GCSE Maths Grade Boundaries
Find the marks needed for each grade in GCSE Maths, and work out your grade from a mark.
Grade boundaries are the minimum marks needed to reach each grade in a GCSE Maths exam. Each exam board (AQA, Edexcel and OCR) sets its own boundaries after every session to reflect how hard that paper was, so the mark needed for a grade 9 changes each year and differs between boards. Use the table and calculator below to see how marks map to grades and how close you are to the next grade up.
Looking for IGCSE Maths instead? Check IGCSE Maths grade boundaries.
GCSE Maths Boundaries Table
Choose an exam board, tier and session to see the mark needed for each grade.
| Grade | Mark needed | Out of |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 219 | 240 |
| 8 | 191 | 240 |
| 7 | 164 | 240 |
| 6 | 130 | 240 |
| 5 | 96 | 240 |
| 4 | 63 | 240 |
| 3 | 46 | 240 |
Maximum mark: 240. Source: AQA 8300 June 2025 grade boundaries.
Boundaries change every exam session. 2026 summer boundaries are released on results day in August 2026.
GCSE boundary data is compiled from published board documents via Maths Genie. Always confirm against your exam board for your exact paper.
Grade Calculator
Enter your total mark to see your grade and how many marks you need for the next grade.
Enter your total mark above to see your grade and how many marks you need for the next grade.
These figures are a revision guide only. Grade boundaries change every session, so always confirm against the official source for your exact paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are grade boundaries in GCSE Maths?
Grade boundaries are the minimum marks needed to reach each grade in a GCSE Maths exam. The exam board sets them after the papers have been marked, based on how demanding that paper was, so a harder paper produces lower boundaries and an easier paper produces higher ones.
What mark do you need for a grade 9 in AQA GCSE Maths?
The grade 9 boundary for AQA GCSE Maths (8300) is set after each exam series, so it changes from one year to the next and there is no single fixed mark. Use the table above to see the grade 9 mark for each session listed, and always confirm the figure for your session.
Are GCSE Maths grade boundaries the same for AQA, Edexcel and OCR?
No. Each board sets its own boundaries, and the papers differ in total marks: AQA (8300) and Edexcel (1MA1) are out of 240, while OCR (J560) is out of 300. Compare the mark for each grade using the board selector in the table above.
Do GCSE Maths grade boundaries change every year?
Yes. Boundaries are set after each exam session based on paper difficulty, so the mark needed for a given grade shifts from one year to the next. Past boundaries are a useful revision target, but never a guaranteed threshold.
Where can I find official GCSE Maths grade boundaries?
Official boundaries are published by each exam board on results day in August. The figures on this page are compiled from published board documents via Maths Genie, so always confirm against your exam board for your exact paper and session.
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