Grade Calculator

GCSE Grade Boundaries (9-1 Scale)

A-Level Grade Boundaries

University Degree Classifications

Important Note: Grade boundaries vary by exam board (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC), subject, and year. These are approximate values. Always check your specific exam board's published boundaries for accurate information.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Enter Your Score: Input the marks you achieved on the test or assignment (e.g., 85)
2. Enter Total Marks: Input the maximum possible marks (e.g., 100)
3. Select Grading System: Choose between GCSE (9-1), A-Level (A*-U), University, or Percentage
4. Add Weighting (Optional): If this assessment is part of a weighted final grade, enter its percentage
5. Click Calculate: Get instant results showing your percentage, grade, and contribution to final mark

Example Calculations

Top Tips

• Know Your Grade Boundaries: Check your exam board's website (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC) for subject-specific boundaries
• Track All Assessments: Keep a spreadsheet of all marks and weightings throughout the year
• Understand Weighting: A high mark on low-weighted assessment contributes less than moderate mark on high-weighted exam
• Plan Ahead: Calculate what you need on final exams to achieve target grades
• Consider Grade Inflation: Boundaries can shift 5-10% between years based on exam difficulty
• Use Mock Results Wisely: Mock exams often use harder papers, so don't panic if marks seem low
• Account for Scaling: Some universities scale marks across modules to maintain consistency
• Check Resit Rules: Many institutions cap resit marks at pass grade (40% university, grade 4 GCSE)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing Raw Marks with UMS: A-Levels use Uniform Mark Scale - 67/100 raw marks might equal 80/100 UMS
• Ignoring Weightings: Not all assessments contribute equally to final grade
• Using Wrong Grade Boundaries: GCSE English boundaries differ significantly from GCSE Maths
• Forgetting Changed Systems: Post-2017 GCSEs use 9-1, not A*-G scale
• Averaging Non-Weighted Marks: Must multiply by weight before averaging
• Assuming Linear Boundaries: Grade boundaries aren't always evenly spaced (grade 5 might be 55%, grade 6 might be 66%)
• Not Verifying Weights Sum to 100%: Always check your weightings add up correctly
• Comparing Different Exam Boards: AQA grade 7 boundary might be 68%, Edexcel might be 72%
• Ignoring Year Variations: 2024 boundaries likely different from 2023 due to policy changes
• Misunderstanding University Borderlines: Some unis round 69.5% to First (70%), others don't

Pro Tip: Reverse Engineering Your Target

Use this calculator in reverse: If you need 60% overall for a 2:1, and you've scored 65% on coursework worth 40%, calculate: (60 - (65×0.4)) ÷ 0.6 = 56.7%. You need 57% on the remaining 60% to hit your target. This helps focus revision on realistic, achievable goals.

GCSE Grading (9-1 System)

The 9-1 grading system was introduced in England in 2017 to provide greater differentiation at the top end. Grade 9 is awarded to approximately 3-4% of students nationally, making it more exclusive than the old A* grade.

Key Points:

• Grade 5 is considered a "strong pass" and is often required for A-Level entry
• Grade 4 is a "standard pass" equivalent to the old C grade
• Students scoring between grades 5 and 7 are roughly equivalent to the old B grade
• The bottom of grade 7 is aligned with the bottom of the old grade A
• Grade boundaries vary significantly by subject (typically lower for Maths, higher for English)

A-Level Grading (A*-U System)

A-Levels use letter grades from A* (highest) to E (pass), with U representing ungraded fail. The A* grade was introduced in 2010 and requires both an A grade overall AND 90%+ on A2 (Year 13) modules.

Post-2015 Reforms:

• Most A-Levels are now 100% exam-based (except Art, Design, Sciences practicals)
• Linear structure: all exams at end of two years, no more modular resits
• AS-Levels are now separate qualifications, don't count toward A-Level
• Grade boundaries typically 10% apart (A=80%, B=70%, C=60%)
• Exam boards publish detailed grade boundaries after each series

University Degree Classifications

UK universities use five classifications for honours degrees. The classification is typically based on weighted average across all years, with final year counting 60-70%.

Classification Breakdown:

• First Class (70%+): Awarded to top 25-30% of graduates, required by competitive employers
• Upper Second (60-69%): Most common classification (~50% of graduates), standard for graduate schemes
• Lower Second (50-59%): Acceptable by many employers, but may limit opportunities
• Third Class (40-49%): Pass degree, significantly limits career options
• Ordinary/Pass (35-39%): Some universities award non-honours pass degree

Borderline Consideration: Many universities have compensation rules where 69.5%+ may be rounded to First Class, especially with strong dissertation performance.