How A Level UCAS Points Are Calculated
Every A Level grade has a fixed UCAS Tariff Point value, set by the official UCAS tariff. You simply add them up. There is no weighting, no averaging, and no complex formula. It is a direct sum of the points for each grade.
Total Points = Points(Subject 1) + Points(Subject 2) + Points(Subject 3) + …
A* = 56 pts | A = 48 pts | B = 40 pts | C = 32 pts | D = 24 pts | E = 16 pts
Total = 56 + 48 + 40 = 144 UCAS points (equivalent to AAA)
Only your best A Level grades count: You cannot add more points by taking extra subjects. Universities typically count your three best A Levels. Some courses accept four. Always check the specific course entry requirements on UCAS course search, as requirements are stated by subject and grade, not just total points.
Complete A Level UCAS Points Table
| A Level Grade | UCAS Points | Grade Description |
|---|
| A* | 56 | Outstanding |
| A | 48 | Excellent |
| B | 40 | Good |
| C | 32 | Solid pass |
| D | 24 | Pass |
| E | 16 | Minimum pass |
| U | 0 | Ungraded |
Table of Truth: Common Grade Combinations
| Grade Combination | Total Points | Typical University Level |
|---|
| A*A*A* | 168 | Oxbridge / Medicine / top Russell Group |
| A*A*A | 160 | Highly competitive Russell Group |
| A*AA | 152 | Competitive Russell Group |
| AAA | 144 | Strong Russell Group |
| AAB | 136 | Russell Group / strong pre-92 |
| ABB | 128 | Mid-tier universities |
| BBB | 120 | Most universities |
| BBC | 112 | Many universities |
| BCC | 104 | Post-92 / newer universities |
| CCC | 96 | Lower-tariff universities |
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Why Grade Combinations Beat Point Totals
UCAS points give you a number, but most universities care more about specific grade combinations than the total. If a course requires ABB, they want those three grades in three subjects. Having 132 points from a different combination might not satisfy the requirement even though it is more points than ABB (128).
This matters most for competitive courses. Medicine, law, and most engineering programmes at Russell Group universities specify exact grades, not just a points total. Lower-tariff institutions are more likely to use points-based thresholds because they cater to students with diverse qualification mixes.
When UCAS points matter most
Points-based requirements are most useful for students with mixed qualification types, like a student with two A Levels plus a BTEC, or Scottish Highers alongside Advanced Highers. In those cases, comparing total points against a threshold is often the only meaningful way to assess whether an application is competitive.
Check the UCAS course search tool: Every course on UCAS lists its entry requirements, including whether they accept qualifications by total points or by specific grade combinations. Before applying to any course, check the exact entry requirements for the year you are applying. Requirements can change year to year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many A Levels count toward UCAS points?▼
Most university entry requirements are based on three A Levels. You can include more in your UCAS application, but universities typically base their offers on three subjects. Some courses accept four A Levels, but taking a fourth does not automatically add to your points total for entry purposes. This converter counts whatever you enter, but universities will apply their own rules on how many subjects they consider.
Does an A* count as more than an A at university entry?▼
Yes. An A* is worth 56 UCAS points compared to 48 for an A grade. In practice, many universities specify their entry requirements as grade combinations (like A*AA), so the A* is also acknowledged qualitatively. Courses at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, and top medical schools routinely require one or more A* grades in specific subjects, not just a higher points total.
What is the maximum UCAS points from three A Levels?▼
The maximum from three A Levels is 168 points (A*A*A*). This is the points equivalent of the highest possible grades across three subjects. Some competitive courses ask for this combination. Most applicants, even to top universities, achieve between 128 and 160 points from their best three A Levels.
Do all universities use UCAS points for entry?▼
No. Some universities and courses specify grade combinations (like AAB) rather than a points total. Oxford and Cambridge do not use UCAS points as the primary entry criterion at all. Their offers are typically based on specific grades in specific subjects, plus interview performance and admissions test results. Points totals are more commonly used by newer and post-92 universities, where flexible entry is more common.
Do AS Levels add to my UCAS points total?▼
Standalone AS Levels do carry UCAS points (an A at AS Level is worth 20 points). However, in England, AS Levels taken from 2017 onwards are usually not standalone: they are the first year of a full A Level and are not separately certificated unless you leave the subject after Year 12. If you have separate AS Level certificates, they can add to your UCAS points total. Check whether your AS Levels were standalone or part of a full A Level before including them.
Can I get into a good university with 120 UCAS points?▼
Yes. 120 points (equivalent to BBB at A Level) meets the entry requirement for a large number of pre-1992 and newer universities. Many solid degree programmes, including nursing, social work, education, and business degrees at respected institutions, accept 120 points. The institutions most commonly associated with requiring 120 points are those in the mid-tier of the league tables. Always check course-specific requirements rather than using points as a rough proxy.
