UCAS Points Calculator – Easily Work Out Your Tariff Points

If you’re applying to university in the UK, you’ve probably come across the term UCAS points. They’re a crucial part of the application process, used by many universities to decide whether you qualify for a course. But figuring out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth can feel confusing. That’s where a UCAS Points Calculator comes in — it helps you instantly work out your total tariff points so you know exactly where you stand.

In this guide, we’ll explain what UCAS points are, how they’re calculated, and why they matter for your university applications. Plus, we’ll show you how to use our free UCAS Points Calculator tool to save time and avoid mistakes.

What Are UCAS Points?

Let’s start with the basics. UCAS points (officially known as the UCAS Tariff) are a system used to assign a numerical value to all the different post-16 qualifications in the UK. Think of it as a universal currency for university entry.

Whether you’re studying A-levels, BTECs, Scottish Highers, or the International Baccalaureate (IB), they can all be converted into a single number. This helps universities set standard entry requirements for their courses. Instead of listing every possible grade combination from every qualification, they can simply ask for a total number of UCAS tariff points.

For example:

• An A grade at A-level is worth 48 points.
• A D in a BTEC* is worth 56 points.
• An IB Higher Level 7 is worth 56 points.

By adding up your total UCAS points, you can see if you meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.

👉 This system helps universities compare students who studied different qualifications, like A-levels, BTECs, or the International Baccalaureate.

UCAS Points Calculator

Calculating UCAS points manually can be tricky — especially if you’re mixing qualifications like A-levels, BTECs, and IB. That’s why we built an easy-to-use UCAS Points Calculator.

How UCAS Points Are Calculated

UCAS points are calculated using the UCAS Tariff system, which assigns a numerical value (points) to different grades of post-16 qualifications, such as A-levels, BTECs, and the International Baccalaureate (IB).

The process is simple:

1. Look up your qualification in the UCAS Tariff Table.
2. Find the grade you achieved (or are predicted to achieve).
3. Note the points value for that grade.
4. Add up the points from all your eligible qualifications.

Step 1: Check the UCAS Tariff Table

UCAS provides an official tariff table that shows how many points each grade is worth.

For example:

• An A at A-level = 48 points
• A Merit (M) in BTEC = 32 points
• An IB Higher Level 6 = 48 points

Step 2: Add Points from All Qualifications

If you’re studying multiple subjects, you simply add up all the points.

Example:

• A-level Biology (Grade B) = 40 points
• A-level Chemistry (Grade B) = 40 points
• A-level Maths (Grade C) = 32 points
  Total UCAS points = 112

Step 3: Compare Against Entry Requirements

Universities often set entry requirements in UCAS points.

• Example: A course might require 120 points.
• If your total is 112 points, you’re just short.
• If your total is 128 points, you exceed the requirement.

Example UCAS Points Table (Simplified)

A-levels

• A* = 56 points
• A = 48 points
• B = 40 points
• C = 32 points
• D = 24 points
• E = 16 points

BTEC Nationals

• D* = 56 points
• D = 48 points
• M = 32 points
• P = 16 points

International Baccalaureate (IB Higher Level)

• 7 = 56 points
• 6 = 48 points
• 5 = 32 points
• 4 = 24 points

👉 To avoid manual calculations, you can simply use a UCAS Points Calculator, which lets you enter your qualifications and grades and automatically works out your total tariff points.

Why UCAS Points Matter for University Applications

UCAS points are important because many UK universities set their entry requirements using the tariff system. For example:

• A course might require 120 UCAS points.
• This could be achieved with 3 A-levels at grade B (40+40+40).
• Or, it could be achieved with a BTEC Extended Diploma at grades DDM.

Not all universities use UCAS points (some prefer to state specific grade requirements), but they’re still useful for:

• Checking eligibility across multiple courses.
• Understanding alternative entry routes.
• Planning your subject and grade targets.

Common Mistakes Students Make with UCAS Points

Understanding UCAS points is key to applying for university successfully. But many students slip up because of misconceptions or simple errors. Here are the pitfalls to avoid:

1. Thinking GCSEs Count Towards UCAS Points

A common misunderstanding is assuming GCSEs add to your UCAS tariff. They don’t. Only post-16 qualifications (like A-levels, BTECs, IB, Scottish Highers) carry tariff points.

• ✅ GCSEs are still important for entry requirements (e.g., English and Maths), but they don’t contribute UCAS points.

2. Mixing Up Old and New UCAS Tariff Systems

The UCAS Tariff changed in 2017. Some students (and even parents!) mistakenly use the older system, which gives higher numbers.

• Example: An A at A-level was once worth 120 points (old system), but now it’s 48 points.
• ✅ Always check you’re using the updated tariff table.

3. Not Checking If Their University Uses UCAS Points

Not all universities use UCAS tariff points to set entry requirements. Many prefer to state specific grades instead (e.g., ABB at A-level).

• ✅ Always read the course entry requirements carefully.

4. Forgetting to Add Multiple Qualifications

Some students calculate points for just their main qualification (e.g., A-levels) and forget about additional qualifications like:

• AS-levels
• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
• Music and Dance exams
• BTECs studied alongside A-levels

✅ These extra qualifications can boost your total UCAS points significantly.

5. Overestimating Their Predicted Grades

It’s easy to count UCAS points based on the grades you hope to achieve. But universities see your predicted grades and actual results — so being realistic is essential.

• ✅ Use your predicted grades when planning, but update with actual grades once you get your results.

6. Assuming All Courses Accept All UCAS Points

Even if you meet the total number of UCAS points required, some universities want points from specific subjects.

• Example: For Medicine, a university might ask for 144 UCAS points but specify that they must come from Biology and Chemistry A-levels.
• ✅ Always check the subject requirements as well as the points total.

7. Not Using a UCAS Points Calculator

Manual calculations can be confusing, especially when combining A-levels, BTECs, and IB grades. A small mistake might mean you think you qualify when you don’t.

• ✅ Use a UCAS Points Calculator tool to avoid errors and save time.

👉 Avoiding these mistakes can make your university application process smoother and give you a more accurate picture of your eligibility.

Tips to Maximize Your UCAS Points

• Aim for higher grades – Each grade step makes a big difference in points.
• Consider complementary qualifications – For example, an AS-level alongside A-levels.
• Stay organised – Keep track of predicted grades and how they align with university entry requirements.
• Use the UCAS Points Calculator regularly – Check your progress and adjust your study plan.

FAQs About UCAS Points Calculator

Conclusion

Understanding UCAS points is an essential step in planning your university application. They provide a clear way to measure your qualifications and compare them against entry requirements.

Instead of struggling with manual calculations, make things easier with our free UCAS Points Calculator tool. It’s quick, reliable, and helps you stay on track for your university goals.

👉 [Try Our UCAS Points Calculator Now] and take the guesswork out of your application!