A-levels explained (and their UCAS points)

Quick answer: A-levels are Level 3 subject qualifications, graded A* to E, that you usually take over two years. Most students take three. Each grade earns UCAS points: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16.

If you have just started looking into A-levels — or you are staring at a results slip and trying to work out what it is worth — this page lays it all out clearly. We will explain what A-levels are, how they work, how the A* to E grading system fits together, and exactly how each grade turns into UCAS points. It is more straightforward than it looks once you see it on one page, so let us walk through it together. Want your number first? Calculate your A-level points or get your full UCAS points total.

What is an A-level?

An A-level (short for Advanced Level) is a Level 3 academic qualification in a single subject. You take them after GCSEs, usually between ages 16 and 18, and they are the main route into UK universities.

Each A-level focuses on one subject — Biology, History, Maths, Psychology and so on — and is studied in real depth. Because they sit at Level 3, A-levels carry UCAS Tariff points, which is the scoring system universities and colleges use to compare applicants who hold different qualifications. That is why your grades can be turned into a single number. If you want the bigger picture of how that scoring works, our guide to what the UCAS Tariff is covers it in plain terms. For now, the key idea is simple: A-levels are respected, well-understood Level 3 qualifications, and every grade above U is worth points.

How A-levels work: subjects, study and exams

A-levels are flexible in subject but consistent in shape. After your GCSEs, you choose your subjects, then study them over two years (often called Year 12 and Year 13, or Lower and Upper Sixth).

Here is how they typically work:

• You choose your subjects. Most students pick three A-levels, based on what they enjoy, what they are good at, and what their next step might need.
• You study over two years. The course is taught in depth, building from foundations to more advanced material.
• You are assessed mainly by final exams. Some subjects include coursework or practical assessment (like art, drama or sciences), but the bulk of your grade usually comes from exams at the end of Year 13.
• AS-levels are an optional half qualification. An AS-level is a standalone one-year course worth roughly half an A-level. Fewer students take these now, but they still earn points.

That is the whole structure: choose, study for two years, sit your exams, get your grades. If you are also thinking ahead to applications, our guide on how the UCAS application works shows what happens after results.

How many A-levels do you take?

Most students take three A-levels, and that is exactly what most university offers are built around. Some students take four, and some add an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) for an extra challenge and a few more points. You do not need to overload yourself, though — three strong grades is the standard, reliable choice that opens the widest range of courses.

The A-level grading system (A* to E)

A-levels are graded on a six-point scale from A* down to E, with A* being the highest. Below E is a U (Unclassified), which means the qualification was not passed and earns no points. Your grade reflects your performance across the whole course — mostly your final exams, plus any coursework.

There is nothing mysterious behind these letters. They are simply a way of summarising how you did across two years of study. If you want the mechanics, our guide on how UCAS points are calculated shows the maths step by step.

How A-level grades convert to UCAS points

This is the part most people come here for. Every A-level grade maps to a fixed number of UCAS Tariff points, rising in steps of 8. You work out your total by adding the points for each of your subjects together. A single A-level can be worth anywhere from 16 points (an E) up to 56 points (an A*).

So if you scored an A, a B and another B, that is 48 + 40 + 40 = 128 points. The same logic works for any combination — find each grade in the table, add them up, and that is your A-level total. For the complete breakdown you can bookmark our full A-level points table, or skip the maths entirely and calculate your A-level points in seconds.

How many UCAS points are three A-levels worth?

Because most students take three A-levels, it helps to see the common totals at a glance. Here are the grade combinations people ask about most:

Worked example: A, B, B = 48 + 40 + 40 = 128 points. You can check individual combinations too — see what AAA is worth, what BBB is worth or what ABB is worth. Whatever your three grades, the method is always the same: add the three values together.

EPQ and AS-levels: extra A-level points

If you took more than three subjects, or added an Extended Project, those count too. Both an EPQ and an AS-level earn their own UCAS points on top of your A-levels.

EPQ points:

AS-level points:

One important rule: do not double-count. If you took the full A-level in a subject, you cannot also count the AS-level in that same subject — only the A-level counts. An EPQ, however, is a separate qualification, so it always adds on top. For the full breakdowns, see our EPQ points table and AS-level points table.

Do A-level UCAS points get you into university?

Honestly? Sometimes. It depends on the course. Many universities and courses make offers in UCAS points — this is common at post-1992 universities, on foundation routes, through Clearing, and for applicants who mix different qualifications. In those cases, your points total is exactly what matters.

But plenty of selective courses make offers in specific grades instead. Most Russell Group universities, and competitive subjects like Medicine and Law, will ask for something like "AAB including Chemistry" rather than a points figure. Both systems are normal, and neither means your grades are worth less — it just changes how you read the requirement. The reassuring bit: your number still tells you a lot about which courses are realistic for you. The one rule that never changes is to check your exact course before you rely on points. Our guide on whether all universities use UCAS points explains this clearly, and how many UCAS points you need helps you set a target.

What your A-level points mean for your next step

Once you know your number, you can move from understanding to deciding. Your points total is a quick way to see which courses are within reach and how far you are from a target.

• See which courses match — explore what you can study with your UCAS points.
• Set a clear goal with how many UCAS points you need.
• Check a specific total — for example, what 128 points (ABB) can study.

That is the full journey: understand what A-levels are, work out exactly what yours are worth, then take a realistic next step. You have got this.

Other qualifications explained

On a different route, or mixing your qualifications? These related guides explain how other Level 3 qualifications work and convert to points:

• BTEC explained
• T-Levels explained
• Scottish Highers explained
• IB explained
• Can you mix qualifications?

Frequently asked questions

What are A-levels?

A-levels (Advanced Levels) are Level 3 academic qualifications, each in a single subject, that you usually take over two years after GCSEs. Graded A* to E, they are the main route into UK universities and earn UCAS Tariff points.

How many UCAS points is an A-level?

One A-level is worth 16 to 56 UCAS points, depending on the grade: A* = 56, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16. A U earns no points. You add each subject together for your total.

How many A-levels do you take?

Most students take three A-levels, which is what most university offers are built around. Some take four, or add an EPQ for extra points. Three strong grades is the standard, reliable choice.

How does the A-level grading system work?

A-levels are graded A*, A, B, C, D and E, with A* the highest and E the lowest pass; a U means a fail with no points. Grades reflect your performance across the whole course, mostly in final exams.

Do A-level UCAS points get you into university?

Sometimes. Many courses accept UCAS points — common at post-1992 universities, foundation routes and Clearing. But selective courses, including most Russell Group, Medicine and Law, ask for specific grades instead. Always check your exact course.

Does an EPQ add UCAS points to your A-levels?

Yes. An EPQ adds 8 to 28 points on top of your A-levels: A* = 28, A = 24, B = 20, C = 16, D = 12, E = 8. It is a realistic way to boost your total alongside three A-levels. Note that GCSEs do not count for UCAS points, as the Tariff only covers Level 3.