The Cambridge A Level grading system ranges from A*, the highest grade, to E, the lowest passing grade. A result below the required standard is reported as U (Ungraded). Cambridge does not use one fixed percentage cutoff for every A Level subject; grade thresholds can vary depending on the subject, syllabus, and examination session. The A Level grading system ranges from A* to E for Cambridge International A Levels, with A* being the highest grade and E the lowest passing grade.
This can be confusing for students because you may hear statements such as “90% is an A*” or “80% is an A.” Those figures do not represent universal Cambridge raw-mark boundaries. Students preparing for their examinations can also explore Cambridge A Level online tutors for personalised subject and past-paper support.
What Are A Levels?
A Levels, short for Advanced Levels, are subject-based qualifications commonly studied by students before university.
Cambridge International describes AS and A Levels as qualifications primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. A Cambridge International AS Level typically takes around one academic year, while a full Cambridge International A Level typically takes two years.
Students normally choose subjects according to their university plans, academic strengths and future career goals.
Popular subjects include:
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Business
- Accounting
- Psychology
- Sociology
- English Literature
- History
- Geography
Most students focus on a smaller number of subjects than they did at O Level because A Level courses study each subject in considerably greater depth.
If you are still deciding which subjects to take, read our A Level subjects and combinations guide.
A Level Grading System: A* to E
A Level grades range from A to E, with A being the highest and E the lowest passing grade. U means Ungraded. The exact marks required for each grade depend on the subject and examination session. Cambridge International A Levels use the following grading scale:
| Grade | Meaning |
|---|---|
| A* | Highest grade |
| A | Excellent performance |
| B | Very good performance |
| C | Good performance |
| D | Satisfactory performance |
| E | Lowest passing grade |
| U | Ungraded / below the required standard |
Cambridge confirms that full International A Levels are graded from A to E*. Students who do not achieve the minimum standard required for E do not receive a passing A Level grade. There is no single universal percentage for an A, B, C, or A* in every Cambridge A Level subject. Cambridge sets grade thresholds for each subject and examination session, so the raw marks required for a particular grade can change.
This is important because students should not assume that, for example, 80% always means an A or that a fixed percentage always guarantees an A*
Each subject receives its own grade.
For example, a student could receive:
Mathematics — A*
Physics — A
Chemistry — B
There is normally no single combined A Level GPA issued by Cambridge across all subjects.
What Does an A* Mean at A Level?
An A* is the highest grade available at Cambridge International A Level.
It represents performance above the threshold required for an A.
However, one of the most important things students should understand is:
A does not automatically mean you scored 90% of the raw marks.*
Cambridge first marks each examination component and then combines the student’s marks according to the weighting specified in the syllabus.
The resulting total is compared with the grade thresholds for that particular subject, component combination and examination series.
Therefore, the raw marks required for an A* can vary.
A student may need a different raw mark for A* in:
- Mathematics compared with Biology
- June compared with November
- One syllabus option compared with another
- One examination year compared with the next
Cambridge sets thresholds after the examinations have been taken and marked.
What Does an A Grade Mean?
An A is the second-highest grade available at full Cambridge International A Level. It indicates that the student has reached the A-grade threshold but not the threshold required for A*.
An A is generally considered a very strong academic result, particularly in demanding subjects.
However, whether an A is sufficient for university admission depends on:
- The university
- Degree programme
- Required subject combination
- Other admission requirements
For example, some competitive courses may ask for combinations such as A*AA, AAA or similar requirements.
Students should therefore check the actual admission criteria of the universities they plan to apply to rather than assuming one grade requirement applies everywhere.
What Does a B Grade Mean?
A B means the student achieved the threshold required for a B but did not reach the A threshold for that examination series.
A B can still represent strong academic performance.
The exact number of raw marks needed to obtain a B can differ between subjects and examination sessions because Cambridge grade thresholds can change.
Students trying to move from a B to an A or A* often benefit more from targeted exam practice than simply rereading the entire syllabus.
Our guide to A Level past paper solutions explains how past papers, mark schemes and exam technique can be used more effectively.
Is E a Passing Grade in A Levels?
Yes.
For Cambridge International A Level, E is the lowest passing grade.
The complete passing range is:
A*, A, B, C, D and E.
A result below the required E standard is ungraded.
For Cambridge International AS Level, the passing grades are a, b, c, d and e.
AS Level vs A Level Grading
Students frequently confuse AS Level, A2 and the full A Level.
They are related, but they do not mean exactly the same thing.
What Is AS Level?
Cambridge International AS Level normally contains approximately half the content of the full A Level programme and is usually completed in one academic year.
AS Level grades are:
- a
- b
- c
- d
- e
The highest possible AS Level grade is a.
There is no A* grade at Cambridge International AS Level.
What Is a Full A Level?
A full Cambridge International A Level usually takes around two years of study.
Its grades are:
- A*
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
Cambridge allows different assessment routes depending on the syllabus.
Students may:
- Take AS Level as a standalone qualification.
- Take AS in the first year and, where permitted, carry it forward before completing the remaining A Level components.
- Take all the required full A Level papers in one examination series after completing the course.
What Is A2 Level?
“A2” is commonly used by schools, teachers and students to describe the second part or second year of A Level study.
It is useful terminology when discussing the course structure, but students should remember that Cambridge ultimately awards the qualification as a full Cambridge International A Level.
So statements such as:
“You need 90% in A2 to get A*.”
should not be treated as a universal Cambridge grading rule.
The final A Level result depends on the applicable assessment route, component marks, weightings and grade thresholds.
Students moving from secondary education into this stage can also explore Cambridge O Level online tuition for information about the earlier Cambridge pathway.
A Level Grade Boundaries Explained
A grade boundary, which Cambridge normally calls a grade threshold, is the minimum number of marks required to achieve a particular grade.
Cambridge publishes grade thresholds after each examination series.
For example, imagine a subject has the following hypothetical thresholds:
- A = 80 marks
- B = 70 marks
A student with an overall mark of 75 would receive a B because they passed the B threshold but did not reach the A threshold.
This is only an example.
The actual thresholds depend on the subject and examination session.
Why Do A Level Grade Boundaries Change?
Grade thresholds can change because examination papers are not necessarily identical in difficulty from one series to another.
Cambridge explains that if a paper is more difficult than a previous paper, a threshold may need to be lower. If the assessment is easier, the threshold may be higher.
The purpose is to keep the standard required for each grade comparable between examination series.
This means students should not assume that last year’s A* boundary will automatically apply to their examination.
Always check the official threshold table for:
- Your subject
- Syllabus code
- Examination session
- Component combination
Raw Marks vs Weighted Marks vs Grade Thresholds
These terms are often mixed together, but they mean different things.
Raw Marks
Raw marks are the marks actually awarded for your answers.
For example, if an examination paper is worth 100 marks and you achieve 72, your raw mark is 72.
Component Weighting
Not every component necessarily contributes equally to the final result.
Cambridge may apply weighting factors so each component contributes according to the percentage specified in the syllabus.
Overall Syllabus Mark
The weighted marks from the required components are combined.
Grade Threshold
The final overall mark is compared with the relevant thresholds to decide whether the result is A*, A, B, C, D or E.
Cambridge explicitly states that syllabus grades are determined by comparing the student’s total marks, after the applicable weighting, with the thresholds for the relevant combination of components.
Is A* 90%, A 80% and B 70%?
Not as fixed raw-mark grade boundaries.
This is probably the most important misconception to clear up.
You may see this scale online:
| Grade | Percentage Uniform Mark Range |
| A* | 90–100 |
| A | 80–89 |
| B | 70–79 |
| C | 60–69 |
| D | 50–59 |
| E | 40–49 |
These figures can describe Cambridge’s Percentage Uniform Mark, or PUM, where PUM is issued.
They do not mean that a student always needs 90% of the raw marks for A*, 80% for A or 70% for B.
Cambridge describes Percentage Uniform Mark as a common reporting scale that shows where a student’s performance sits within a grade. It is not the same as the total percentage of marks obtained.
Simple Example
Suppose an A-grade threshold for a particular examination happens to be 68 raw marks.
A student could therefore earn an A even though the raw-mark percentage is below 80%.
The result depends on the official grade threshold rather than a universal 80% rule.
Do Cambridge Students in Pakistan Get Percentage Uniform Marks?
Cambridge states that Percentage Uniform Marks are provided in most countries, but two major locations where they are not awarded are Pakistan and the Middle East & North Africa region.
This makes the distinction especially important for Pakistani students.
If you receive an A in Pakistan, you should not automatically interpret it as “85% Cambridge marks” or “80–89% raw marks.”
Your Cambridge grade and your later Pakistani equivalence percentage are separate things.
Cambridge Grade vs Pakistani Equivalence Percentage
For Pakistani students, there are essentially two different systems involved:
1. Cambridge grading
This determines whether you receive A*, A, B, C, D or E.
2. IBCC equivalence
This converts eligible international qualifications into Pakistani equivalent marks for academic use.
These should never be treated as the same calculation.
A Level Equivalence in Pakistan
GCE A Levels can be considered equivalent to Pakistan’s Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) when the student fulfils the required SSC/O Level background and the relevant subject requirements established by IBCC.
IBCC states that A Level equivalence normally requires three A Level subjects, while students must also meet the relevant O Level/SSC requirements.
The exact subjects matter depending on the equivalence group.
For example, IBCC currently specifies Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A Level for students seeking Pre-Medical group equivalence after appearing from Pakistan.
Students interested in medicine, engineering, computing or another specialist pathway should therefore check their subject requirements before choosing or changing A Level subjects.
Our A Level subject combinations guide can help you understand how subject selection connects with different academic pathways.
How Does IBCC Convert A Level Grades Into Pakistani Marks?
IBCC publishes its own conversion scale for GCSE, IGCSE, GCE O Level and GCE A Level grades.
Its current published conversion includes:
| A Level Grade | IBCC Pakistani Marks |
| A* | Above 90 |
| A | 85 |
| B | 75 |
| C | 65 |
| D | 55 |
| E | 45 |
IBCC notes that the A* “above 90” treatment applies from examination session 2021 onwards.
Important Clarification
These figures are equivalence values.
They are not Cambridge grade boundaries.
For example:
A Cambridge B does not mean you necessarily scored 75% raw marks.
Instead, B is converted to 75 Pakistani marks for IBCC equivalence purposes under the published conversion system.
Similarly:
A Cambridge A does not mean Cambridge required exactly 85% raw marks.
IBCC assigns 85 as the Pakistani equivalence value for the grade.
This distinction is especially important for students applying to Pakistani universities where merit calculations may use equivalence results.
A Level Grading in Pakistan vs Local Board Percentages
Students moving between Cambridge and Pakistani board systems should avoid directly comparing the numbers without considering the qualification structure.
A Pakistani HSSC student may receive a percentage directly from board examination marks.
A Cambridge student receives letter grades and then, when necessary, applies for IBCC equivalence.
Therefore:
Cambridge raw marks ≠ PUM ≠ IBCC equivalence percentage.
They are three different concepts.
Understanding that one line can prevent a lot of confusion when comparing results.
Cambridge A Level vs Pearson Edexcel Grading
This article primarily explains the Cambridge International AS & A Level grading system, which is widely used by students in Pakistan and internationally.
Pearson Edexcel also offers international advanced qualifications, but its assessment structure, unit rules and grade calculation procedures can differ from Cambridge.
Students should therefore avoid applying Cambridge-specific grade thresholds or assessment rules to Edexcel examinations.
If you follow Pearson rather than Cambridge, explore our Edexcel A Level online tutors for board-specific preparation.
Predicted Grades vs Final A Level Grades
Predicted grades are not the same as official examination results.
Schools and teachers may provide predicted grades when students apply to university before receiving their final A Level results.
These predictions may take into account:
- Class performance
- School examinations
- Mock results
- Assignments
- Teacher assessment
- Previous academic performance
A university might then make a conditional offer such as:
AAA
or
A*AA
The student usually needs to achieve the required final grades and satisfy any other conditions attached to the offer.
Predicted grades therefore help with admissions, but the final Cambridge grades are determined through the official assessment and grading process.
How Are A Level Papers Marked?
A Level papers are marked according to the mark scheme and assessment objectives for the relevant subject.
The way marks are earned depends heavily on the subject.
Mathematics and Sciences
Students may receive marks for:
- Correct answers
- Working and method
- Application of formulas
- Scientific reasoning
- Data interpretation
- Practical understanding
Essay-Based Subjects
Subjects such as Economics, Business, Sociology, History and English Literature can assess:
- Knowledge
- Application
- Analysis
- Evaluation
- Evidence
- Logical argument
- Essay structure
This is why simply memorising content may not be enough to achieve top grades.
Students need to understand how the examination rewards answers.
Coursework and Practical Assessments
Not every A Level subject is assessed only through traditional written examinations.
Depending on the syllabus, assessment may include:
- Written papers
- Practical examinations
- Coursework
- Portfolios
- Fieldwork
- Essays
Cambridge states that assessment formats differ according to the subject and can include practical exams, coursework, portfolios and other formats.
Students should therefore check the official syllabus for their specific subject rather than assuming every A Level follows the same assessment pattern.
How to Get an A or A* in A Levels
Top grades require more than covering the syllabus once.
A strong preparation system should include:
Understand the Syllabus
Know exactly what content and assessment objectives Cambridge expects.
Practise Past Papers
Past papers show how topics are actually tested.
Use our guide to A Level past paper solutions to improve how you practise.
Use Official Mark Schemes
Do not only ask:
“Was my answer correct?”
Also ask:
“Would this answer earn the marks Cambridge is looking for?”
Review Examiner Reports
Examiner reports can reveal common student mistakes and explain where candidates lose marks.
Track Your Mistakes
Create a simple error log containing:
- Topic
- Question type
- Mistake
- Correct method
- Marks lost
Patterns will quickly appear.
Practise Under Timed Conditions
Knowing the content is different from performing under examination pressure.
Timed papers improve:
- Speed
- Question selection
- Time allocation
- Writing discipline
- Calculation accuracy
Focus on Weak Areas
If you are already scoring well in one topic, repeatedly revising it may give less improvement than fixing topics where you consistently lose marks.
Students needing more structured support can work with online Cambridge A Level tutors for personalised revision and past-paper preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Level Grading
What Is the Highest Grade in A Levels?
A* is the highest grade available in a full Cambridge International A Level.
What Is the Lowest Passing Grade in A Levels?
E is the lowest passing grade for Cambridge International A Level. A result below the standard required for E is ungraded.
Does AS Level Have A*?
No.
Cambridge International AS Level is graded from a to e, and the highest AS grade is a. A* is available only at full A Level.
Is A* Always 90% in A Levels?
No.
A* does not universally require 90% of the available raw marks.
Cambridge uses grade thresholds that can change according to the subject, examination series and assessment difficulty.
Is 80% Always an A in Cambridge A Levels?
No.
80 is associated with the start of the A range on the Percentage Uniform Mark scale where PUM is issued, but PUM is not the same as a student’s raw-mark percentage.
The actual raw-mark threshold required for A can vary.
What Is a Grade Threshold?
A grade threshold is the minimum mark required to achieve a particular grade for a paper or overall subject in a specific examination series.
Why Do A Level Grade Boundaries Change?
Cambridge may adjust thresholds to maintain comparable grading standards when the difficulty of examination papers changes between series.
A harder paper may have a lower threshold, while an easier paper may require a higher threshold.
What Is the Difference Between Raw Marks and PUM?
Raw marks are the marks actually awarded for the student’s answers.
Percentage Uniform Mark is a reporting scale showing where performance sits within a grade range. It is not the same as the percentage of raw marks achieved.
Do Pakistani Cambridge Students Receive PUM?
Cambridge states that Pakistan is one of the main locations where Percentage Uniform Marks are not awarded on results.
What Is the Difference Between AS Level and A Level?
AS Level usually contains approximately half the content of the full A Level programme and typically takes one year.
A full A Level usually takes two years and can be completed through different assessment routes depending on the syllabus.
Is A2 a Separate Qualification?
A2 is commonly used to describe the second part of A Level study. Cambridge ultimately awards the full A Level qualification rather than a separate qualification simply called A2.
Is a B Grade Good at A Level?
A B represents strong performance and can meet the entry requirements for many university programmes.
However, whether it is sufficient depends on the particular institution, degree and required subjects.
How Is an A Grade Converted in Pakistan?
IBCC currently assigns an 85-mark equivalence value to grade A under its published O/A Level conversion system.
How Is a B Grade Converted by IBCC?
IBCC currently converts grade B to 75 Pakistani marks for equivalence purposes.
Is IBCC Percentage the Same as Cambridge Percentage?
No.
IBCC equivalence marks are used to convert international qualifications into the Pakistani education framework.
They should not be treated as Cambridge raw marks or Cambridge grade thresholds.
How Many A Level Subjects Are Required for IBCC Equivalence?
IBCC states that three A Level subjects are required for A Level/HSSC equivalence, together with the relevant SSC/O Level requirements. Subject combinations depend on the requested equivalence group.
Can I Get A Level Equivalence for Pre-Medical in Pakistan?
Yes, provided you meet IBCC’s relevant requirements.
For students appearing from Pakistan, IBCC currently specifies Physics, Chemistry and Biology at A Level for Pre-Medical equivalence.
Are Cambridge and Edexcel A Levels Graded Exactly the Same Way?
No.
Although both systems use familiar A Level grade terminology, Cambridge and Pearson Edexcel have their own assessment and grade-calculation procedures.
Students should follow guidance for their specific examination board.
For Pearson students, see our Edexcel A Level online tuition.
How Can I Improve From B to A or A*?
Start by identifying exactly where marks are being lost.
Focus on:
- Timed past-paper practice
- Mark schemes
- Examiner reports
- Weak-topic revision
- Error tracking
- Answer structure
- Command words
- Examination timing
You can also explore A Level online classes and tutors if you need targeted academic support.
Final Thoughts on the A Level Grading System
The most important thing to remember about the A Level grading system is that letter grades are not based on one permanent percentage chart.
Cambridge International A Level grades range from A to E*, while Cambridge International AS Level grades range from a to e.
The raw marks required for each grade depend on the official grade thresholds for the student’s subject, component combination and examination series. Cambridge can adjust those thresholds to account for differences in paper difficulty and maintain comparable standards between examination sessions.
This means:
A does not always mean 90% raw marks.*
A does not always mean 80% raw marks.
B does not always mean 70% raw marks.
Percentage Uniform Mark is a different reporting measure, and Pakistani candidates generally do not receive PUMs.
Pakistani students also need to distinguish their Cambridge grade from IBCC equivalence marks, which are used when converting eligible international qualifications into Pakistan’s education system.
Once these differences are clear, A Level results become much easier to understand.
If you’re planning your academic pathway, read our A Level subjects guide next. If you’re already preparing for examinations, explore Cambridge A Level online tutors or use our A Level past paper solutions to strengthen your exam preparation.