A-Level Grades Explained
A-Levels are graded A* to E — but the letter alone doesn't tell you much. Here's what each grade means, how universities use them in offers, and how A-Levels translate to UCAS Tariff points and US GPAs.
The A-Level grade ladder
A-Level grades are reported as A*, A, B, C, D, E (pass) orU (ungraded / fail). A* is the top grade, introduced in 2010 to give universities a way to recognise exceptional performance. Most students sit 3–4 A-Levels over two years.
| Grade | Meaning | Typical percentage (A2) |
|---|---|---|
| A* | Exceptional — 80%+ overall, 90%+ on written A2 units | 80–100% |
| A | Excellent | 70–79% |
| B | Very good | 60–69% |
| C | Good | 50–59% |
| D | Satisfactory | 40–49% |
| E | Pass | 30–39% |
| U | Ungraded (fail) | Below 30% |
The percentages shown are typical boundaries — actual cut-offs vary by subject and exam board (AQA, OCR, Edexcel, WJEC, CCEA) and shift slightly each year based on national performance.
How universities use A-Level grades
Most UK universities publish typical offers as grade combinations:
- Russell Group (top research universities): A*AA – AAA
- Most other universities: AAB – BBB
- Foundation / pathway routes: CCC and below
An offer is usually conditional when you apply (you need those grades to confirm your place) or unconditional if you've already met them. Medicine, dentistry, and veterinary courses often require A*AA plus an admissions test (UCAT / BMAT).
A-Level to UCAS Tariff points
UCAS Tariff points translate grades into numbers that some universities and colleges use for entry requirements. The full mapping:
| Grade | UCAS points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
Example: AAB = 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 UCAS points. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to add up a full set.
A-Levels and US admissions
US colleges that admit UK students treat A-Levels differently from US high school transcripts. As a rough reference:
- A* → 4.0 (top marks in the most demanding UK qualification)
- A → 3.7–4.0
- B → 3.3
- C → 2.7–3.0
- D → 2.0
- E → 1.7
Most US admissions teams recalculate from your individual unit scores, so use the A-Level to US GPA tool as a planning estimate only.
Frequently asked questions
What are A-Level grades?+
A-Levels (Advanced Levels) are the standard UK university-entrance qualification, typically taken at age 17–18 over two years. Each subject is graded A* (highest), A, B, C, D, E (lowest pass), or U (ungraded / fail). Most students take 3–4 subjects.
What is the A* grade?+
A* was introduced in 2010 and sits above A. To get an A* you need to score 80%+ overall on the A2 (second-year) units, with 90%+ on the A2 units written at the end. A* is the typical requirement for the most competitive university courses (medicine, law, engineering at top universities).
How do universities use A-Level grades?+
Most UK universities publish typical offers as combinations of grades — AAA, AAB, ABB, etc. — that you need to meet (or exceed) for a place. A 'conditional offer' means you need those grades to confirm your place; an 'unconditional offer' means you've already met them. Russell Group universities typically require A*AA–AAA; many others accept BBB or lower.
How do A-Levels convert to UCAS points?+
Each A-Level grade maps to UCAS Tariff points: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. Three A* grades would be 168 points; three C grades would be 96. UCAS points are used by some universities, further-education colleges, and employers for entry requirements. Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to add up your points.
What's the difference between AS and A-Level?+
AS-Level is the first year of an A-Level (taken at the end of year 12 in England). A full A-Level adds the second year (A2) and is graded A*–E. AS grades are reported separately and used to be worth half an A-Level in UCAS points; since 2015 most AS grades are decoupled from A-Levels and not part of the final A-Level grade.
How do A-Levels compare to US GPA?+
There's no official mapping, but a common reference is: A* ≈ 4.0, A ≈ 3.7–4.0, B ≈ 3.3, C ≈ 2.7–3.0, D ≈ 2.0, E ≈ 1.7. US colleges that admit UK students usually recalculate from your individual unit marks rather than trust a single conversion. See the A-Level to US GPA calculator for a quick reference.