ATAR Score Calculator
Calculate your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank instantly
Enter Your Subject Scores
Calculation Settings
Your ATAR Estimate
Subject Breakdown
How this was calculated:
What-if Scenario
How ATAR Scores Work in Australia
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is the primary measure used to rank Year 12 students for university admission across Australia. It’s not a score out of 100, but rather a percentile ranking that compares you with your peers.
How ATAR is Calculated: The Formula
The ATAR calculation involves several steps that transform your raw subject scores into a comparable rank. Here’s the simplified formula our calculator uses:
Scaled Subject Score = Raw Score × Scaling FactorAggregate Score = Sum of best 4 scaled subject scoresATAR = Percentile ranking based on aggregate score distribution
Universities and tertiary admission centres (like UAC in NSW, VTAC in Victoria, QTAC in Queensland) perform the official calculations each year based on the entire cohort’s performance.
Subject Scaling Explained
Scaling adjusts subject scores to account for differences in competition and difficulty. Subjects are scaled each year based on how students perform in them relative to their overall ability.
| Subject Category | Typical Scaling | Example Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| High Scaling | 1.2 – 1.4 | Mathematics Extension 2, Physics, Chemistry, Languages |
| Standard Scaling | 1.0 | English Advanced, Mathematics Advanced, Biology |
| Low Scaling | 0.8 – 0.9 | Standard English, Visual Arts, Music, PDHPE |
Common ATAR Questions Answered
What is a good ATAR score?
There’s no single definition of a “good” ATAR, as it depends entirely on your university and course preferences. Here are some general guidelines:
- 95.00+: Highly competitive for medicine, law, and elite university programs
- 85.00-94.95: Strong results for most undergraduate degrees
- 70.00-84.95: Good range for many popular courses
- 50.00-69.95: Qualifies for many university pathways and courses
- 30.00-49.95: Eligible for alternative entry pathways
Can I calculate my exact ATAR?
No online calculator can give you your exact ATAR. The official calculation considers the entire year’s cohort performance and uses complex statistical methods. Our calculator provides a reliable estimate based on historical scaling data.
What if I don’t get the ATAR I need?
Many pathways exist if you don’t achieve your target ATAR. Consider these options:
- Alternative entry programs: Most universities offer foundation studies or diploma pathways
- Bridging courses: Short courses that prepare you for university study
- TAFE pathways: Vocational qualifications that can lead to university credit
- Gap year with relevant experience: Work experience can strengthen your application
- Adjustment factors: Bonus points for regional location, subject performance, or equity considerations
State-Specific Differences
While ATAR is national, calculation methods vary slightly between states:
| State | Administrating Body | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | UAC | Best 10 units, English compulsory |
| Victoria | VTAC | Best 4 subjects plus English |
| Queensland | QTAC | Best 5 subjects, new QCE system |
| Western Australia | TISC | Best 4 scaled subject scores |
| South Australia | SATAC | Best 80 credits, TER conversion |
Table of Truth: Example ATAR Calculations
Use this table to sanity-check your results. These examples show how different subject combinations affect ATAR outcomes.
| Subject Combination | Average Score | Estimated ATAR | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| English, Maths Adv, Biology, Business | 85% each | 85.00 – 87.00 | Standard scaling subjects |
| English, Maths Ext 1, Chemistry, Physics | 85% each | 90.00 – 93.00 | High scaling advantage |
| Standard English, Visual Arts, Music, PDHPE | 85% each | 75.00 – 78.00 | Lower scaling effect |
| Mixed: English, Maths Adv, Chemistry, Art | 85% each | 82.00 – 85.00 | Balanced combination |
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this ATAR calculator?
Our calculator provides estimates within 2-3 ATAR points of likely outcomes based on historical scaling data. It’s designed for planning and what-if scenarios, not as a guarantee of your final ATAR.
Do all subjects count equally toward my ATAR?
No. Subjects are scaled differently based on competition and perceived difficulty. Typically, your best 4 scaled subject scores (plus English in some states) form your aggregate.
Can I improve my ATAR after Year 12?
Yes. Options include repeating subjects, taking university foundation courses, or completing tertiary preparation programs. Many universities also consider mature age entry for older applicants.
What’s the minimum ATAR for university?
Most universities have a minimum ATAR around 65.00 for general admission, but many courses have higher requirements. Some institutions offer alternative entry with no minimum ATAR.
How do bonus points work?
Bonus points (also called adjustment factors) are added to your ATAR for specific circumstances: excelling in certain subjects, living in regional areas, or meeting equity criteria. These vary by university and course.
When will I get my actual ATAR?
ATARs are released in mid-December each year, after all Year 12 exams are marked and processed by your state’s tertiary admission centre.
Final Advice for Stressed Students
Remember that your ATAR is just one pathway to your future. Many successful university students entered through alternative pathways. Focus on doing your best, but also research backup options. Your worth is not defined by a number between 30.00 and 99.95.