Cambridge Grade Thresholds Explained: What Percentage Is an A*?
Key takeaways
- There is no fixed percentage for an A*: Cambridge sets grade thresholds after every exam series.
- Thresholds differ by syllabus, by series and even by paper variant (time zone).
- Cambridge publishes threshold tables for each syllabus on results day.
- A Level results also show a percentage uniform mark (PUM): 90–100 is an A*, 80–89 an A, 70–79 a B.
- In revision, aim for a safe margin above last year's A* threshold, not the line itself.
Students often ask, "What percentage do I need for an A*?" The honest answer is that it changes every time. This guide explains how Cambridge grade thresholds work and how to use them in your revision.
What is a grade threshold?
A grade threshold (often called a grade boundary) is the minimum mark needed for each grade in a syllabus. Cambridge sets thresholds after the papers are marked, so that the same standard of work earns the same grade every year, even if one paper was slightly harder.
Why is there no fixed A* percentage?
- Thresholds are set separately for each syllabus, for example IGCSE Maths 0580 or A Level Physics 9702.
- They change every series (May/June, October/November and March).
- Different time-zone variants of the same paper can have different thresholds.
How do I read a threshold table?
Each table lists the maximum mark for each component and the minimum mark for each grade. Your final grade depends on your total weighted mark across all your components, not on any single paper.
What is a percentage uniform mark (PUM)?
| A Level grade | PUM range |
|---|---|
| A* | 90–100 |
| A | 80–89 |
| B | 70–79 |
| C | 60–69 |
| D | 50–59 |
| E | 40–49 |
A PUM of 90 does not mean you scored 90% of the raw marks; it means you reached the A* threshold.
How to use thresholds in revision
- Find last year's threshold table for your exact syllabus.
- Mark every past paper strictly with the official mark scheme.
- Compare your total with the A* and A thresholds, and aim for a margin of 5–10 marks above the A* line.
- Track your scores weekly; consistency matters more than one good paper.
In Pakistan: how grades become marks
IBCC converts grades to marks for equivalence (A* above 90, A 85, B 75). See our IBCC calculator. For subject plans, read How to get an A* in A Level Maths and How to get an A* in IGCSE Maths, or book a free trial with our expert tutors.
Questions parents and students ask
What percentage is an A* in A Level?
It changes every series. Cambridge sets a mark threshold for each syllabus after marking. As a guide, students should aim for about 85–90% of total marks to be safe, but check the threshold table for your syllabus.
Why are grade thresholds different each year?
Because papers differ slightly in difficulty. Cambridge adjusts thresholds so that the same standard earns the same grade every year.
Where can I find Cambridge grade thresholds?
On the Cambridge International website, by syllabus and series. They are published on results day.
What is a PUM?
A percentage uniform mark is the scale Cambridge uses on A Level results so that marks from different series can be compared. A* is 90–100, A is 80–89, B is 70–79, C is 60–69, D is 50–59 and E is 40–49.
Sources and references
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