Overview
For Cambridge Cambridge grade boundaries, cambridge grade boundaries, officially called grade thresholds, are the minimum number of raw marks you need to achieve a particular grade. Published on results day for each exam session, these tables show you exactly what was required for an A*, A, B, and so on, for your specific syllabus. Understanding them is the key to accurately interpreting your performance.
Find the correct grade threshold table
On results day—for instance, 13 August 2026 for the June 2026 series—Cambridge publishes the threshold tables. You can find them on the public Cambridge International website under 'Grade threshold tables' or get them from your school's exams officer. It is essential you select the correct document for your syllabus code (e.g., 9701 Chemistry), the year, and the exam session (June or November).
Understand the table structure
For Cambridge Cambridge grade boundaries, each table lists the syllabus components (e.g., Paper 1, Paper 2) and their maximum raw mark. Below this, you'll see rows for each grade: `A*`, `A`, `B`, `C`, `D`, `E` for A Level, and `a`, `b`, `c`, `d`, `e` for AS Level. The numbers in the table are the minimum raw marks needed for that grade; they are not percentages.
Locate your components and option code
For Cambridge Cambridge grade boundaries, a full A Level is made up of several components, and you will have taken a specific combination of them, known as an 'option'. This is usually identified by a two-letter code, like 'AY' or 'CZ', which corresponds to the papers you sat (e.g., Paper 12, 22, 32, and 42). You must find the column in the threshold table that matches your specific option code to see the overall grade boundaries for your qualification.
Determine your total syllabus mark
For Cambridge Cambridge grade boundaries, your final grade is not an average of your paper grades; it's based on a total syllabus mark. Cambridge applies a weighting factor to the raw mark from each component paper to ensure each contributes fairly to the final grade. Your total syllabus mark is the sum of these weighted marks, and it is this total that you compare against the overall grade thresholds.
Compare your total to the overall thresholds
For Cambridge Cambridge grade boundaries, with your total syllabus mark and option code, find the relevant column in the table. For example, if the threshold for a B is 145 and for an A is 168, a total mark of 160 earns you a grade B. Note that for A Level, the A* grade is special: it requires you to achieve an overall A *and* attain a very high standard on your A2 components. You can use our [grade boundary calculator](/tools/grade-boundary-calculator) to simplify this process with your component marks.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — ranked by what Cambridge examiners return to most often in past papers.
Why do grade boundaries change every year?
Grade boundaries are adjusted to ensure fairness and maintain standards over time. If an exam paper in one session is found to be more difficult than in previous years, the grade boundary will be lowered. Conversely, an easier paper will have a higher boundary. This ensures an A grade represents the same level of achievement, regardless of the paper's difficulty.
Can I get an A* if I only sit AS Level?
No, the A* grade is exclusively for the full A Level qualification. The AS Level grading scale is separate, running from 'a' (highest) to 'e' (lowest). The A* is designed to differentiate the very highest achievement at the A Level standard, rewarding candidates who have shown exceptional performance in their more challenging A2 units.
Is 80% always an A?
This is a persistent myth. The raw mark needed for an A varies hugely by subject and year, driven by the difficulty of the papers. It could be as low as 65% or as high as 85%. Never assume a percentage; always check the official threshold table. To estimate your performance, it's better to mark a past paper and use that session's specific boundaries.