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IGCSE grade converter: 9 to 1 and A* to G

Cambridge IGCSE is graded either A* to G or 9 to 1, depending on the syllabus code the school enters. The two scales do not map one to one, because nine number grades cover eight letter grades. Cambridge fixes three points exactly: the standard at the bottom of grade 7 is the bottom of an A, grade 4 matches the bottom of a C, and grade 1 the bottom of a G. The grades in between are spaced evenly, so a 9 is a high A*, an 8 sits across A* and A, a 6 is roughly a B and a 5 straddles B and C. Use the converter for a rough comparison, not an official equivalence.

Facts checked:

Roughly equivalent to

A

Anchored: Cambridge sets the bottom of this grade at the same standard as the bottom of the letter grade.

The two scales do not map one to one. Nine number grades cover eight letter grades, so only three boundaries line up exactly.

Full alignment
9 to 1A* to G (approximate)
9A*
8A* / A
7A *
6B
5B / C
4C *
3D / E
2E / F
1F / G *

* Anchored: Cambridge sets the bottom of this grade at the same standard as the bottom of the letter grade.

At a glance

Anchored points
7 = A, 4 = C, 1 = G (bottom of each grade)
Top grade
9, at the top of the A* range
Who chooses the scale
The school, by syllabus code
Example codes
Maths 0580 (A* to G), 0980 (9 to 1)

Approximate alignment of the two scales

Rows marked anchored are where Cambridge sets the two scales at the same standard. The others are approximate.

9 to 1 gradeA* to G (approximate)How exact
9A* (upper)Approximate
8A* / AApproximate
7AAnchored to the bottom of A
6BApproximate
5B / CApproximate
4CAnchored to the bottom of C
3D / EApproximate
2E / FApproximate
1F / GAnchored to the bottom of G

Cambridge says grade boundaries for 8, 6, 5, 3 and 2 are set by arithmetic rules spacing them evenly between the boundaries for 9, 7, 4 and 1.

Why the two scales exist

England moved its GCSEs to 9 to 1 grading from 2017. Cambridge kept A* to G for IGCSE worldwide and added 9 to 1 versions of its most popular syllabuses, offered in administrative zone 3, which covers Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. The content and the exam papers are the same in both versions; only the grade scale and the syllabus code differ, for example Biology 0610 and 0970, or Physics 0625 and 0972.

Cambridge also states that universities have told it they will treat students equally whether they hold 9 to 1 or A* to G grades. Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs, common in Gulf British schools, are graded 9 to 1.

Using a converted grade sensibly

  • If a sixth form asks for a 6, an A* to G student with a B is in the right range, but a borderline B may sit closer to a 5. Ask the school how it reads the other scale.
  • A 4 is broadly a C, the traditional pass mark many sixth forms and universities quote for English and maths.
  • Do not convert grade boundaries between syllabus codes. Each code has its own threshold table.
  • Mixed transcripts are normal: a student can hold some subjects on each scale.

Moving up a grade

Because the scales are anchored at 7 and 4, the grades that matter most for sixth-form entry sit right on those lines. A tutor working one to one starts with past papers for the exact syllabus code, marks them against the published mark scheme, and works on the questions that keep a student below the boundary: often longer structured questions, data handling or extended writing. The aim is to make the next grade up reliable, not lucky.

Common questions

Is a 7 the same as an A?

At the bottom of the grade, yes: Cambridge sets the minimum standard for a 7 at the minimum standard for an A. A high A may correspond to an 8.

What is a 9 in IGCSE?

The top grade on the 9 to 1 scale, at the upper end of the A* range. Because a 9 covers only the top part of that range, it is harder to reach than the bottom of an A*.

Is a 4 a pass?

A 4 is aligned with the bottom of a C, which is the traditional pass many schools and universities ask for. Each school or university sets its own entry grades.

Can my child switch from A* to G to 9 to 1?

Only by being entered for the other syllabus code before the entries deadline. After the deadline Cambridge cannot move a candidate between grade sets.

How much do IGCSE lessons with LiveTutor cost?

Every lesson is one to one, online and 60 minutes, at $15 a lesson for any IGCSE subject. Families pick a plan of 1 to 5 lessons a week, billed monthly, and the first lesson is a free trial.

Sources

Dates and figures on this page come from these official and published sources. Always confirm deadlines on the official page before acting on them.

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