Degree classification calculator (UK)
This degree classification calculator combines your second-year and final-year averages with the weighting your university uses and shows the honours class the result falls into – first, 2:1, 2:2 or third. It also works backwards: the table tells you what final-year average you need for each class.
Example: Second-year average (Level 5) 62 % · Final-year average (Level 6) 68 % · Weighting second year : final year: 40 : 60 → Your result: Weighted average 65.6% – Upper second-class honours (2:1). Source: Wikipedia – British undergraduate degree classification (honours classified by a weighted average, later years weighted more and often zero weight for the first year; first 70% or higher, 2:1 60–69%, 2:2 50–59%, third 40–49%). Updated: .
How it is calculated
Most UK honours degrees are classified from a weighted average of your marks: 70% or higher is a first, 60–69% an upper second (2:1), 50–59% a lower second (2:2) and 40–49% a third. The first year usually does not count; the later years are combined with a weighting set by your university.
How to use the degree classification calculator
- Enter your second-year average and your final-year average, each as a percentage.
- Choose the weighting from your degree regulations, or pick “Other” and type the weight of the second year.
- Read your weighted average and class at the top.
- Use the table to see which final-year average each class requires.
Degree classes and boundaries
| Class | Also written | Overall average |
|---|---|---|
| First-class honours | 1st | 70% or higher |
| Upper second-class honours | 2:1 | 60–69% |
| Lower second-class honours | 2:2 | 50–59% |
| Third-class honours | 3rd | 40–49% |
Worked example
Second-year average 62%, final-year average 68%, weighting 40 : 60. Weighted average = 62 × 40% + 68 × 60% = 24.8 + 40.8 = 65.6% – an upper second (2:1).
What would a first take? The final year must supply 70 − 24.8 = 45.2 of the weighted points, and 45.2 ÷ 0.6 = 75.33. With a second-year average of 62 you need a final-year average of 75.33% for a first under this weighting. With a 1 : 2 weighting the same marks give (62 + 2 × 68) ÷ 3 = 66%.
Working out your year average
A year average is itself weighted – by credits. Multiply each module mark by its credits, add the results and divide by the total credits of the year (normally 120). Example: 68 in a 40-credit module, 61 in a 40-credit module and 57 in two 20-credit modules give (68 × 40 + 61 × 40 + 57 × 20 + 57 × 20) ÷ 120 = 62%. The average calculator handles weighted averages if you want to check a long module list.
Why your university’s result can differ
- Discounting. Some algorithms leave out a number of your weakest credits before averaging.
- More than two years. Integrated master’s degrees, placement years and some Scottish degrees combine three levels.
- Rounding. A 69.5% may or may not be rounded up to 70%. This calculator does not round before classifying.
- Borderline rules. Near a boundary, examiners have some discretion, and universities may publish rules for such cases.
- Different schemes. A few institutions classify by a points scale or by the profile of your module grades rather than by an average.
The official source is always the degree regulations or programme handbook of your own university.
Plan your final year
Change the final-year average to test scenarios – “what if my dissertation pulls me up to 70?” – and keep the link: your numbers are stored in the page address, so you can bookmark the page or share the result on WhatsApp. To see what you need in one remaining exam, use the what grade do I need calculator; for university entry, the UCAS points calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How is a UK degree classification calculated?
Usually from a weighted average of your second-year and final-year marks. Example with a 40 : 60 weighting: 62 × 0.4 + 68 × 0.6 = 65.6%, which is a 2:1.
What percentage is a first, a 2:1, a 2:2 and a third?
A first is 70% or higher, a 2:1 is 60–69%, a 2:2 is 50–59% and a third is 40–49%.
Does the first year count towards my degree?
At most universities the first year must be passed but does not count towards the classification. A few do include it – check your regulations.
What weighting does my university use?
It is stated in the degree regulations or programme handbook. The options in the calculator are common examples; if yours is not listed, choose “Other” and enter the weight of the second year.
What do I need in my final year to get a first?
Subtract the weighted second-year contribution from 70 and divide by the final-year weight. With 62% in second year and a 40 : 60 weighting: (70 − 24.8) ÷ 0.6 = 75.33%.
Is 69.5% a first?
That depends on the rounding and borderline rules of your university. The calculator classifies the exact average and flags results just below a boundary.
Does this work for the Open University?
No. The Open University uses its own classification system rather than a simple percentage average, so use its official guidance.
Can I use it for a master’s degree?
Taught master’s degrees are usually graded distinction, merit and pass with their own rules. This calculator is for undergraduate honours classifications.
Sources and legal basis
- Wikipedia – British undergraduate degree classification (honours classified by a weighted average, later years weighted more and often zero weight for the first year; first 70% or higher, 2:1 60–69%, 2:2 50–59%, third 40–49%)
- Wolfram MathWorld – Weighted Mean
As of: · Editorial policy
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