What Are IGCSE Grade Boundaries?
When your child sits their IGCSE maths exam, they receive a raw mark out of 160 (Papers 2 and 4 combined). Cambridge then converts this raw mark to a grade (A*, A, B, C, D, E or U) using a table called the grade boundary table.
The boundaries are not fixed percentages. They shift every exam session based on how difficult the paper was.
How Cambridge Sets the Boundaries
After every session, Cambridge’s examiners review the papers and set boundaries based on:
- How candidates worldwide performed on each question
- The intended difficulty of the paper
- Statistical analysis to ensure consistency across sessions
This means a harder paper produces lower boundaries. In a particularly hard session, a student might achieve a C with 72 raw marks; in an easier session, they might need 88 to reach the same grade.
Typical Extended (0580) Boundary Ranges
Based on recent sessions (these change each session):
| Grade | Typical raw mark range (out of 160) |
|---|---|
| A* | 140–155 |
| A | 118–132 |
| B | 98–112 |
| C | 80–95 |
| D | 62–75 |
| E | 46–60 |
Note: The above are approximations based on recent sessions. Always check the official Cambridge boundary tables for the exact session.
What This Means for Your Child’s Revision
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Target a buffer, not just the boundary. If your child needs a C (approximately 85 raw marks based on recent sessions), target 95+ to give a comfortable buffer. Grade boundaries can shift up or down by 5–10 marks from session to session.
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Every mark matters more near the boundary. The difference between a B and an A can be as few as 3–5 marks. This is why Teacher Rig focuses intensively on reducing careless errors and improving exam technique — these are recoverable marks.
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Paper 4 is disproportionately important. Paper 4 carries 130 marks and Paper 2 carries 70 marks. Strong performance on Paper 4 has a much larger impact on the final grade.
Where to Find Official Boundaries
Cambridge releases grade boundary tables on their public results website after each session. Search for “Cambridge IGCSE 0580 grade boundaries” followed by the exam session month/year.
What Teacher Rig Tracks for Students
During tuition, Teacher Rig tracks each student’s mock paper raw scores and maps them against recent boundary ranges. This gives parents a realistic, data-driven picture of where their child currently sits and how many marks separate them from the next grade.
Book a free trial to get a realistic assessment of your child’s current grade position.
Need Help With IGCSE Maths?
Book a free 60-minute trial class with Teacher Rig and get personalised guidance for your IGCSE Maths preparation.