How to Calculate UCAS Points from Your Predicted Grades

For UCAS applicants for universities in the UK, how your predicted grades are converted into UCAS points is important. Whether you are applying for Russell Group universities or looking at a wider cross-section of universities, UCAS points can be the difference between eligibility and exclusion from certain degree courses.

Although some courses and institutions do make grade-based offers, others utilise the UCAS Tariff points system to evaluate applicants. Understanding how to convert your tariff points correctly means you’re applying for the correct courses and not falling below minimum standards.

Here in our blog, we’ll explain what UCAS points are, how you can convert your predicted grades to tariff points, and how resources like Oxbridge Mind are able to enhance your application strategy.

What Are UCAS Points?

UCAS points, or UCAS Tariff points, are a standard system for measuring and comparing the worth of various post-16 qualifications. They allow universities to define entry requirements in the same format, particularly for courses with big or global applicant numbers. 

Points are most typically given to:

• A-levels
• Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• BTECs
• Cambridge Pre-U
• EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

Every qualification and grade is equal to a certain number of points. The higher your predicted grade, the higher the points you receive.

Why UCAS Points are Important

Although some of the best universities such as Oxford and Cambridge usually make direct offers depending on the grades (e.g., AAA), most others establish entry requirements in the form of UCAS points. For instance:

• A business programme may call for 120 UCAS points
• A psychology course may demand 136 points
• A law degree could anticipate 144 points with particular subjects

If you are applying through UCAS Extra or Clearing, tariff points become even more crucial, as most universities will tailor their requirements to meet availability and demand.

By knowing how your predicted grades equate to UCAS points, you can apply tactically and not waste a choice on a course that you may not be eligible for.

UCAS Tariff: A-Level Points Breakdown

Here’s a simple reference table to help you calculate your UCAS points for A-levels:

So, if your predicted grades are AAB:

• A = 48 points
• A = 48 points
• B = 40 points
  Total = 136 UCAS points
  

This would likely meet the requirements for a wide range of competitive programmes.

Other Qualifications and Their UCAS Points

Many students combine A-levels with other qualifications, such as the EPQ or BTECs. These can also add valuable points to your profile.

EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)

For example, if you have AAB + EPQ A, 

Your total would be:  136 (A-levels) + 24 (EPQ) = 160 UCAS points

BTEC National Extended Diploma

Universities typically treat BTECs as equivalent to 3 A-levels when calculating tariff points.

How to Calculate Your UCAS Points

Here’s a step-by-step approach to convert your predicted grades into UCAS points:

1. List all your qualifications – A-levels, BTECs, EPQs, or others.
2. Note your predicted grade for each.
3. Use the UCAS Tariff table (available on UCAS.com or via a UCAS points calculator) to find the matching points.
4. Add up all the points to get your total.
5. Compare your total with the entry requirements of the courses you’re applying for.

Most universities have a minimum point requirement and even certain subjects they would prefer. 

If you are not sure if your predicted grades are competitive for a specific course, websites like Oxbridgemind provide individualized UCAS application assistance to ensure that you read admissions requirements correctly and maximize your academic profile. 

What If Your Predicted Grades Don’t Meet the Requirements?

Yes, it does occur and it’s certainly not the end. Here’s what you can do:

• Adjust your university options to include those with a slight relaxation of requirements
• Discuss with your teachers whether your predicted grades can be reviewed
• Improve your personal statement and other aspects of your application
• Look at Foundation Year courses, which tend to have lower entry levels
• Research about Clearing, where you could find competitive courses available even with lower grades

With professional direction from seasoned admissions guides, you can still be in a strong position. Oxbridgemind, for instance, offers one-to-one guidance in application strategy, personal statements, and interview preparation, giving you the best shot even if your predicted grades are not where they should be.

Conclusion

Knowing how to work out UCAS points from your predicted grades is more than mathematics, it’s ensuring that your university application is matched with your academic background. It enables you to make informed choices, prevent wasted options, and create a stronger overall application.

While grades on prediction are significant, they’re only part of the picture. A good personal statement, good reference, relevant experience at work, and outside pursuits also play a part in how your application is considered.

And if you’re shooting for the stars at competitive courses or universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, or high Russell Group institutions, you don’t navigate the process alone. Sites like Oxbridgemind provide valuable tips and mentoring that can turn a good application into a great one. 

By working out your UCAS points in advance and applying strategically, you’re already doing something significant to help secure your university place.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) Do all UK universities use UCAS Tariff points?
No. Some set grade-based offers (e.g., AAA); others specify a Tariff total (e.g., 120).

2) Which UK qualifications carry Tariff points?
Commonly A levels, AS levels (some), Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers, IB, BTECs, T Levels, Cambridge Pre-U, EPQ, some graded music/dance exams.

3) Do GCSEs count towards UCAS points?
No—Tariff covers post-16 qualifications only.

4) What are the A-level UCAS points?
Typical table: A 56, A 48, B 40, C 32, D 24, E 16*.

5) Does an EPQ add points?
Yes: typically A 28, A 24, B 20, C 16*. Many courses accept EPQ alongside A levels.

6) Are BTECs/T Levels accepted?
Often yes. BTEC Nationals and T Levels carry Tariff points—check each course’s policy.

7) Do universities count my best three A levels or total points?
Varies. Some say “from three A levels”; others accept an aggregate including EPQ/BTEC. Always read course pages.

8) Do Oxford and Cambridge use UCAS points?
They typically make grade-based offers, not Tariff totals.

9) How do I convert predicted grades to points?
Use the official UCAS Tariff calculator/tables, add each qualification’s points, then compare with entry requirements.

10) My predicted points are short of the requirement—what now?
Add safer choices, discuss revised predictions with teachers, strengthen personal statement/reference, consider Foundation Year, and keep Extra/Clearing in mind.

11) Do specific subjects still matter if I meet the points total?
Yes—many courses require named subjects/grades (e.g., Maths, Chemistry).

12) Where can I check quickly?
The UCAS Tariff calculator and each university/course page (entry requirements section).