GCSE 9-1 Grade Converter
Convert between GCSE 9–1 numeric grades and the old A*–G letters.
The A*–G letter the new numeric grade corresponds to, with its pass level.
Numeric 9–1 grades are used in England. Wales and Northern Ireland kept the A*–G letters, so the letter side here is an equivalence, not a like-for-like exam grade.
England replaced GCSE A*–G letters with a 9–1 number scale from 2017. Grade 7 equals an old A, grade 4 is a “standard pass” (the old C), and grade 5 is a “strong pass”. Grade 9 sits above the old A*, so 9, 8 and 7 split the former A*/A band more finely. Grade 1 lands between F and G.
How the 9–1 GCSE scale works
Since 2017, GCSEs in England have been graded from 9 (highest) down to 1 (lowest), with U meaning ungraded. The reform kept three fixed reference points so old and new results line up: the bottom of grade 7 matches the bottom of the old grade A, the bottom of grade 4 matches the bottom of grade C, and the bottom of grade 1 matches the bottom of grade G.
Because ten symbols (9–1 plus U) now cover what nine letters (A*–G plus U) once did, the numbers stretch the top of the range. Grade 9 is deliberately set above the old A* to identify the very highest performers, while grades 8 and 7 cover the rest of the former A*/A territory.
GCSE 9–1 grade → old letter → pass level
Official Ofqual anchor points: grade 7 = A, grade 4 = C, grade 1 = G. Other rows are the intended equivalence between the scales.
| 9–1 grade | Old letter | Pass level |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Above A* (the very top) | Strong pass |
| 8 | Low A* / high A | Strong pass |
| 7 | A | Strong pass |
| 6 | High B | Strong pass |
| 5 | Top of C / low B | Strong pass |
| 4 | C | Standard pass |
| 3 | Between D and E | Not a pass |
| 2 | Between E and F | Not a pass |
| 1 | Between F and G | Not a pass |
| U | Ungraded | Not a pass |
Worked example
Reading across a grade 7 result to the old letters.
- 1 Start from the anchor points. Grade 7 = A, grade 4 = C (standard pass), grade 1 = G are fixed by Ofqual.
- 2 Place your grade on the scale. A grade 7 sits exactly at the old grade A boundary.
- 3 Read off the letter and pass level. Grade 7 → A, which is comfortably above a strong pass (grade 5) and a standard pass (grade 4).
Reading the finer distinctions at the top
The numeric grades give a finer distinction at the top than the letters ever did: grades 9, 8 and 7 split the old A*/A band into three, with 9 reserved for work above the previous A*. Lower down, grade 4 is a standard pass and grade 5 a strong pass, so the single old grade C is now shown as two levels.
Remember that the 9–1 scale is used in England only. Wales and Northern Ireland kept the A*–G letters, so when you compare a Welsh or NI certificate the letters are real exam grades, not conversions — treat the equivalence here as a guide to what a number is worth, not a re-grading of a specific paper.