About the UK Degree Classification Calculator
This UK degree classification calculator works out your honours degree classification from your module marks. Enter each second-year and final-year module on its own line as “mark, credits”, choose how much your final year counts, and it calculates the credit-weighted average for each year, your overall weighted average and the classification it falls into — First, 2:1, 2:2 or Third.
It is aimed at undergraduates at UK universities (and in systems that follow the UK model) who want to know where they stand before the exam board meets, and what final-year average they need to reach a First or a 2:1. The table shows the Year 3 average required for every classification boundary given your Year 2 results.
Most universities ignore first-year marks and weight the second and final years, commonly 40/60, 33/67 (a 1:2 ratio), 30/70 or 25/75. Rules differ, and many universities also consider borderline candidates (typically within 1–2% of a boundary) using the preponderance of credits or discretion, so check your programme handbook for the exact algorithm.
With the default inputs, the overall weighted average is 66.35 %. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the uk degree classification calculator
- 1Type each Year 2 module on its own line as “mark, credits”.
- 2Do the same for your final-year modules, including the dissertation.
- 3Set the final-year weighting used by your university.
- 4Read your overall average and classification.
- 5Use the table to see the final-year average you need for a First or 2:1.
Formula and method
Each year’s average is weighted by credits, so a 40-credit dissertation counts twice as much as a 20-credit module. The overall average then combines the second-year average (Y2) and final-year average (Y3) using the final-year weighting w — for a 40/60 split, w = 0.6.
The standard UK boundaries are 70% for a First, 60% for a 2:1, 50% for a 2:2 and 40% for a Third. To find the final-year average needed for a boundary B, solve B = Y2 × (1 − w) + Y3 × w for Y3. Individual universities may round averages, discount a module or use a different algorithm, so treat the result as a guide.
- Y2
- Credit-weighted Year 2 average (%)
- Y3
- Credit-weighted final year average (%)
- w
- Final year weighting as a fraction
Worked examples
40/60 weighting with a 40-credit dissertation
Six 20-credit Year 2 modules average 62.67%. In the final year the 40-credit dissertation at 70% counts double, giving 68.8%. Overall: 62.67 × 0.4 + 68.8 × 0.6 = 66.35%, a 2:1. A First would need a final-year average of about 74.89%.
25/75 weighting
With the final year worth 75%, the result is 62.67 × 0.25 + 68.8 × 0.75 = 67.27%. Because Year 2 counts for less, a First needs only a 72.44% final-year average.
Borderline First
Year 2 averages 69% and the final year 70%. Weighted 33/67 that is 69 × 0.33 + 70 × 0.67 = 69.67% — just under 70, so a 2:1 on the raw average, but a typical borderline case where many universities round up or apply discretion.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage is a 2:1 degree?+
A 2:1 (upper second-class honours) is awarded for an overall average of 60% to 69%. A First needs 70% or more, a 2:2 is 50–59% and a Third is 40–49%.
Does first year count towards my degree?+
At most English and Welsh universities first-year marks only need to be passed and do not count towards the classification. Scottish four-year degrees usually weight the last two years instead. Check your programme regulations.
How is the dissertation weighted?+
The dissertation is weighted by its credits. A 40-credit dissertation counts twice as much as a 20-credit module in the final-year average, so it often has a big effect on your classification.
What is a borderline degree classification?+
Most universities have a borderline zone, often within 1–2% below a boundary. Students in the zone may be moved up if, for example, more than half of their final-year credits are in the higher class, or at the exam board’s discretion.
Is 69.5% a First?+
Many UK universities round the final average to the nearest whole number, so 69.5% would become 70% and a First. Others do not round or use a borderline rule instead; your handbook will say which applies.