How UCAS Tariff points work
The UCAS Tariff turns Level 3 qualifications (SCQF Level 6 in Scotland) into a single number, so universities can compare applicants with different mixes of A levels, BTECs, Highers or the IB. Points depend on two things: how big a qualification is and the grade you get. UCAS multiplies a size band (based on guided learning hours, or SCQF credits in Scotland) by a grade band:
Tariff points = size band × grade band A level: size band 4 × grade band (A* 14, A 12, B 10, C 8, D 6, E 4)
That is why an A* at A level is worth 56 points and an E is worth 16. A BTEC National Extended Diploma is three times the size of an A level (size band 12), so D*D*D* is worth 168, the same as A*A*A*.
| Qualification | A* | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A level | 56 | 48 | 40 | 32 | 24 | 16 |
| AS level | – | 20 | 16 | 12 | 10 | 6 |
| EPQ | 28 | 24 | 20 | 16 | 12 | 8 |
Worked examples
- A levels AAB: 48 + 48 + 40 = 136 points. Add an A in the EPQ (24) and the total becomes 160.
- BTEC National Extended Diploma DDM: the grade bands average (12 + 12 + 8) ÷ 3 = 10.67, times size band 12 = 128 points, exactly the same as ABB at A level.
- IB Diploma: UCAS tariffs each part separately. Higher Level 6, 6, 5 (48 + 48 + 32), Standard Level 6, 5, 5 (24 + 16 + 16), Extended Essay B (10) and Theory of Knowledge B (10) add up to 204 points.
- Access to HE Diploma: only the 45 graded Level 3 credits count. 30 at Distinction, 12 at Merit and 3 at Pass give 125 points, the same figure UCAS uses in its guide.
Points or grades?
Many universities make offers in grades (“AAB”, “DDM”) rather than points, and some don’t use the Tariff at all. Others state a points figure such as “112 UCAS points, including an A level in Biology”. Always read how your course states its entry requirements, including any required subjects, minimum grades in a particular subject and whether the EPQ or AS levels count towards the offer. The calculator also shows the nearest three-A-level grade set for your total, which helps translate a points offer into the grades you need.
What does and doesn’t count
- All UK-regulated Level 3 and SCQF Level 6 qualifications can carry points, along with the IB, the Access to HE Diploma, T Levels, Level 3 apprenticeships and the Irish Leaving Certificate (the only non-UK qualification in the Tariff).
- GCSEs, unregulated courses and most international qualifications have no Tariff points; universities assess them separately.
- Fail grades earn no points. Graded music, speech, drama and dance exams at grades 6–8 carry small amounts.
- The new Level 3 BTEC Nationals introduced in 2025 have their own entries in UCAS’s Tariff tables. If your certificate shows one of those, check UCAS’s tables for its exact values.
Tips
- Use predicted grades early. Enter your predictions to see which courses are realistic before you build your UCAS choices.
- Check subject requirements first. A course asking for 120 points “including A level Maths at B” won’t accept 120 points without that grade.
- Don’t overload on extra qualifications. An extra AS level adds points, but many offers only count your best three A levels.
Questions students ask
How many UCAS points is AAA?
Three A grades at A level are 48 + 48 + 48 = 144 UCAS points. A*AA is 152 and A*A*A* is 168.
How many UCAS points is a BTEC DDM?
A BTEC National Extended Diploma at DDM is 128 points, the same as ABB at A level.
Do AS levels count for UCAS points?
Yes. A standalone AS level is worth 20 points at grade A down to 6 at grade E. Some universities only count full A levels in their offers, so check the course.
Does the EPQ give UCAS points?
Yes. The Extended Project Qualification is worth 28 points at A* and 24 at A. Some universities lower their offer for a good EPQ grade instead of counting the points.
Do GCSEs count towards UCAS points?
No. GCSEs are Level 2 qualifications and carry no Tariff points, though universities still look at them, especially English and Maths.
Sources
Checked: November 2026
Results are estimates for planning. Your school, college or testing organization calculates your official numbers. UPMYGPA is not affiliated with College Board, ACT, LSAC or the AAMC.