UCAS Tariff points explained with grade tables

When you search for university courses, some entry requirements are given as grades, such as ABB, and some as a number of UCAS points, such as 120. The points come from the UCAS Tariff, a system that gives each qualification and grade a value, so that different combinations can be compared and added together. It is easy to use once you know the tables, but it is also easy to misread, because not every university uses points, and those that do apply their own rules about which qualifications count. This guide sets out the A level and AS level values, explains how to add them up, works through examples, covers other qualifications, and lists what to check before relying on a total.

By Valtrinity. Updated 18 October 2026.

What the Tariff is

The UCAS Tariff is a set of points allocated to qualifications that students take at age 16 to 18 and use to apply for higher education. Each grade in a qualification earns a number of points. Adding the points from your qualifications gives a total that some universities use in their entry requirements.

The current system was introduced for courses starting in 2017 and replaced an earlier one. Under it, the number of points reflects both the size of the qualification and the grade you get. An A level is worth more than an AS level, and a higher grade is worth more than a lower one.

The Tariff is only a tool. Many universities and courses state their requirements as grades, and many do not use points at all. Where they do, the course page should say which qualifications count.

Points for A levels

Each A level grade earns the following points: A* is 56, A is 48, B is 40, C is 32, D is 24 and E is 16. A U (ungraded) earns nothing. The gaps are even: each grade step is worth 8 points.

So three A levels at grades ABB earn 48 plus 40 plus 40, which is 128 points. A*AB earns 56 plus 48 plus 40, which is 144. BBC earns 40 plus 40 plus 32, which is 112. CCC earns 32 times 3, which is 96. A*A*A* earns 168, the top score from three A levels.

Some students take four A levels. A*AAB earns 56 plus 48 plus 48 plus 40, which is 192 points. Whether a university counts all four depends on its policy, since many make offers based on the best three.

Points for AS levels

AS levels are worth less than A levels. The points are A 20, B 16, C 12, D 10 and E 6. There is no A* at AS level. An AS level at grade A earns 20 points, which is roughly 40 per cent of the 48 points of an A grade at A level.

If a student takes three A levels and a fourth subject to AS level, the total is the A level points plus the AS points. ABB at A level plus a grade B at AS is 128 plus 16, which is 144.

Not all schools and colleges teach AS levels as a separate exam any more, so many applicants have none. That does not put them at a disadvantage, as universities understand the pattern at each school.

The Extended Project Qualification and other qualifications

The Extended Project Qualification, or EPQ, is graded A* to E, and the Tariff gives A* 28 points, A 24, B 20, C 16, D 12 and E 8. An ABB student with an EPQ at grade A would have 128 plus 24, which is 152 points.

Other qualifications have their own values in the Tariff. These include T Levels, where the overall grades from Pass to Distinction* are worth a range of points, BTEC and other vocational qualifications, the Welsh Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, and the International Baccalaureate. The values are in the official tables and the UCAS Tariff calculator, which can add up a mixed set of qualifications for you.

Not every qualification you hold is in the Tariff. GCSEs, for example, do not earn points. Universities usually look at GCSEs separately, often asking for particular grades in English and maths.

Converting between points and grades

It helps to know common totals. 120 points is BBB (40 times 3). 128 is ABB. 136 is AAB (48 plus 48 plus 40). 144 is AAA or A*AB. 112 is BBC. 104 is BCC (40 plus 32 plus 32). 96 is CCC.

Notice that different grade combinations can give the same number. 144 points can be AAA (48 times 3) or A*AB (56 plus 48 plus 40), while A*BB is 136. This is why universities that quote points often say what mix is acceptable. A course that asks for 144 points may accept either of the first two, but it is worth checking.

To work out what you need, subtract the points you already have from the target. If a course asks for 128 points and you are predicted AAB (136), you have a buffer of 8 points, which is one grade step in one subject.

What to check on a course page

Read the entry requirements carefully. Check whether the university states grades, points or both. If it states points, check which qualifications count, whether AS levels and the EPQ are included, and whether it takes the best three A levels or all of them.

Check for subject requirements. Many courses need specific subjects, such as chemistry for medicine or maths for engineering, no matter how many points you have. Some need a minimum grade in the key subject as well as an overall total.

Check for other parts of the application. Medicine, dentistry and some other courses use admissions tests and interviews. Art courses often need a portfolio. Points are only one part of the picture, and offers can be lower for applicants who have had difficulties, through contextual offer schemes at some universities.

Using the Tariff to plan

Start with the courses you like, note the requirement, and compare it with your predicted grades. Write both grades and points, so you can see how much room there is. Apply to a mix of courses, some where your predictions comfortably meet the requirement, and some where they are close.

Remember that offers are conditional on your results. If you narrowly miss, speak to the university: sometimes they still accept you, and there is also a clearing process for places that are left. A calm conversation with your teachers and the admissions office helps.

Finally, check the official UCAS information, because the Tariff and university policies are updated from time to time. This guide gives the main values for A levels, AS levels and the EPQ, but the official tables are the reference for anything that affects an application.

Tools mentioned in this guide

Frequently asked questions