How the UCAS tariff works
The UCAS tariff turns qualifications into a single points score so universities can compare applicants with different mixes of grades. For A-levels, the current tariff values are:
- A*: 56 points
- A: 48 points
- B: 40 points
- C: 32 points
- D: 24 points
- E: 16 points
Notice the neat pattern: each grade step is worth 8 points. That means dropping one grade in one subject costs you 8 points wherever it happens, so an A*BB is worth exactly the same as an AAB (136 points either way, since 56 + 40 + 40 = 48 + 48 + 40).
Worked examples
Here are some common three-A-level combinations, from the top of the scale down:
- A*A*A* = 168 points
- A*AA = 152 points
- AAA = 144 points
- AAB = 136 points
- ABB = 128 points
- BBB = 120 points
- BBC = 112 points
- CCC = 96 points
- DDD = 72 points
AS levels, BTECs and everything else
A standalone AS level is worth 40% of the full A-level: 20 points for an A, 16 for a B, 12 for a C, 10 for a D and 6 for an E. The catch is that an AS only counts if you did not go on to complete the full A-level in that subject; once you have the A-level, the AS is absorbed into it. BTEC Nationals, Scottish Highers, the International Baccalaureate, music grades and many other qualifications also carry tariff points, each with its own table, so check the official UCAS tariff tables for anything beyond A-levels. The Extended Project Qualification earns points too, which is one reason schools push it. GCSEs, on the other hand, carry no points at all, no matter how strong: universities look at them separately rather than adding them to your total.
What your points total actually gets you
Universities use the tariff in two different ways, and the difference matters. Points-based offers (say, 112 points) give you flexibility: BBC (112), ABD (112) and BBD plus a C at AS (104 + 12 = 116) all clear the bar, and points from a fourth subject can rescue a dropped grade. Grade-based offers (say, ABB) do not care about your total at all; you need those specific grades, and 136 points earned as A*BB may not satisfy an AAB offer, though in practice many admissions teams will take it. Competitive courses often also exclude certain qualifications from counting. So treat your points total as a useful shorthand, then read each course's entry requirements line by line. This is guidance, not admissions advice: confirm requirements for your courses on ucas.com.
Frequently asked questions
How many UCAS points is each A-level grade worth?
On the current UCAS tariff an A* is 56 points, an A is 48, a B is 40, a C is 32, a D is 24 and an E is 16. So AAB is 136 points and three A* grades come to 168.
Do AS levels count towards UCAS points?
Yes, a standalone AS level is worth 40% of the full A-level grade: 20 points for an A, 16 for a B, 12 for a C, 10 for a D and 6 for an E. If you went on to complete the full A-level in the same subject, only the A-level counts, not both.
Do BTECs earn UCAS points?
Yes. BTEC Nationals sit on the same tariff, with points depending on the size of the qualification and the grades. Because the combinations are extensive, check the official UCAS tariff tables for your exact BTEC and grade.
Do GCSEs count towards UCAS points?
No. GCSEs carry no tariff points, however good the grades. Universities look at GCSEs separately, often requiring specific grades in English and maths, but they never add to your points total.
How many UCAS points do I need for university?
It depends entirely on the course. Some universities make points-based offers, others ask for specific grades such as AAB, and many competitive courses will not count points from certain qualifications. Always check the entry requirements for each course on the UCAS website.