A Level Score Calculator: How It Works
The calculator for this page is switched off while it is checked. The formula is below, and the worked example in the article shows how to use it by hand.
An A level score calculator works out your total UCAS Tariff points or your average grade based on the grades you achieved in your A level subjects. You enter each subject’s grade (and sometimes the qualification type, like A level or AS level), and the calculator returns your total points or a grade-point average. This is useful for university applications, comparing offers, or checking if you meet a course’s entry requirements.
Formula
The core formula for UCAS Tariff points is simple: each grade maps to a fixed number of points. For A levels taken since 2017, the points are:
- A* = 56 points
- A = 48 points
- B = 40 points
- C = 32 points
- D = 24 points
- E = 16 points
So the total is the sum of the points for each subject. If you have three A levels, the total is points(subject1) + points(subject2) + points(subject3). The average grade is calculated by assigning a numeric value to each grade (A*=5, A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, E=0) and averaging across subjects.
Worked Example
Suppose you have grades A, B, and C. Using the default values from the calculator:
- Subject 1: A = 48 points
- Subject 2: B = 40 points
- Subject 3: C = 32 points
- Total = 48 + 40 + 32 = 120 points
- Average grade = (4 + 3 + 2) / 3 = 3.00, which corresponds to a B average.
The calculator returns 120 points and an average of 3.00.
When to Use a Score Calculator
You might use an A level score calculator in several situations:
- When applying to universities that ask for a UCAS Tariff points total (e.g., “120 points” rather than specific grades).
- To compare your grades against an offer that is expressed in points.
- To see how many points you would need to improve by a grade.
- To include AS levels or other qualifications like BTECs, which also have Tariff points.
Remember that many university courses specify grades (e.g., “ABB”) rather than points, so a calculator is most useful when the course explicitly uses Tariff points.
How to Read the Result
The total points are the sum of your best three A levels (or however many you enter). Some universities may only count your top three A levels, so if you have more than three, you should check the specific policy. The average grade is a rough indicator of your overall performance, but it is not an official metric—universities rarely use it for admissions. It can help you see at a glance where you stand.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
A frequent error is mixing up the old and new Tariff systems. Before 2017, A levels were scored differently (e.g., A=120 points, B=100), so if you took exams before that, the calculator above won’t apply. Also, AS levels now carry fewer points (40 for an A) than they did previously. Another misconception is that a score calculator can predict your final grade—it only converts grades you already have, not predicted ones. Finally, don’t forget that some courses may not accept certain subjects (like General Studies) regardless of points.
Limitations of the Calculator
This calculator only handles standard A level grades. It does not include other qualifications like BTECs, Cambridge Technicals, or the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which also have Tariff points. If you need to include those, you’ll need a more comprehensive tool that covers multiple qualification types. Also, the average grade output is not an official measure—it’s just a numeric simplification for your own reference.
Alternatives to a Simple Calculator
If you need to calculate points for a mix of qualifications, look for a UCAS Tariff calculator that includes BTEC, Cambridge Technical, and other Level 3 qualifications. Some university websites have their own calculators tailored to their entry requirements. If you’re applying to a course that asks for specific grades, you might not need a calculator at all—just compare your grades directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include all my A levels?
Usually, universities consider your best three A levels. If you have more than three, you can enter the ones you think are your strongest, but check the university’s policy first. Some may accept a fourth A level for extra points.
What if I have an AS level?
AS levels are worth 40% of the A level points (e.g., an A in AS is 20 points). This calculator doesn’t include AS levels, so you’ll need to add them separately if your course counts them.
Can I use this for the old A level system?
No, the points changed in 2017. If you took A levels before that, the old scale applies (A=120, B=100, etc.), and this calculator would give incorrect results.
Is a higher average grade always better?
For admissions, total points matter more than the average. A student with A*AA (152 points) is generally stronger than one with BBB (120 points), even though both have a similar average. Always compare totals, not averages.
What is a good UCAS score?
It depends on the course and university. Competitive courses like medicine often require 136 points (AAA) or more, while others may accept 96 points (CCC). Check the specific entry requirements for your target universities.