56
Highest single A-Level tariff
168
Three A* grades (3 × 56)
120–144
AAB to AAA equivalent
How do UCAS Tariff points work for A-Level grades?
The UCAS Tariff is a points system that translates academic grades into a numerical score. Each grade at each qualification level is assigned a fixed number of points. Universities use these points in two ways: to set minimum entry requirements (for example, "112 UCAS points from three A-Levels") and to compare applicants across different qualification types.
It is important to understand that not all universities use UCAS points as their primary admissions mechanism. The most selective universities — Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, LSE, and most medical schools — specify exact grade requirements (e.g. A*AA) rather than a points total. UCAS points are more commonly used by universities that take a flexible approach to entry qualifications, accepting a broader mix of A-Levels, BTECs, and T-Levels.
Always check your specific course and university requirements — a points-based requirement and a grades-based requirement are different things, and conflating them can lead to incorrect assumptions about your eligibility.
A-Level UCAS Tariff points: full table
The table below shows the UCAS Tariff points for each A-Level grade, as set by UCAS for the 2025 entry cycle. These values have been stable since the 2017 tariff reform.
| A-Level Grade | UCAS Points | 3 A-Levels Total |
|---|---|---|
| A* | 56 | 168 |
| A | 48 | 144 |
| B | 40 | 120 |
| C | 32 | 96 |
| D | 24 | 72 |
| E | 16 | 48 |
Source: UCAS Tariff Tables, 2025 entry. Values unchanged from 2024 entry.
Common A-Level grade combinations and their UCAS points total
Most university offers are expressed as a combination of three A-Level grades. Here are the most commonly referenced combinations and their total UCAS points.
| Grade Combination | UCAS Points | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A* A* A* | 168 | Medicine, Oxbridge (some courses) |
| A* A* A | 160 | Top Russell Group |
| A* A A | 152 | Russell Group, competitive courses |
| A A A | 144 | Standard Russell Group offer |
| A A B | 136 | Mid-tier Russell Group |
| A B B | 128 | Strong university offers |
| B B B | 120 | Many university entry offers |
| B B C | 112 | Broad range of universities |
| B C C | 104 | Post-92 and many modern universities |
| C C C | 96 | Many open-entry courses |
Source: UCAS Tariff Tables 2025; typical use notes are indicative only — always verify with individual course requirements.
AS-Level, EPQ, BTEC, and T-Level UCAS points
Other Level 3 qualifications also earn UCAS Tariff points and count toward your total. Whether universities accept them depends on the course — always check. AS-Levels are now standalone qualifications (not co-taught with A-Levels in most schools), and many universities still count them where a student has completed them.
| Qualification | Grade | UCAS Points |
|---|---|---|
| AS-Level | A | 20 |
| AS-Level | B | 16 |
| AS-Level | C | 12 |
| AS-Level | D | 10 |
| AS-Level | E | 6 |
| EPQ (A-Level) | A* | 28 |
| EPQ (A-Level) | A | 24 |
| EPQ (A-Level) | B | 20 |
| BTEC Level 3 Ext. Diploma | D*D*D* | 168 |
| BTEC Level 3 Ext. Diploma | D*D*D | 160 |
| BTEC Level 3 Ext. Diploma | DDD | 144 |
| BTEC Level 3 Ext. Diploma | DDM | 128 |
| T-Level | A* (Distinction*) | 168 |
| T-Level | A (Distinction) | 144 |
| T-Level | B (Merit) | 120 |
Source: UCAS Tariff Tables 2025 entry. EPQ points shown for the A-Level sized EPQ. T-Level points based on overall grade only; core and occupational specialism graded separately.
Do all universities use UCAS points to make offers?
No. The most selective universities in the UK — Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, LSE, UCL, and medical schools — express their offers almost exclusively in specific grades (e.g. A*AA), not UCAS points. For these institutions, achieving the right grades in the right subjects matters more than a points total. Substituting subjects to hit a points threshold will not work if the offer specifies subjects.
Post-92 universities and many modern universities frequently use UCAS points as their primary admissions mechanism, which makes BTEC and T-Level qualifications straightforwardly comparable to A-Levels in their processes. Some universities use a hybrid — a minimum points threshold plus specific grade conditions for certain subjects.
Always read the full entry requirements — not just the points total
A course might say "112 UCAS points" but also require Maths A-Level at grade B as a separate condition. You can hit 112 points through other combinations and still not meet the offer. Read the full requirements on each university's course page, not just the headline points figure on comparison sites.
Check your A-Level grade boundaries and percentile
See exactly how your raw marks translate to grades across AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC — and find out how your results compare nationally.
Check A-Level Grade Boundaries →