IGCSE Economics Grade Boundaries 2024 — Cambridge 0455 Thresholds Explained
Cambridge IGCSE Economics (0455) has a total of 120 marks across two papers. Knowing the grade boundaries for each year helps you understand what score you actually need — rather than chasing a vague percentage target.
IGCSE Economics Paper Structure
- Paper 1: Multiple choice (30 marks, 45 minutes)
- Paper 2: Structured questions (90 marks, 2h 15min)
- Total: 120 marks
Paper 2 carries three times the weight of Paper 1. Your performance on structured and data response questions in Paper 2 is the primary driver of your final grade.
Historical IGCSE Economics Grade Boundaries (Cambridge 0455)
| Year | A* | A | B | C | D | E | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 98 | 82 | 66 | 50 | 35 | 25 | 120 |
| 2023 | 96 | 80 | 64 | 48 | 34 | 24 | 120 |
| 2022 | 97 | 81 | 65 | 49 | 34 | 24 | 120 |
| 2021 | 94 | 78 | 63 | 47 | 33 | 23 | 120 |
| 2019 | 93 | 77 | 62 | 47 | 32 | 22 | 120 |
Approximate averages from Cambridge published grade threshold documents (May/June series).
Grade Targets
- A:* aim for 96+ out of 120 (80%+)
- A: aim for 80+ out of 120
- B: aim for 64+ out of 120
- C: aim for 48+ out of 120
The gap between grades in Economics is relatively small (14–16 marks between A and A*), meaning that exam technique improvements on individual questions can shift your grade.
Where Economics Students Lose the Most Marks
1. Define questions — incomplete definitions. “Demand is how much people want of a good” earns 0. “Demand is the quantity of a good or service that consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices, ceteris paribus” earns the mark. Cambridge Economics mark schemes are specific about what constitutes a full definition.
2. Diagrams without labels. Any diagram (supply/demand, AD/AS, cost curves) must have: title, price on y-axis, quantity on x-axis, labelled curves, clear equilibrium marked. Missing labels cost marks even if the diagram shape is correct.
3. Analyse questions — not linking theory to the data. In Paper 2 data response sections, students must use figures from the extract. “The price increased” earns less than “The price increased from $4.50 to $6.20, a rise of 38%.”
4. Evaluate questions — one-sided answers. For 8-12 mark evaluate questions, Cambridge expects discussion of both sides with a final judgement. “It depends on…” with justified reasoning earns top marks. One-sided answers cap at Level 2.
High-Value Topics in IGCSE Economics
Based on past paper frequency:
- Elasticity calculations (PED, YED, XED) — always in Paper 2
- Market failure and government intervention
- Aggregate demand components (AD = C + I + G + X – M)
- Inflation causes and effects
- Unemployment types and policies
- Development indicators (HDI, GDP per capita)
- International trade and comparative advantage
Using Grade Boundaries in Your Revision
The Grade Boundary Tracker shows you exactly which band your current Economics practice scores fall into — and how many marks you need for the next grade.
Check IGCSE Economics boundaries →
Predict your Economics grade →
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Browse IGCSE Economics resources →
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