UCAS Points to Grades
A course asks for "112 UCAS points" — what grades is that? Quick answer:BBC at A-Level (40 + 40 + 32). Below is the full lookup table for every common point total, using the current tariff — plus the BTEC equivalents, and a warning about outdated pre-2017 numbers you'll still see online.
The current UCAS Tariff (2017 onwards)
Each A-Level grade is worth a fixed number of points. Under the current tariff:
| Grade | A-Level points | AS-Level points |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 56 | — |
| A | 48 | 20 |
| B | 40 | 16 |
| C | 32 | 12 |
| D | 24 | 10 |
| E | 16 | 6 |
Points to grades: the lookup table
Most university offers are based on three A-Levels. Here's what each common point total means in grades:
| UCAS points | A-Level grades (3 subjects) | BTEC Extended Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| 168 | A*A*A* | D*D*D* |
| 160 | A*A*A | D*D*D |
| 152 | A*AA | D*DD |
| 144 | AAA | DDD |
| 136 | AAB | — |
| 128 | ABB | DDM |
| 120 | BBB | — |
| 112 | BBC | DMM |
| 104 | BCC | — |
| 96 | CCC | MMM |
| 88 | CCD | — |
| 80 | CDD | MMP |
| 72 | DDD | — |
| 64 | DDE | MPP |
| 56 | DEE | — |
| 48 | EEE | PPP |
You can also mix and match — points from different qualifications add up. For example,104 points could be BCC at A-Level, a BTEC Level 3 Diploma graded D*D (104 on its own), or two A-Levels at BB (80) plus an EPQ at grade A (24). Any combination that totals the required points usually counts, unless the offer specifies subjects.
Quick answers for the most-searched totals
- 168 points = A*A*A* (also BTEC D*D*D*)
- 144 points = AAA (also BTEC DDD)
- 128 points = ABB (also BTEC DDM)
- 120 points = BBB
- 112 points = BBC (also BTEC DMM)
- 104 points = BCC
- 96 points = CCC (also BTEC MMM)
⚠️ Watch out for the old tariff
Before 2017, UCAS points were roughly three times larger: A* = 140, A = 120, B = 100, C = 80. Lots of older advice online still uses these numbers ("280 points for AAB", "320 points for AAA"). If a university course page says 128 points today, it means ABB on the current tariff — not the old system. Always check that the source you're reading is current; the officialUCAS Tariff calculatoralways uses the new numbers.
How offers are usually worded
- "120 UCAS points from 3 A-Levels" — BBB or any mix totalling 120
- "112 points including B in Mathematics" — BBC with the B specifically in Maths
- "96–112 points" — a range: CCC up to BBC
- "ABB" — a grade offer, not points; no substitution flexibility
Grade offers are stricter than points offers. With a points offer, an EPQ (up to 28 points), a music exam, or a BTEC can help you reach the total. With a grade offer, only the specified qualifications count.
Frequently asked questions
What grades are 120 UCAS points?+
120 UCAS points from three A-Levels is exactly BBB (40 + 40 + 40). Other combinations also total 120: ABC (48 + 40 + 32), or ABB plus an AS grade C (48 + 40 + 20 + 12). A BTEC Extended Diploma doesn't land exactly on 120 — the nearest grades are DMM (112) and DDM (128).
What grades are 104 UCAS points?+
104 UCAS points from three A-Levels is BCC (40 + 32 + 32). It also equals a BTEC Level 3 Diploma graded D*D (104 points). If a course asks for 104 points, BCC meets it exactly.
What grades are 112 UCAS points?+
112 UCAS points from three A-Levels is BBC (40 + 40 + 32). It also equals a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM, or a BTEC Diploma at D*D.
What grades are 128 UCAS points?+
128 UCAS points from three A-Levels is ABB (48 + 40 + 40). It also equals a BTEC Extended Diploma at DDM. This is a common Russell Group entry requirement.
Is the UCAS tariff still 140 points for an A*?+
No — that was the old pre-2017 tariff. Under the current tariff, A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. If you see advice online mentioning '280 points for AAB' or '140 for an A*', it's outdated. Current offers use the smaller numbers (e.g., '128 points' means ABB).
How many UCAS points is a D at A-Level?+
A grade D at A-Level is worth 24 UCAS points under the current tariff. Three Ds (DDD) total 72 points. A D at AS-Level is worth 10 points.
Do universities ask for points or grades?+
Both exist. Many universities state grade requirements ('ABB at A-Level'), while others use tariff points ('128 UCAS points') which lets you mix qualifications — A-Levels, BTECs, T Levels, and EPQ all contribute points. Points-based offers give more flexibility if you have a mix of qualifications.