GPA to A-Level Calculator: Approximate UK Grade Equivalent
Enter your GPA and scale, and the calculator shows the approximate UK A-Level grade band (A*, A, B, C, D, E, or U) your score corresponds to.
One thing to say upfront: there is no official formula for converting a US GPA to an A-Level grade. A-Levels and GPA measure academic achievement through completely different mechanisms. This calculator normalises your GPA to a percentage and maps it to A-Level bands using standard thresholds. The result is a rough conceptual equivalent, useful for understanding how your score would look in the UK system, not for official submission.
GPA to A-Level, Quick Reference Table
Common GPA values and their approximate A-Level equivalents based on proportional percentage mapping:
| GPA (4.0 scale) | Normalised % | Approx. A-Level Grade | UCAS Tariff Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 | 100% | A* | 56 |
| 3.8 | 95% | A* | 56 |
| 3.7 | 92.5% | A* | 56 |
| 3.6 | 90% | A* | 56 |
| 3.5 | 87.5% | A | 48 |
| 3.3 | 82.5% | A | 48 |
| 3.2 | 80% | A | 48 |
| 3.0 | 75% | B | 40 |
| 2.8 | 70% | B | 40 |
| 2.7 | 67.5% | C | 32 |
| 2.5 | 62.5% | C | 32 |
| 2.4 | 60% | C | 32 |
| 2.0 | 50% | D | 24 |
| 1.7 | 42.5% | E | 16 |
| Below 1.6 | Below 40% | U | 0 |
UCAS tariff points are the official values assigned to each A-Level grade for UK university entry. A* = 56 points, A = 48, B = 40, C = 32, D = 24, E = 16.
What A-Levels Are: and Why This Conversion Is Approximate
A-Levels are UK qualifications taken at age 16–18, typically in three or four subjects, used for university entry. They are graded A*, A, B, C, D, E, and U (Ungraded). A* was introduced in 2010 as a distinction above A for the very highest performers.
A-Level grades are not directly comparable to GPA for two reasons. First, A-Level grades are set by exam boards each year based on the distribution of student performance nationally; the boundary for a B in Chemistry might be 58 raw marks one year and 63 the next. Second, A-Levels cover three or four subjects in depth, while a GPA averages across many courses.
The calculator maps your GPA to a percentage (by dividing by the scale maximum and multiplying by 100), then applies fixed percentage thresholds: A* = 90%, A = 80%, B = 70%, and so on. These are reasonable approximations, but actual exam board boundaries can differ by 5–15 percentage points from these fixed values.
US Students Applying to UK Universities: What You Actually Need
If you are a US student thinking about applying to a UK university through UCAS, here is the practical reality: UK universities do not ask you to convert your GPA into A-Level grades. They accept US GPA directly, and most UK universities publish their own GPA requirements for American applicants.
Typical published GPA thresholds for UK university entry:
- Most UK universities: 3.0 GPA minimum for undergraduate entry
- Russell Group universities (UCL, Manchester, Edinburgh, etc.): typically 3.5 GPA
- Oxford and Cambridge: 3.7–3.9 GPA, plus additional requirements
- UK master’s programmes: 3.0–3.3 GPA minimum (equivalent to a 2:1 standard)
This calculator is most useful for conceptual comparison and for understanding how a 3.6 GPA would look in A-Level terms. For actual UCAS applications, check the specific entry requirements page for each university and programme you’re applying to.
A-Level Grades vs US GPA: Key Differences
Understanding where the systems diverge prevents the most common mistakes when comparing them.
Grade bands are much wider in A-Levels. A B grade falls between 70% and 79%, a 10-point range. In the US plus/minus system, that same range covers three different grades: C+ (77–79%), C (73–76%), and C– (70–72%). An A-Level A covers 80% to 89%, in the US system, that is B+, B, and B–.
UK marking is generally stricter. In the UK system, it is generally harder to score very high percentages than in the US. Marks above 80% are rare in many subjects 70% is considered outstanding, so a UK score can look “low” by American standards even when it reflects top performance.
No plus/minus system. An A in A-Levels covers every score from 80% to 89%. There is no A– or A+ (except A*, which is its own highest grade above A).
Subject matters. A-Levels are subject-specific qualifications, not a cumulative average. Three A-Levels in Maths, Chemistry, and Biology carries different meaning from a single 4.0 GPA.
Using the Threshold Editor: When to Adjust
The calculator defaults to the most widely used approximation thresholds: A* = 90%, A = 80%, B = 70%, C = 60%, D = 50%, E = 40%.
Real A-Level grade boundaries fluctuate annually and vary by subject and exam board. In some years and subjects, an A might be awarded at 72% raw marks. In others, 83% might be required. If you have access to the grade boundaries for a specific subject and year, available from AQA, Edexcel, or OCR, you can enter those into the threshold editor for a more precise comparison.
FAQ: GPA to A-Level Calculator
What A-Level grade is a 3.8 GPA?
A 3.8 on a 4.0 scale normalises to 95%, which places it in the A band* (90%+). This is the top A-Level grade, awarded to approximately the top 8–10% of A-Level students nationally.
What A-Level grade is a 3.5 GPA?
A 3.5 on a 4.0 scale = 87.5%, which falls in the A band (80–89%). The A band covers a wide range, from 80% to just under 90%.
What A-Level grade is a 3.0 GPA?
A 3.0 on a 4.0 scale = 75%, which maps to the B band (70–79%). A B at A-Level is a solid pass that meets entry requirements for most UK undergraduate programmes.
What A-Level grade is a 2.5 GPA?
A 2.5 on a 4.0 scale = 62.5%, placing it in the C band (60–69%). C grades at A-Level are passing grades that meet entry for many programmes, though competitive courses typically require a B or above.
What A-Level grade is a 3.6 GPA?
A 3.6 on a 4.0 scale = 90.0%, which is exactly on the A threshold* (≥90%). A 3.6 is the lowest GPA that maps to an A* under these default thresholds.
Is this conversion accepted for official UCAS applications?
No. UCAS and UK universities accept US GPA scores directly for American applicants; there is no requirement to convert GPA to A-Level grades. This calculator is for conceptual comparison only. For official applications, submit your actual GPA along with your US transcripts, and check each university’s published requirements for American students.
What does A mean in A-Levels?
A* (pronounced “A-star”) is the highest A-Level grade, introduced in 2010. It is awarded to those who achieve at least 90% at A-Level and sits above the A grade as a distinction for the highest performers. A* = 56 UCAS tariff points, compared to 48 for a standard A.
What is the difference between A-Levels and a UK degree classification?
A-Levels are pre-university qualifications (taken at age 16–18). UK degree classifications, First, 2:1, 2:2, Third, are awarded at university after three or four years of study. They are completely separate systems. This calculator covers A-Levels only. For degree classification to GPA, see the UK Degree Classification to US GPA Calculator.
Enter your GPA above to see its approximate A-Level equivalent. The result is a rough guide, the “what would my GPA look like in the UK sixth-form system?” question, answered honestly. If you’re a US student applying to a UK university, your GPA goes on the application as-is. No conversion to A-Levels is required or expected.