Grade thresholds explained: what they are and where to find them
Grade thresholds (also called grade boundaries) are the minimum marks needed for each grade in a given exam series. They change every series because papers vary in difficulty, so there is no fixed percentage for an A or A*, and the only reliable figures are the official tables published by the exam board for your syllabus code.
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Official threshold tables by curriculum (June 2026)
- O Level grade thresholds, June 2026 4024, 5054, 5070, 5090, 1123
- IGCSE grade thresholds, June 2026 0580, 0625, 0620, 0610
- A Level grade thresholds, June 2026 9709, 9702, 9701, 9700
Which official threshold tables does this site list?
| Qualification | Board | Series | Grade scale | Syllabus codes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| O Level | Cambridge International | June 2026 | A* to E | 4024, 5054, 5070, 5090, 1123 |
| IGCSE | Cambridge International | June 2026 | A* to G | 0580, 0625, 0620, 0610 |
| A Level | Cambridge International | June 2026 | A* to E | 9709, 9702, 9701, 9700 |
How do you read a grade threshold table?
Find your syllabus code (for example 9702 for A Level Physics) and your component option. The table lists the maximum mark and the minimum mark for each grade. Your total mark across the components in your option decides your grade.
How should you use grade thresholds in revision?
Use past thresholds as a guide, not a target. When you mark a past paper, convert your score using that series' threshold table to see roughly which grade you would have achieved. Then aim comfortably above the boundary, because the threshold for your series is unknown until results day.
Our tutors use this method in every A Level and O Level course to track progress through the year.
Official threshold tables
Grade threshold questions
What is a grade threshold?
A grade threshold is the minimum mark needed for each grade in a particular exam series. Boards set thresholds after marking, so that a grade represents the same standard even if one year's papers turn out harder or easier than another's. The official tables are published on results day.
Why are grade thresholds different each year?
Grade thresholds change because papers vary slightly in difficulty from series to series. If a paper was harder, the marks needed for each grade usually go down; if it was easier, they go up. This keeps grades comparable across years.
When are grade thresholds published?
Cambridge International publishes grade threshold tables on results day for each series, and Pearson publishes grade boundaries on its results day too. You can find previous series' tables on the boards' websites.
What percentage is an A* at O Level or A Level?
There is no fixed percentage for an A*; it depends on that series' threshold for your syllabus and option. Look up the official threshold table for your syllabus code and series, and compare the A* mark with the maximum mark to see the percentage needed.
Are thresholds the same in every country?
Not always. Cambridge sets thresholds per syllabus and component option, and some papers are taken in different administrative zones with different question papers. Always check the table for your exact syllabus code and option.
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