How It Works

This A-Level grade calculator calculates your predicted grade using weighted percentages and typical grade boundaries.

Where:

Component Percentage = (Your Marks ÷ Maximum Marks) × 100

Component Weighting = The percentage this component contributes to your final grade

Total Weighting = Should equal 100% across all components

For example, with Paper 1 (65/100, 35% weighting), Paper 2 (72/100, 35% weighting), and Coursework (45/60, 30% weighting):

((65% × 0.35) + (72% × 0.35) + (75% × 0.30)) = 65.2% overall

The calculator then compares your overall percentage to typical grade boundaries to determine your predicted grade.

Typical A-Level Grade Boundaries 2024

Grade boundaries vary by subject and exam board, but these are typical ranges:

Grade	Percentage Range	Description	UCAS Points
A*	90-100%	Exceptional	56
A	80-89%	Excellent	48
B	70-79%	Good	40
C	60-69%	Satisfactory	32
D	50-59%	Pass	24
E	40-49%	Minimum Pass	16
U	0-39%	Ungraded	0

Exam Board Variations

Different exam boards have slightly different approaches:

Exam Board	Grade Boundary Style	Typical A* Boundary	Notes
AQA	Fixed percentages	90%	Most consistent year-to-year
Edexcel	Adaptive	87-92%	Adjusts based on paper difficulty
OCR	Subject-specific	88-91%	Varies significantly by subject
WJEC/Eduqas	Welsh system	89%	Similar to AQA
CIE	International	85-90%	For international students

If You’re Borderline Between Grades

If you’re within 2-3% of the next grade boundary:

1. Focus on your weakest component: Small improvements here have biggest impact

2. Practice exam technique: Often worth 5-10% in marks

3. Review mark schemes: Understand exactly what examiners want

4. Consider remarking: If you’re 1-2 marks below boundary after results

Being at 69% for a B grade means you’re very close to an A (70%). One extra mark in the right place could make the difference.

Common A-Level Subject Weightings

Different subjects have different assessment structures:

Subject	Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3	Coursework/NEA
Mathematics	33.3%	33.3%	33.3%	0%
Physics	34%	34%	32%	0%
Chemistry	35%	35%	30%	0%
Biology	35%	35%	30%	0%
English Literature	40%	40%	0%	20% (NEA)
History	40%	40%	0%	20% (NEA)
Psychology	35%	35%	30%	0%
Geography	30%	30%	20%	20% (NEA)

NEA = Non-Exam Assessment (coursework, investigation, or practical)

How Grade Boundaries Are Set

Grade boundaries aren’t fixed percentages. They’re set each year based on:

Paper difficulty: Harder papers have lower boundaries

Student performance: How the cohort performs overall

Statistical analysis: Maintaining standards year-to-year

Expert judgment: Senior examiners’ review

This means an 85% one year might be an A*, while 85% another year might be an A. The calculator uses typical boundaries as a guide.

COVID-19 Adjustments

Post-pandemic, grade boundaries have been more generous but are returning to pre-pandemic levels. 2024 boundaries are expected to be similar to 2019.

Common Calculation Mistakes

Students often make these errors:

Forgetting weightings: Adding raw percentages without considering weightings

Incorrect max marks: Using wrong maximum for components

Rounding too early: Rounding component percentages before calculating overall

Missing components: Forgetting NEA or practical components

Using wrong boundaries: Applying last year’s boundaries to this year’s marks

This calculator avoids these mistakes by handling all calculations automatically with correct weightings.

Common Questions From Students

What if I have practical components?

Add them as separate components with their correct weightings. Most sciences have practical endorsements (pass/fail) that don’t affect the grade but are required.

How accurate is this prediction?

Very accurate if you input correct marks and weightings. However, final grade boundaries may differ slightly. Use as a guide, not a guarantee.

What about A* requirements?

For most subjects: achieve overall A grade (80%+) and 90%+ in A2 components. Some subjects have specific requirements. The calculator accounts for this.

Can I still get an A* if I got a B in AS?

Yes, AS levels don’t count toward A* in linear A-Levels. Only A2 components matter for A* distinction.

What if my weightings don’t add to 100%?

The calculator normalizes them. If you enter 30%, 30%, 30%, it treats them as 33.3% each (30/90).

How do modular A-Levels work?

Most A-Levels are now linear (all exams at end). Some legacy/modular qualifications exist but are being phased out.

Strategies for Grade Improvement

Based on your calculated position:

Current Grade	Target Grade	Strategy	Time Required
D/E	C	Master basic concepts, past papers	2-3 months
C	B	Improve exam technique, question practice	1-2 months
B	A	Advanced topics, mark scheme analysis	3-4 weeks
A	A*	Synoptic questions, extension material	4-6 weeks

What Examiners Look For

Understanding what gains marks:

Scientific subjects: Method marks, application of formulas, correct units

Humanities: Structured arguments, evidence, analysis, evaluation

Languages: Accuracy, fluency, range of vocabulary/structures

Mathematics: Clear working, method marks even with wrong answer

Arts: Technical skill, creativity, contextual understanding

Often, students know content but lose marks on presentation or structure.

Common Mark-Losing Mistakes

These typically cost 5-15% of marks:

1. Not reading the question: Answering what you think, not what’s asked

2. Poor time management: Rushing later questions

3. Incomplete answers: Not fully addressing all parts

4. Lack of structure: Essays without clear paragraphs

5. Arithmetic errors: In sciences and maths

Resit Considerations

If considering a resit:

Check university policies: Some prefer first sitting grades

Cost: Resits cost £100-£200 per subject

Time: Usually January or next summer series

Improvement potential: Realistic to improve by 1-2 grades with focused study

If you’re within 5% of the next grade, a resit with focused preparation could be worthwhile.

University Offers and Grades

How universities use predicted grades:

University Type	Typical Offer	Grade Flexibility	Contextual Offers
Oxford/Cambridge	A*A*A – A*AA	Minimal	Rare
Russell Group	AAA – ABB	Sometimes 1 grade	Common
Modern Universities	BBB – CCC	Often 1-2 grades	Very common
Foundation Years	CCD – DDD	Flexible	Standard

When Results Don’t Match Predictions

If your actual grade differs from predictions:

1. Check component marks: Request breakdown from school

2. Consider remarking: If close to boundary (£40-£70 per paper)

3. Review through school: They can request reviews

4. Check for errors: Rare but possible administrative errors

5. Consider appeal: If you believe marking is wrong

About 1-2% of grades change on remarking, usually by 1-2 marks.

Beyond Grades: What Matters

While grades are important:

Personal statement: Shows passion and suitability

References: Teacher recommendations matter

Admissions tests: LNAT, BMAT, UCAT for some courses

Interviews: Chance to demonstrate knowledge

Work experience: Relevant for vocational courses

A student with BBB and strong application can beat one with AAA and weak application.

Using This Calculator Effectively

For best results:

1. Use actual mock exam marks: Not guessed or hoped-for marks

2. Verify weightings: Check exam board specification

3. Update regularly: As you get more assessment results

4. Be realistic: Base predictions on actual performance

5. Use for planning: Identify weakest areas to focus on

This tool is most valuable when used honestly to identify genuine strengths and weaknesses.