UCAS Points Converter – A-Level, IB to UCAS Tariff Points Calculator

What are UCAS Tariff Points

UCAS Tariff Points are a standardized points system used by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) to compare different UK qualifications fairly and consistently. This numerical framework enables universities across the United Kingdom to set entry requirements that accommodate students from various educational backgrounds, whether they have completed A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), BTEC qualifications, Scottish Highers, or other recognized credentials.

The tariff system assigns specific point values to grades achieved in Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to the final two years of secondary education in England and Wales). For example, an A* at A-Level equals 56 UCAS points, while an A grade equals 48 points. By converting diverse qualifications into a common points scale, UCAS facilitates transparent university admissions processes and helps students understand whether their qualifications meet course entry requirements.

Purpose of UCAS Tariff Points

The UCAS Tariff serves multiple purposes within the UK university admissions system:

• Standardization: Provides a common currency for comparing achievements across different qualification types and awarding bodies
• Flexibility: Allows universities to set entry requirements that accept various combinations of qualifications
• Accessibility: Helps mature students, international students, and those with vocational qualifications understand their university options
• Transparency: Creates clear, objective criteria that students can use to assess their eligibility for courses
• Recognition: Values diverse educational pathways equally when they demonstrate comparable levels of achievement

How Universities Use UCAS Points

Not all universities or courses use UCAS Tariff Points in their entry requirements. Usage varies significantly across institutions and programs:

• Points-Based Entry: Some courses specify minimum tariff points (e.g., "96-112 UCAS points") offering flexibility in qualification combinations
• Subject-Specific Requirements: Many competitive courses require specific grades in particular subjects rather than generic tariff points
• Hybrid Approach: Numerous universities combine minimum tariff points with mandatory subject grades or levels
• No Tariff Requirements: Highly selective courses (Medicine, Law, Oxbridge programs) typically focus on specific high grades rather than total points

Current UCAS Tariff Framework

The current UCAS Tariff was revised in 2017 to better reflect the breadth, depth, and rigor of modern qualifications. Key features include:

• More points awarded to full-level qualifications compared to smaller units
• Recognition of over 7,000 different qualifications from various awarding bodies
• Clear point allocations that reflect the volume and level of learning involved
• Annual updates incorporating newly approved qualifications
• Official UCAS tariff calculator available on the UCAS website for verification

UCAS Points Conversion Formulas

Understanding how different qualifications convert to UCAS Tariff Points helps students predict their university eligibility and plan their subject choices strategically. Each qualification type follows official conversion tables established by UCAS based on qualification size, level, and grading structure.

A-Level to UCAS Points Conversion

A-Levels are the most common UK qualification for university entry, with each full A-Level worth up to 56 UCAS points:

Example Calculation: A student with A-Level grades A*, A, B:

• Subject 1 (A*): 56 points
• Subject 2 (A): 48 points
• Subject 3 (B): 40 points
• Total: 144 UCAS points

IB Diploma to UCAS Points Conversion

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme converts to UCAS points differently for Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) subjects:

Example Calculation: IB student with HL grades 7, 6, 6 and SL grades 7, 6:

• HL Subjects: 56 + 48 + 48 = 152 points
• SL Subjects: 28 + 24 = 52 points
• Total: 204 UCAS points

BTEC to UCAS Points Conversion

BTEC qualifications convert to UCAS points based on qualification size and overall grade:

AS-Level to UCAS Points Conversion

AS-Levels (typically one-year courses) receive approximately 40% of the points value of full A-Levels:

Uses of UCAS Points Converter

A UCAS points converter serves as an essential tool throughout the UK university application journey. Understanding when and how to use this converter ensures informed decisions about course selection, university choices, and application strategy.

For Students Applying to University

• Course Eligibility Assessment: Determine whether predicted or achieved grades meet minimum entry requirements for specific university courses
• University Shortlisting: Compare expected UCAS points against multiple universities' requirements to create a realistic list of choices
• Subject Combination Planning: Evaluate different A-Level or IB subject combinations to ensure meeting points requirements
• Personal Statement Preparation: Reference tariff points when discussing academic achievements in UCAS applications
• Clearing Strategy: Quickly calculate points during clearing period to identify suitable available courses
• Progress Tracking: Monitor academic progress against university targets throughout final study years

For International Students

• IB to UCAS Conversion: Convert IB Diploma grades to understand UK university eligibility
• Qualification Recognition: Verify whether international qualifications translate to sufficient UCAS points
• UK vs Home Comparison: Compare UK university requirements with home country standards
• Course Research: Identify which UK courses are accessible based on international qualification levels
• Application Confidence: Gain clarity on admission prospects before investing in application fees

For Teachers and School Counselors

• Student Guidance: Advise students on realistic university options based on predicted grades
• Reference Writing: Include relevant tariff point information in UCAS references
• Subject Choice Advising: Help students select qualification combinations that meet their university goals
• Target Setting: Establish clear grade targets aligned with students' university aspirations
• Parent Communication: Explain university entry requirements clearly to parents using standardized points

For Parents and Guardians

• Understanding Requirements: Comprehend what grades their child needs for desired courses
• Progress Monitoring: Track whether their child is on course to achieve necessary points
• Realistic Expectations: Develop appropriate expectations about university options
• Subject Selection Support: Make informed decisions during A-Level or IB subject choice processes
• Financial Planning: Understand university prospects when planning education finances

For Education Consultants and Tutors

• Application Strategy: Develop personalized university application strategies for clients
• Academic Planning: Create study plans aligned with specific UCAS points targets
• Grade Improvement Focus: Identify which subjects to prioritize for maximum points increase
• University Matching: Match students with universities based on realistic points projections
• Performance Tracking: Monitor tutoring effectiveness against UCAS points goals

How to Use This Converter

Our UCAS points converter is designed for simplicity and accuracy. Follow these straightforward steps to calculate your UCAS Tariff Points:

Converting A-Levels to UCAS Points

1. Select A-Levels Tab: Click the "A-Levels" tab at the top of the calculator (selected by default)
2. Choose Your Grades: For each A-Level subject you have or expect to achieve, select the grade from the dropdown menu (A*, A, B, C, D, or E)
3. Add Multiple Subjects: The calculator includes three subject fields by default. Enter grades for all your A-Level subjects
4. Calculate Points: Click the "Calculate UCAS Points" button to see your total tariff points
5. Review Results: The calculator displays your total UCAS points in large numbers, plus a breakdown showing points from each subject

Example: Student with A-Level grades A*, A, B:

• Select A* for Subject 1 (56 points)
• Select A for Subject 2 (48 points)
• Select B for Subject 3 (40 points)
• Result: 144 UCAS points total

Converting IB Diploma to UCAS Points

1. Select IB Diploma Tab: Click the "IB Diploma" tab in the calculator
2. Enter Higher Level Grades: Select the grades (7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or lower) for each of your three Higher Level (HL) subjects
3. Enter Standard Level Grades (Optional): If you want to include SL subjects in your calculation, select grades for up to two Standard Level subjects
4. Calculate Points: Click "Calculate UCAS Points" to see your total
5. View Breakdown: See separate point totals for HL and SL subjects, plus your combined total

Example: IB student with HL grades 7, 6, 6 and SL grades 7, 6:

• HL contributions: 56 + 48 + 48 = 152 points
• SL contributions: 28 + 24 = 52 points
• Result: 204 UCAS points total

Converting BTEC to UCAS Points

1. Select BTEC Tab: Click the "BTEC" tab in the calculator
2. Choose Qualification Type: Select whether you have an Extended Diploma (3 A-Levels equivalent), Diploma (2 A-Levels), or Extended Certificate (1 A-Level)
3. Select Overall Grade: Choose your overall BTEC grade: D* (Distinction Star), D (Distinction), M (Merit), or P (Pass)
4. Calculate Points: Click the calculate button to see your UCAS points
5. Review Equivalence: The results show your points and A-Level grade equivalence

Tips for Accurate Conversion

How This Calculator Works

Our UCAS points converter implements the official UCAS Tariff tables published by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. Understanding the methodology ensures transparency and helps you trust the accuracy of calculated results.

Data Source and Accuracy

This calculator uses point values directly from official UCAS Tariff tables current for the 2024-2025 academic year. All conversions follow the standardized framework established by UCAS and recognized by all UK universities, colleges, and conservatoires.

The tariff values implemented in this calculator include:

• A-Level grades from A* (56 points) to E (16 points)
• IB Higher Level grades from 7 (56 points) to 3 (12 points)
• IB Standard Level grades from 7 (28 points) to 3 (6 points)
• BTEC Extended Diploma grades from D*D*D* (168 points) to PPP (48 points)
• BTEC Extended Certificate grades from D* (56 points) to P (16 points)

Calculation Process

Step 1: Grade Selection

Users select their achieved or predicted grades from dropdown menus. Each option contains pre-assigned UCAS point values based on official tariff tables.

Step 2: Point Lookup

When a grade is selected, the calculator retrieves the corresponding UCAS point value from its internal lookup table:

IF grade = "A*" THEN points = 56
ELSE IF grade = "A" THEN points = 48
ELSE IF grade = "B" THEN points = 40
ELSE IF grade = "C" THEN points = 32
ELSE IF grade = "D" THEN points = 24
ELSE IF grade = "E" THEN points = 16
ELSE points = 0
    

Step 3: Point Summation

The calculator adds all selected subject points to calculate the total UCAS Tariff score:

Step 4: Results Display

The calculator presents results in two formats:

• Total Points: Large, prominent display of total UCAS Tariff Points
• Breakdown: Detailed list showing points contribution from each individual subject

IB-Specific Calculation Logic

For IB Diploma calculations, the system distinguishes between Higher Level and Standard Level subjects, applying different point scales:

HL_Total = HL_Subject1_Points + HL_Subject2_Points + HL_Subject3_Points
SL_Total = SL_Subject1_Points + SL_Subject2_Points
Total_UCAS_Points = HL_Total + SL_Total
    

BTEC-Specific Calculation Logic

BTEC calculations consider both qualification size and grade achieved. The calculator uses compound grading for Extended Diplomas (e.g., D*DD) and single grades for Extended Certificates:

IF type = "Extended Diploma" AND grade = "DDD" THEN points = 144
IF type = "Extended Certificate" AND grade = "D" THEN points = 48
    

Validation and Error Handling

The calculator includes validation to ensure accurate results:

• Grade Selection Check: Ensures at least one subject grade is selected before calculating
• Zero-Value Handling: Treats unselected subjects as zero points, not as errors
• Result Verification: Displays individual subject contributions for manual verification
• Maximum Points Logic: No artificial caps – calculator sums all selected subjects honestly

Limitations and Disclaimers

While this calculator provides accurate conversions based on official UCAS tables, users should note:

• This calculator shows standard tariff points for common qualifications only
• Some specialized qualifications may not be included in this simplified converter
• University entry requirements may specify particular subjects or grade combinations beyond total points
• For official applications, always verify your points using the UCAS official tariff calculator
• Tariff tables are updated annually – this calculator reflects current 2024-2025 values

UCAS Tariff Tables

Reference these comprehensive tariff tables to understand the complete conversion system for major UK qualifications.

A-Level UCAS Tariff Table

IB Diploma UCAS Tariff Table

Common UCAS Points Benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions