A Level to CAO Points Calculator
Enter your grades below to estimate your CAO points from GCE qualifications. This calculator applies a common method: best 3 A Levels + best 1 AS Level.
A Levels (best 3 counted)
AS Levels (best 1 counted)
Estimate only. Always confirm exact scoring rules and minimum entry requirements in the latest CAO handbook and individual college pages.
How this A Level CAO points calculator works
If you're applying to Irish higher education through CAO with UK qualifications, one of the most common questions is: "How many CAO points do my A Levels convert to?" This page helps you estimate your total quickly, so you can compare your likely score against course points from previous years.
The calculator above uses a straightforward model that many applicants use for planning:
- Best 3 A Level grades are counted.
- Best 1 AS Level grade is added (if entered).
- Each grade maps to a specific points value.
Grade to points mapping used in this tool
A Level points
- A* = 180
- A = 150
- B = 130
- C = 100
- D = 65
- E = 45
- U = 0
AS Level points
- A = 60
- B = 50
- C = 40
- D = 25
- E = 20
- U = 0
Step-by-step: use the calculator correctly
- Enter your A Level subjects and grades first (at least three if possible).
- Add AS grades if you have them.
- Click Calculate CAO Points.
- Review the breakdown to see which subjects were counted.
The tool automatically chooses the highest-scoring subjects based on the rule above, which is useful if you've taken more subjects than needed.
Example calculation
Suppose you have these A Level grades:
- Maths: A* (180)
- Biology: A (150)
- Chemistry: B (130)
- History: C (100)
And these AS grades:
- Further Maths: A (60)
- Economics: B (50)
The calculator counts the best 3 A Levels (180 + 150 + 130 = 460) and best 1 AS (60), giving an estimated total of 520 points.
Important notes before you apply
1) Points are not the whole story
Many courses also require specific subjects and minimum grades (for example, English, Maths, or science requirements). Meeting points alone may not guarantee eligibility.
2) Always check current official guidance
Admissions rules can change between cycles. Use this calculator for planning, but verify details in:
- The latest CAO applicant handbook
- Individual university/course entry pages
- Official qualification equivalency notices
3) Competitive courses move each year
Published points often reflect demand as much as minimum ability. A "safe" target this year could be higher or lower next year, so leave room in your CAO choices.
Frequently asked questions
Can I include more than three A Levels?
Yes. Enter all of them. The calculator will automatically keep the highest three for your estimate.
What if I only have A Levels and no AS results?
No problem. Leave AS fields blank and the calculator will total your best three A Levels only.
Does this replace official CAO scoring?
No. This is an estimation tool to help with planning and course research.
Final tip
Use this calculator early, then build a balanced CAO list with aspirational, realistic, and safety choices. Strong applications combine points strategy with careful course selection.