UCAS Tariff Calculator
Use this calculator to estimate your total UCAS tariff points from common UK qualifications.
| Subject | Qualification | Grade | Qty | Points | Action |
|---|
No qualifications added yet.
Important: This is an estimate based on common tariff values. Always confirm official points and course entry rules on the UCAS website and university pages.
How to calculate UCAS tariff points
UCAS tariff points are a standardized way to compare different qualifications when applying to UK universities. Some courses ask for grades (like ABB at A level), while others ask for tariff points (like 120 points). If your course uses tariff points, you can combine points from eligible qualifications to see whether you meet the requirement.
The quick method is simple: find each qualification, match your grade to its tariff value, then add the totals together. The calculator above does exactly that so you can test different grade outcomes and plan your application strategy.
What is the UCAS tariff?
The UCAS tariff assigns numerical points to post-16 qualifications. It helps admissions teams compare applicants who took different routes, such as A levels, BTECs, Scottish qualifications, or a combination of these.
- Higher grades usually mean higher points.
- Different qualification sizes can carry different maximum points.
- Not every university course accepts every qualification or every combination.
- Some courses do not use tariff points at all and instead require specific grades in specific subjects.
Common UCAS tariff values (quick reference)
A level tariff points
| A level grade | Points |
|---|---|
| A* | 56 |
| A | 48 |
| B | 40 |
| C | 32 |
| D | 24 |
| E | 16 |
AS level and EPQ points
| Qualification | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| AS level | A | 20 |
| AS level | B | 16 |
| AS level | C | 12 |
| AS level | D | 10 |
| AS level | E | 6 |
| EPQ | A* | 28 |
| EPQ | A | 24 |
| EPQ | B | 20 |
| EPQ | C | 16 |
| EPQ | D | 12 |
| EPQ | E | 8 |
Step-by-step example calculations
Example 1: Three A levels
Suppose your grades are A, B, B:
- A = 48 points
- B = 40 points
- B = 40 points
Total = 128 UCAS points.
Example 2: A levels plus EPQ
If you have A, C, C at A level plus EPQ grade A:
- A = 48
- C = 32
- C = 32
- EPQ A = 24
Total = 136 UCAS points.
Tips for using tariff points in university applications
- Check course wording carefully: “120 points” is different from “BBB including Biology.”
- Look for subject requirements: many courses still require specific subjects and minimum grades.
- Verify accepted qualifications: not every course counts every qualification equally.
- Use a target: enter your target in the calculator to see how many points you still need.
- Plan scenarios: try best-case and conservative grade combinations before results day.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Assuming all qualifications can be combined for every course.
- Counting qualifications the course provider does not accept.
- Focusing only on total points and ignoring required subjects.
- Using outdated tariff values from old qualification frameworks.
Frequently asked questions
Do all universities use UCAS tariff points?
No. Many courses give grade-based offers instead of tariff-based offers.
Can I mix A levels and BTECs for tariff points?
Often yes, but acceptance depends on the course and institution. Always check the exact entry policy on the university website.
Is UCAS tariff enough to get an offer?
Not always. Universities may also consider subjects studied, personal statement, references, interviews, portfolios, and admissions tests.
Final note
A UCAS tariff calculator is best used as a planning tool. It helps you understand your academic profile quickly, compare options, and shortlist realistic courses. For final decisions, always use current official UCAS information and each university’s entry requirements.