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Pearson Edexcel · A Level · 9MA0

Edexcel A Level Maths grade boundaries (9MA0) explained

A Level Maths 9MA0 is linear, so all three papers feed one total and one set of boundaries. This guide explains how Pearson sets those thresholds after marking, why the A and A* lines move each series, and how to use archived tables to judge your practice-paper totals without fooling yourself.

Grade scale

Grades A*–E, awarded on the total across all three papers

How the total is formed

Papers 1, 2 and 3 are added into a single qualification total, and thresholds are applied to that total.

What to know about Pearson Edexcel boundaries

  • A Level maths is linear, so all papers count towards one grade — there is no banking of unit grades.
  • The A* threshold is set on the overall total for the qualification rather than on a single paper.
  • Statistics and mechanics questions in Paper 3 carry the same weight as pure content when the total is formed.

Official boundary tables

We do not republish boundary marks, because they change every series and only the awarding body's table is authoritative. Use the official source below for the exact series you sat.

Pearson grade boundaries

Turning a mark into a grade

  1. 1. Use the table for your series

    A Level boundaries move every year with the difficulty of the papers, so only the table for the series you sat is meaningful.

  2. 2. Total your papers

    Add the marks from all papers in the qualification. The grade is awarded on the overall total, with boundaries set at the qualification level.

  3. 3. Check for uniform marks if reported

    Some boards report a scaled or uniform mark alongside the raw mark. Compare like with like — raw totals against raw thresholds.

  4. 4. Turn the gap into a revision plan

    Convert the marks between you and the next grade into specific question types you keep dropping, then drill those rather than whole papers.

Frequently asked questions

Why do Edexcel A Level maths grade boundaries change every year?

Boundaries are set after the papers are marked so that a grade means the same standard from one year to the next. If a paper turns out harder than intended, the boundaries fall; if it is easier, they rise. That is why last year's marks are only a rough guide.

When are grade boundaries published?

Awarding bodies publish the threshold tables on results day for that series, usually a short time before results are released to students. They are not available in advance, and any figure circulating before then is a prediction rather than a boundary.

Can I use last year's boundaries to predict my grade?

You can use them as an estimate, but treat them as a range rather than a line. Comparing your total against two or three recent series gives a fairer picture than trusting a single year, and it is safer to aim several marks above the boundary you want.

Do boundaries apply to each paper or the whole qualification?

They apply to the total across the papers in the qualification. Individual paper marks are added first, then compared with the thresholds, so a poor paper does not by itself cap your grade.

Close the gap to the next grade

Knowing the boundary is only useful if you know which marks you are dropping. MathsGradeUp marks your working against exam-board criteria and shows the topics costing you the most marks.

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Other exam boards

Edexcel GCSE Maths grade boundariesAQA GCSE Maths grade boundariesEdexcel IGCSE Maths grade boundariesCambridge IGCSE Maths grade thresholdsAQA A Level Maths grade boundariesOCR A Level Maths grade boundaries

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