A-Level Grade Calculator (A*–E)
Estimate your A-Level grade on the A*–E scale. Enter your total marks and marks achieved — the calculator shows the likely grade band using typical boundaries.
Estimate your A-Level grade
Enter total marks and marks achieved — the grade updates as you type.
Enter total marks and marks achieved (or use the percentage box instead).
Typical A-Level grade boundaries (reference)
| A-Level grade | Typical percentage | UCAS Tariff points | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 90%+ | 140 | Exceptional — top of the top |
| A | 80–89% | 120 | Excellent — competitive for top universities |
| B | 70–79% | 100 | Good — meets most university offers |
| C | 60–69% | 80 | Solid pass — accepted by many courses |
| D | 50–59% | 60 | Below average — still a pass |
| E | 40–49% | 40 | Minimum pass — lowest passing grade |
| U | Below 40% | 0 | Ungraded — no pass awarded |
How A-Level grading works
A-Levels (Advanced Levels) are the main pre-university qualification in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They are typically studied over two years (Years 12 and 13) and gradedA* to E, with A* being the highest and E being the minimum pass. U (ungraded) means no certificate is awarded.
Since 2015, most A-Levels in England use a linear structure — all exams are taken at the end of the two-year course. The A* grade is special: you need an A overall (80%+)and 90%+ in the A2 (second year) components.
Grade boundaries are set by each exam board after each exam series. They depend on the difficulty of the paper and how students performed nationwide. Official boundaries are published on results day (typically the second Thursday in August).
A-Levels vs GCSEs
A-Levels are significantly harder than GCSEs. The jump from GCSE to A-Level is one of the biggest transitions in the UK education system. A-Level questions require deeper analysis, longer written answers, and a much higher level of subject knowledge. A grade 7 at GCSE (roughly an A) is a good foundation for A-Level study in that subject, but it's no guarantee of an A at A-Level.
UCAS Tariff points
Universities use the UCAS Tariff to convert your A-Level grades into a standardised score. Each grade has a fixed point value:
- A* = 140 points
- A = 120 points
- B = 100 points
- C = 80 points
- D = 60 points
- E = 40 points
Many university offers are expressed in UCAS points (e.g., "120 points from 3 A-Levels"). This means you could achieve that with grades BBC (100 + 80 + 80 = 260) or any combination that reaches the target. Check ourUK Grading System guide for more details on how A-Levels fit into the broader UK education system.
Frequently asked questions
What is an A* in A-Levels?+
A* is the highest grade available at A-Level. It's awarded to students who achieve an A overall (80%+) and also score 90%+ across their A2 modules. Unlike GCSE, the A* at A-Level requires exceptional performance in the second year of study. It's equivalent to roughly 140 UCAS Tariff points.
What is a pass in A-Levels?+
Grade E is the minimum pass grade. Grade D is a lower pass, grade C is a solid pass, grade B is good, and grade A is excellent. A* is the highest distinction. Grade U (ungraded) means you didn't achieve enough marks for a pass.
What percentage is an A at A-Level?+
An A is typically 80% or above of the total uniform marks. The exact percentage boundary varies by exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, CCEA), subject, and exam series. A* requires 90%+ in A2 modules. Always check the official grade boundaries from your exam board.
Do A-Level grade boundaries change every year?+
Yes. Boundaries are set after each exam series based on paper difficulty and student performance. They're published by each exam board on results day. The calculator uses a typical reference table — not official boundaries for any specific subject or year.
What is a good A-Level grade?+
Grades A and A* are excellent and competitive for top universities (Russell Group, Oxbridge). B is a good grade accepted by most universities. C is a solid pass that meets entry requirements for many courses. For competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering), universities typically ask for A*AA or AAA.
How do A-Levels compare to the old system?+
The current A*–E grading system was introduced in 2010. Before that, A-Levels were graded A–E (no A*). The A* was added to distinguish the very top performers. The modular structure changed in 2015 to a linear system where most exams are taken at the end of two years of study.
What is the difference between AS and A-Level?+
AS Levels are standalone qualifications, typically taken after one year of study. They're graded A–E and worth roughly half an A-Level. A-Levels are two-year qualifications. Since 2015 in England, AS grades no longer count toward the final A-Level grade — they're separate qualifications.
How many UCAS points is an A-Level?+
A* = 140 points, A = 120, B = 100, C = 80, D = 60, E = 40. AS Levels are worth half: A = 60, B = 50, C = 40, D = 30, E = 20. Universities use UCAS Tariff points to compare qualifications when making offers.