How to use the uni grade calculator
- Pick your year weighting. Most English universities ignore first year and weight second and final year, often 40/60 or 1:2. If you're not sure, search your university name with "degree classification algorithm" or open your programme handbook.
- Type each module's credits and mark. A full year is usually 120 credits, often as six 20-credit modules or a 40-credit dissertation plus smaller ones. Leave the mark empty for anything still to come.
- Read the table on the right. It shows the average you need across your blank modules for each class. "Already secured" means you get that class even if every remaining mark was 0, which is rarely realistic but useful to know.
How UK degree classification works
Your class comes from a weighted average of module marks. Inside each year, a 40-credit module counts twice as much as a 20-credit one. Then each year's average is multiplied by that year's weighting. With a 40/60 split, a 64% second year and a 70% final year give 0.4 × 64 + 0.6 × 70 = 67.6%, a 2:1.
| Class | Average |
|---|---|
| First | 70% and above |
| Upper second (2:1) | 60–69% |
| Lower second (2:2) | 50–59% |
| Third | 40–49% |
Three things change the result, and they differ between universities:
- Discounting. Some universities drop your lowest 10 to 30 credits in a year before averaging. Set this above and the calculator removes your weakest marks once that year is complete, so you can see how much a bad module really costs.
- Rounding. Many round to the nearest whole number, so 69.5% becomes a First. Others classify on the unrounded figure.
- Borderline rules. Marks within about 2 points of a boundary are often reviewed. A common rule is that you move up if most of your final-year credits are already at the higher class. The calculator flags when you're in that zone.
What do I need in final year to get a First or 2:1?
That's the question the table answers. It takes everything you've already banked, works out how much of the degree is still open, and solves for the average you need on the rest. If you need 74% on your dissertation and remaining modules for a First, try changing a few expected marks to see which module matters most. Larger modules in the heaviest year move the result the most.
FAQ
Does first year count towards my degree?
At most English universities, no: you need to pass it, but it counts 0%. Some Scottish four-year degrees, integrated master's (MEng, MSci, MPharm) and a few other courses do count earlier years. Choose the three-year option above if yours does.
Is 69.5% a First?
If your university rounds, yes. If it doesn't, 69.5% is a high 2:1 that will probably be treated as borderline. Untick "Round .5 up" to compare.
Why is my result different from my university portal?
Usually because of a rule that's not set here yet: a different weighting, discounting, credits taken at another level, or a resit capped at 40%. The calculator only knows what you type in, so check that your credits add up to what your course says.
Can I use it for a master's degree?
Yes, if your master's uses a single weighted average: put all modules in one year and choose "Final year only". Taught master's usually award Distinction at 70%, Merit at 60% and Pass at 50%, so read the First and 2:1 rows as Distinction and Merit.