CAO A-Level Points Calculator
Enter up to 6 subjects below. This calculator estimates your CAO points using common GCE conversion values and counts:
- Best 3 A-Levels
- Best 1 AS Level (if provided)
Guide only: Always confirm the latest conversion and entry requirements directly with the CAO and your chosen college.
What is a CAO point calculator for A-Levels?
A CAO point calculator for A-Levels helps students estimate how their GCE results may convert into CAO points for undergraduate applications in Ireland. If you are applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO) and studying outside the Irish Leaving Certificate system, a conversion tool can make planning far easier.
This page is designed for quick planning: enter your subjects, pick A-Level or AS Level, choose your grades, and instantly see an estimated total.
How points are usually counted
For many A-Level applicants, the typical structure used in CAO planning is:
- Best three A-Level results are counted.
- Best one AS Level may also be counted.
- Total is then compared against course points and minimum entry rules.
Remember that minimum subject requirements (for example, a pass in Mathematics, specific science subjects, or language criteria) can matter just as much as overall points.
Grade conversion values used in this calculator
The calculator uses these common values:
- A-Level: A* = 180, A = 150, B = 130, C = 100, D = 65, E = 45, U = 0
- AS Level: A = 60, B = 50, C = 40, D = 30, E = 20, U = 0
Example
Suppose your grades are:
- A-Level Maths: A (150)
- A-Level Biology: B (130)
- A-Level Chemistry: B (130)
- AS Level Physics: A (60)
Your estimated total would be 470 points (150 + 130 + 130 + 60).
Tips to improve your CAO outcome
1) Focus on your strongest three A-Level subjects
Because the top three A-Level scores carry most of the weight, moving one grade up in a core subject can significantly increase your total.
2) Use AS strategically
An additional strong AS result can provide a helpful boost. It will not replace the need for strong A-Levels, but it can improve competitiveness in close points bands.
3) Check specific course requirements early
Some programs have strict subject prerequisites. You might meet the points but still be ineligible if a required subject or grade is missing.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Comparing points only and ignoring minimum entry criteria.
- Assuming all institutions apply rules identically in every intake year.
- Forgetting to confirm official updates before final application decisions.
Final note
This CAO A-Level points calculator is best used for planning, not as an official determination. Use it to build target scenarios, then verify everything against the most recent CAO handbook and individual university admissions pages.