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The UCAS Tariff is the points system used by UK universities to compare qualifications from different educational pathways on a common scale. A-level grades, T Levels, BTECs, IB scores, Scottish Highers, EPQ grades, and dozens of other qualifications all convert to a UCAS Tariff points total that admissions teams use alongside predicted grades and contextual data when assessing applications. Understanding your tariff total is essential for checking whether you meet minimum entry requirements, which are often listed as "BBB" (equivalent to 120 UCAS points) or "grades equivalent to 112 points" on university course pages.

The UCAS Tariff was substantially revised in 2017: T Levels were introduced at 168 points for a Distinction* (equivalent to three A*s), and the old AS-level half-credit system was removed. GCSE grades on the 9–1 scale (introduced 2017–2019) are not included in the tariff — only Level 3 qualifications (A-level equivalent and above) count.

Select each qualification type you hold or are predicted to achieve (A-level, BTEC, T Level, IB, etc.).
Enter your grade for each qualification — A* down to E for A-levels; Distinction/Merit/Pass for BTECs.
For A-levels: each subject is worth between 16 points (E grade) and 56 points (A*); add them together for your total.
Add EPQ points if applicable: an A* EPQ is worth 28 points, equivalent to half an A-level grade.
Check your total against the entry requirements listed on the UCAS course page for your chosen university.

UCAS Tariff points by qualification

A-level: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16

AS-level (standalone, post-2017): A = 20, B = 16, C = 12, D = 10, E = 6

BTEC Extended Diploma: D*D*D* = 168, DDM = 136, MMM = 96, PPP = 48

T Level: Distinction* = 168, Distinction = 144, Merit = 120, Pass (C or above) = 96

IB Diploma: 45 points = 720 UCAS, 40 points = 611, 35 points = 504, 30 points = 397

EPQ: A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12, E = 8

Example: A in Maths (48) + B in Physics (40) + C in Chemistry (32) = 120 UCAS Tariff points = "ABB".

Reading your UCAS Tariff total

Typical entry requirements by university tier

Typical UCAS Tariff ranges by university group: Russell Group universities (e.g. Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial) usually state A-level grades explicitly (A*AA = 168) rather than tariff points. Other leading universities: 128–152 points (ABB to AAB). Post-92 universities and newer institutions: 64–128 points (CCC to ABB). Foundation years and access courses: 48–80 points. Many universities now use contextual admissions — students from disadvantaged backgrounds may receive offers 1–2 grades lower than the standard requirement, so always check the university's individual policy.

Education tips and best practices

Russell Group universities almost always state specific A-level grade requirements rather than tariff points — don't assume a points total automatically qualifies you.
T Levels are relatively new (from 2020); check specifically that your chosen university accepts them, as not all do yet.
An A* in an EPQ adds 28 points and demonstrates independent research skills — it can make a competitive application stronger without requiring an extra A-level.
AS-levels taken after 2017 (standalone) count separately at a lower points rate; they do not combine with the full A-level for the same subject.
GCSE grades (9–1 scale) are not in the tariff — universities assess GCSEs separately, typically requiring grade 4 or 5 in English and Maths as a baseline.

In 2023, over 730,000 students were placed through UCAS — approximately 70% through firm and insurance choices.
The average offer from Russell Group universities in competitive subjects (Medicine, Law, Computer Science) is equivalent to 160–168 UCAS Tariff points (AAA to A*AA).
T Levels at Distinction* are worth 168 UCAS Tariff points — the same as three A-levels at grade A*.
Approximately 30% of UCAS applicants hold a BTEC alongside or instead of A-levels.

Common mistakes to avoid

Including GCSE grades in the tariff calculation — they are not part of the UCAS Tariff system and must be assessed separately.
Using the old pre-2017 UCAS points table — the system was rescaled in 2017; old online resources still show the legacy table.
Assuming tariff points are the only admissions criterion — personal statements, references, admissions tests (UCAT, LNAT, MAT) and interviews are equally or more important at selective universities.
Double-counting an A-level and the associated AS-level for the same subject — they are mutually exclusive in the tariff if the full A-level is completed.

UCAS Tariff points are published by UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) and updated periodically. Always verify current tariff values on the official UCAS website (ucas.com) before making admissions decisions. Universities set their own entry requirements and are not obligated to accept applicants solely on tariff totals. For qualifications not listed in this calculator, consult the UCAS qualification search tool directly. This calculator is for guidance only and does not constitute a formal assessment of university eligibility.