EPQ UCAS Points Calculator

Quick answer: An EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points. The current 2026 values are A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12 and E = 8. Use the calculator above to add your EPQ grade to your other Level 3 results in seconds.

EPQ UCAS Points Calculator

Your EPQ can add up to 28 UCAS points on top of your A-levels or other Level 3 results. This free tool uses the current 2026 UCAS Tariff values, so the number you see is exactly what universities work from. Pick your grade, see your points, and check where your combined total lands. For your main subjects, you can also use the full UCAS Points Calculator.

Calculate your EPQ points now

The calculator above does the maths for you. Choose your EPQ grade from the dropdown and it returns your points instantly, then you can add your A-level grades to see one combined total. The live result line shows you exactly how much your EPQ adds, so there is no guesswork and no need to look anything up. If you want to work out your main grades on their own first, the A-level points calculator does that part for you.

How to use the EPQ calculator

It takes about thirty seconds. Here is the order to follow:

1. Pick your EPQ grade (A* down to E) from the dropdown at the top of the page.
2. See the points appear instantly on the result line.
3. Add your main qualifications (your A-levels, BTEC or other Level 3 results).
4. Read your combined total to see what you are working with overall.

If you are mixing several different qualification types, the mixed qualifications calculator handles the whole stack in one place.

EPQ UCAS points by grade (2026 table)

Here are the exact points for every EPQ grade. These are the current UCAS Tariff values, unchanged for 2026, so you can rely on them whether you finished your project this year or are still working on it.

Notice the gap between grades. Each step up is worth four extra points, and the top grade (A*) is worth 28 points, which is the same value as half an A-level at A* grade. That is why a strong EPQ can make a real difference to your total. For a fuller breakdown with examples, see the full EPQ points reference.

Worked example: A-levels + EPQ

Say you are predicted BBB at A-level. Three B grades are worth 40 points each, so that gives you 120 UCAS points. Now add an EPQ at grade A, which is worth 24 points. Your combined total becomes 144 points.

That single EPQ lifts you from 120 to 144 points, which can move you into range for courses that were just out of reach. For context, 144 points is what you would get from AAA at A-level on its own, so your EPQ has done some heavy lifting. You can see more combinations on our A-level plus EPQ page.

How the EPQ adds to your total

Your EPQ points stack on top of your other Level 3 qualifications. They are not a swap or a replacement, so you add the EPQ figure to your A-level, BTEC or other totals to get one final number. A common worry is double-counting, where the same learning gets counted twice and a university discounts it. That rule does not bite here, because the EPQ is a separate, standalone qualification with its own grade and its own Tariff value. It sits alongside your subjects, not inside them. If you want to see exactly how the Tariff adds everything up, our guide on how UCAS points are calculated walks through it step by step.

What is an EPQ?

The EPQ, or Extended Project Qualification, is a Level 3 research project you complete alongside your main studies, usually in Year 12 or 13. You choose your own question, research it independently and produce either a long written report or an artefact with a written log. In size it counts as half an A-level, which is why its top value (28 points) is half of an A-level A* (56 points). It is fully recognised in the UCAS Tariff, so the points are real and count towards your total. Our guide EPQ explained covers what is involved in more detail.

Do universities count EPQ points?

Many do, but not all of them, so it is worth being honest about this. A large number of universities value the EPQ highly because it shows the independent research and writing skills that degree study demands. Some go further and make an alternative offer, dropping one of your required A-level grades if you achieve a strong EPQ result. That can be a genuine safety net. However, the most selective courses often set grade-based offers rather than counting Tariff points at all, and a few universities do not use the Tariff in the way you might expect. The safest move is to check each course's entry requirements directly before you rely on EPQ points. To work out the target you are aiming for, see how many UCAS points do I need, and to understand which institutions use the Tariff, read do all universities use UCAS points.

See what your total can study

Once you have your combined total, the useful next question is which courses are realistically in range. Rather than guessing, you can match your number to the degrees and universities that typically ask for it. That turns a single figure into a clear, realistic shortlist of options you can actually apply to.

Next steps to boost your points

If your total is not quite where you want it, there are calm, realistic ways to lift it. The most obvious is aiming for the strongest EPQ grade you can, since the jump from a B to an A* is eight extra points. Beyond that, you could add another Level 3 qualification, or take Core Maths, which uses the AS scale and is well regarded for numerate courses. None of these are quick fixes, but together they can move your total meaningfully. For more ideas, see how to get more UCAS points and our list of point-boosting courses.

Related qualification calculators

Working out a full set of grades? These sibling tools cover your other Level 3 results: the A-level calculator, the BTEC calculator, and the Core Maths calculator.

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EPQ UCAS points: FAQs

How many UCAS points is an EPQ worth? An EPQ is worth up to 28 UCAS points. The current 2026 values are A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12 and E = 8. The points add on top of your other Level 3 qualifications.

How many UCAS points is an A* in EPQ? An A* in the EPQ is worth exactly 28 UCAS points. That is the same as half an A-level at A* grade, which makes a top EPQ a clear, realistic way to lift your total.

Does the EPQ count towards UCAS points? Yes. The EPQ is a Level 3 qualification in the UCAS Tariff, so its points add to your A-level, BTEC or other results. It does not replace any subject, so there is no double-counting to worry about.

Do all universities accept EPQ points? Not all of them. Many universities value the EPQ and some lower their offer if you achieve a good grade, but selective courses often make grade-based offers instead of points. Check each course's requirements before you rely on the points.

Is an EPQ worth doing for UCAS points? For most students, yes. A strong EPQ can add up to 28 points and shows independent research skills universities like. If your target courses use the Tariff, it is a realistic next step to get in range.

How do I add my EPQ to my A-level points? Use the calculator above: choose your EPQ grade, then add your A-level grades. For example, BBB (120 points) plus an EPQ at grade A (24) gives a combined total of 144 UCAS points. Learn more in EPQ explained.