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Cut Off Marks Estimate Calculator

Work out cut off marks estimate instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Cut Off Marks Estimate Calculator

If scores are approximately normally distributed, the cut-off is the quantile that leaves exactly as many candidates above it as there are seats. The selection ratio determines the required z-score, which is then converted back into marks using the mean and standard deviation.

Formulas

Selection ratio

Ratio = Seats available / Total candidates

Cut-off

Cut-off = Mean + z x Standard deviation, where z is the quantile for (1 - Selection ratio)

Worked example

With the default values below, Cut Off Marks Estimate Calculator returns Estimated cut-off score of 155.3. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Total candidates appearing
240,000
Seats or vacancies available
1,800
Mean score
92
Standard deviation of scores
26

Results

Estimated cut-off score
155.3
Selection ratio
0.7500%
Standard score required
2.434
Marks above the mean
63.3

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Selection ratio
  3. 3Cut-off
  4. 4Estimated cut-off score= 155.3
  5. 5Selection ratio= 0.7500
  6. 6Standard score required= 2.434
  7. 7Marks above the mean= 63.3

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 4 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Indicative estimate only. Fees, entitlements, limits and formulas vary by jurisdiction, statute, policy wording and the facts of the case. This is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice — confirm with a qualified professional or the relevant authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the normal assumption?

Reasonable for large cohorts and well-designed papers, but score distributions are often right-skewed at the top, which makes real cut-offs slightly higher than predicted.

Do category cut-offs differ?

Yes. Each reserved category has its own effective selection ratio within its quota, so its cut-off is computed separately.

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