS points?
AS-Levels are included in the UCAS Tariff and can contribute to your total points. A grade A at AS-Level is worth 20 points. However, many universities no longer count standalone AS-Levels in their standard entry requirements. Always confirm with the specific university whether your AS results will be considered.
Can I use predicted grades in the UCAS A-Level points calculator?
Yes. Enter your predicted grades to estimate your likely UCAS points total. Predicted grades are provided by your school or college and are what universities see when assessing your UCAS application. If they meet the entry requirements, you will receive a conditional offer confirmed when your actual results are released.
Does the A-Level grade A* make a difference to UCAS points?
Yes. An A* is worth 56 UCAS points compared to 48 for a grade A, a difference of 8 points per subject. For three A-Levels, achieving AAA* gives 168 points versus 144 for AAA. Some universities also specify A* grades in their entry requirements rather than just a points total, so the grade itself can matter beyond the numerical value.
Can I combine A-Level points with other qualifications?
Yes. The UCAS Tariff is designed to allow students to combine points from different qualifications. You can add A-Level points to an EPQ, AS-Level, or other accepted qualifications to get a combined total. Use the full UCAS points calculator on the homepage to calculate across multiple qualification types in one go.
Do all universities accept UCAS points for A-Levels?
Most UK universities use A-Level grades as a primary entry criterion. Some, particularly Russell Group institutions, specify exact grade requirements such as AAB rather than a points total, which means two applicants with the same total points may be treated differently depending on their individual grades. Always check the specific entry requirements for your chosen course.