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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