UCAS Tariff Points Calculator

If you are applying to university, you may see course entry requirements listed as a total number of UCAS Tariff points rather than specific grades. This calculator adds up your A-level grades, plus an optional EPQ, to give you a total points figure you can compare against course requirements.

How to use the UCAS points calculator

Select the grade for each A-level subject you are taking or have predicted, up to four subjects. If you are also taking the Extended Project Qualification, select your EPQ grade too. The calculator instantly totals your points based on the official UCAS Tariff tables.

How the calculation works

Each A-level grade is worth a fixed number of Tariff points: 56 for an A*, 48 for an A, 40 for a B, 32 for a C, 24 for a D and 16 for an E. The EPQ uses the same grade scale but at roughly half the points, up to 28 for an A*. The calculator simply adds together the points for every subject and grade you select.

Worked example

A student taking three A-levels at grades A, B and B would score 48 + 40 + 40 = 128 points. If that student also achieved an A grade EPQ, worth 24 points, their total would rise to 152 points. That combination could meet offers phrased as anything from around 112 to 152 points, depending on how a particular university counts the EPQ.

Points versus grade-specific offers

It is worth remembering that a points total does not always tell the full story. Some universities set a minimum points requirement but also expect a specific grade in a key subject, for example requiring a B in Maths regardless of your overall total. Always read the full entry requirements on a course's UCAS listing rather than assuming a high points total alone guarantees you meet the offer.

Common mistakes people make

A common mistake is assuming every university counts the EPQ towards its offer, when many set their requirements around A-levels alone and treat the EPQ as a bonus rather than a requirement. Another mistake is comparing a points total against an old or unofficial grade table, since Tariff points can be confused with older, now-retired scoring systems. It also helps to double check whether a course quotes points from three A-levels specifically, since some calculations include AS-levels or other qualifications that this calculator does not cover.

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If you are heading off to university, our student budget calculator can help you plan your living costs, and our student loan repayment calculator shows what repayments might look like after you graduate. Once you finish your degree, our degree classification calculator can estimate your likely final grade. For more on managing student finances, see our UK student loan repayment guide.