How the UCAS points calculator works
The UCAS Tariff gives a points value to each grade in most post-16 qualifications, so universities can compare A levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, the IB and others on one scale. Choose a grade for each qualification you have or expect to get, and the calculator adds up the points using the official UCAS Tariff tables. Every grade counts, so a fourth A level or an EPQ adds to the total.
Not every university uses tariff points. Many, especially the most selective, make offers in grades, such as AAB, and some ask for specific subjects. Always check the entry requirements on the course page.
UCAS points for A levels, AS levels and the EPQ
| Grade | A level | AS level | EPQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| A* | 56 | – | 28 |
| A | 48 | 20 | 24 |
| B | 40 | 16 | 20 |
| C | 32 | 12 | 16 |
| D | 24 | 10 | 12 |
| E | 16 | 6 | 8 |
An AS level is worth less than half an A level at most grades, and universities won't usually count an AS and a full A level in the same subject.
UCAS points for BTEC Nationals
| Qualification | Grades and points |
|---|---|
| Extended Diploma (3 A levels) | D*D*D* 168, D*D*D 160, D*DD 152, DDD 144, DDM 128, DMM 112, MMM 96, MMP 80, MPP 64, PPP 48 |
| Diploma (2 A levels) | D*D* 112, D*D 104, DD 96, DM 80, MM 64, MP 48, PP 32 |
| Extended Certificate (1 A level) | D* 56, D 48, M 32, P 16 |
These are the same for the older RQF BTEC Nationals and the newer AAQ versions, according to Pearson.
Scottish Highers and the IB
| Qualification | Grades and points |
|---|---|
| Scottish Higher | A 33, B 27, C 21, D 15 |
| Scottish Advanced Higher | A 56, B 48, C 40, D 32 |
| IB Higher Level | 7 56, 6 48, 5 32, 4 24, 3 12 |
| IB Standard Level | 7 28, 6 24, 5 16, 4 12, 3 6 |
| IB Extended Essay | A 12, B 10, C 8, D 6, E 4 |
| IB Theory of Knowledge | A 12, B 10, C 8, D 6, E 4 |
The IB Diploma itself has no single tariff value. Instead, the points for each subject and the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are added together. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) carries no points.
Worked examples
How many UCAS points is ABB?
A (48) + B (40) + B (40) = 128 points. Add an EPQ at grade A (24) and the total goes up to 152, the same as A*AA.
BTEC and A level mix
A BTEC Diploma at DM (80) plus an A level at B (40) gives 120 points, the same as BBB.
Scottish Highers
AAABB at Higher is 33 + 33 + 33 + 27 + 27 = 153 points. Adding an Advanced Higher at A (56) brings it to 209.
IB Diploma
Higher Level grades of 6, 6 and 5 (48 + 48 + 32 = 128), Standard Level 7, 6 and 5 (28 + 24 + 16 = 68), a B in the Extended Essay (10) and an A in Theory of Knowledge (12) add up to 218 points.
Common UCAS points offers
When a course asks for 112 points, that's the same as BBC at A level or DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma. 120 points is BBB, or a BTEC Diploma at DM plus an A level at B. 96 points is CCC or MMM. The results panel shows which of these your grades would meet.
Tips
- Use your predicted grades to see which courses are realistic before you apply, then check again on results day.
- Some universities cap the number of qualifications they'll count, or don't count the EPQ or AS levels. Check before relying on extra points.
- Thinking about the cost of university? The student loan repayment calculator shows what you'd repay once you're earning. To turn a mark into a percentage, use the percentage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many UCAS points is an A* at A level?
An A* is worth 56 UCAS points. An A is 48, B is 40, C is 32, D is 24 and E is 16.
How many UCAS points is AAB?
AAB is 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 UCAS points.
What grades do I need for 112 UCAS points?
112 points is BBC at A level (40 + 40 + 32), DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma, or a mix such as a BTEC Diploma at D*D* on its own.
How many UCAS points is a BTEC Extended Diploma?
It's worth between 48 points for PPP and 168 points for D*D*D*. DDM, a common grade, is 128 points.
Does the EPQ count for UCAS points?
Yes. An EPQ is worth up to 28 points for an A*, and 24 for an A. Some universities also lower their grade offer if you have one.
How many UCAS points is a Scottish Higher?
An A at Higher is 33 points, B is 27, C is 21 and D is 15. Advanced Highers are worth more: 56 for an A.
Last reviewed October 2026 using 2026/27 figures. This calculator gives an estimate for guidance only.