First-Class degree calculator
First Class Degree Calculator
Work out the marks you need for a First, using your own year weighting and remaining final-year credits.
Plan my targetWhat mark do I need?
Use your completed Year 2 average and final-year credits. Enter the Year 2 weighting from your course handbook. Remaining credits are final-year credits only.
The prefilled numbers are an example. Replace them with your own marks and credits.
UK tool
Check your current degree average
This website is not affiliated with any UK university. Results are estimates only and may not reflect official classification algorithms, compensation rules, borderline policies or programme-specific regulations.
Worked example: final-year marks for a First or 2:1
Suppose Year 2 averages 65% and counts for 40% of your degree. Final year counts for 60%. You have completed 80 final-year credits at 65%, with 40 credits left.
- For a First at 70%, the remaining 40 credits need an average of 90%.
- For a 2:1 at 60%, the remaining 40 credits need an average of 40%.
Required final-year average = (target − Year 2 average × Year 2 weight) ÷ final-year weight.
Required remaining mark = (required final-year average × all final-year credits − completed final-year average × completed final-year credits) ÷ remaining final-year credits.
Use decimal weights in the formula: 40% = 0.40. Set Year 2 weighting to 0% for a final-year-only estimate. This planner assumes Year 2 is complete and all remaining work belongs to final year.
It does not apply best-credit selection, module exclusions, capped resits or borderline upgrades. Use the rules for your course and entry year. Universities UK explains why degree algorithms differ.
What Mark Do You Need for a First-Class Degree?
A First-Class Honours degree usually starts at 70%. Whether you can reach it depends on your current weighted average, remaining credits and the weighting rules used by your university.
High-credit final-year work often has the biggest effect on whether a First is still reachable.
Because most UK degrees apply year weighting (final year usually counts for more than earlier years), it's possible to still be on track for a First even if an earlier year's average sits a little below 70%, as long as remaining higher-weighted modules can bring the overall figure up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What average do I need overall for a First?
Most UK universities set the First-Class boundary at 70% and above for the overall weighted average, though a small number of institutions or courses use slightly different thresholds.
Can I still get a First if my first year doesn't count?
Yes. At many universities first year only needs to be passed, so your First-Class classification is calculated purely from your later, credit-weighted years.
Do all modules need to be 70% or above for a First?
No. Because classification is usually based on a credit-weighted average, stronger modules can offset weaker ones, so not every individual module needs to reach 70%.
Is there a safety margin universities allow near 68-69%?
Some universities operate a borderline review for averages just below 70%, considering how many credits were above the boundary, but this is discretionary and not guaranteed.
Does a First always require passing every module first time?
Not necessarily, but any failed module usually needs to be passed eventually (sometimes via capped resit) before classification is confirmed, even if the overall average already clears 70%.
How do I estimate what I need in remaining modules for a First?
Use the target planner with your completed Year 2 average, year weighting, completed final-year average and remaining final-year credits. It calculates the remaining average required for your chosen target.