Cambridge IGCSE is mostly graded A* to G, with some schools and syllabuses using a 9 to 1 scale (9 highest). Cambridge O Level is graded A* to E. Grades are set using grade thresholds each exam series, and IGCSE Core papers cap the highest grade available.
Letter and number grades
| Letter grade | Roughly comparable 9–1 grade |
|---|---|
| A* | 9 or 8 |
| A | 7 |
| B | 6 |
| C | 5 or 4 |
This is a broad guide only: the two scales are not an exact match. Your school's entries determine which scale appears on your certificate.
O Level grades
Cambridge O Level uses A* to E. Grades below E are recorded as ungraded.
Core and Extended
Many IGCSE subjects offer two tiers:
- Core: the highest grade available is limited (typically C, or the equivalent)
- Extended: the full range up to A*
Choosing the tier is important. Core can suit a student who needs a secure pass; Extended is needed for top grades and often for A-Level in that subject.
Grade thresholds
There is no fixed percentage for each grade. After each exam series, Cambridge publishes grade thresholds: the marks needed for each grade on each paper. They vary between series and between subjects, so an A* might need different marks in different years.
What universities and IBCC look at
Universities abroad usually look at grades in relevant subjects and may set minimums. In Pakistan, IBCC issues equivalence for O Level and IGCSE students applying locally, with its own rules. Check current IBCC requirements well before applying.
What this means for your child
- Know which tier your child is entered for
- Understand that thresholds change, so aim comfortably above the boundary
- Focus on marks lost by topic, not just the grade
Read also IGCSE vs O Level: what actually differs and how to choose IGCSE subjects.
Frequently asked questions
Is IGCSE graded A* to G or 9 to 1?
Cambridge IGCSE is mostly A* to G; some schools and syllabuses use 9 to 1. Your school's entries determine which appears.
What is the highest grade in IGCSE Core?
Core papers limit the highest grade available, typically to around a C or equivalent. Extended is needed for the top grades.
How are IGCSE grade boundaries decided?
Cambridge publishes grade thresholds after each exam series, which vary by subject and series.
How is O Level graded?
Cambridge O Level is graded A* to E.
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Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.