Complete Guide: How IB Scores Are Calculated
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme uses a comprehensive scoring system that evaluates students across six subjects plus core components. Understanding how IB scores are calculated is essential for students, parents, and educators to accurately predict diploma outcomes and university eligibility. This complete guide breaks down the IB scoring methodology, including subject grades, predicted grades, and the conversion of component assessments into final points.
IB Scoring System Overview
The IB Diploma Programme employs a points-based system with a maximum total of 45 points. This score combines subject grades, Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Extended Essay (EE) assessments to provide a comprehensive measure of student achievement across academic and analytical domains.
Maximum Total Score
Points
Subject Points
6 subjects × 7 points
Core Bonus Points
TOK + EE
Minimum to Pass
Points
How Are IB Scores Calculated?
IB scores are calculated by combining grades from six subjects with bonus points awarded for TOK and EE performance. Each component contributes to the final diploma score through a structured assessment framework.
Total Score = (Subject 1 + Subject 2 + Subject 3 + Subject 4 + Subject 5 + Subject 6) + TOK/EE Bonus Points
Maximum: (7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7 + 7) + 3 = 45 points
Subject Score Calculation
Each of the six subjects is graded independently on a scale of 1 to 7, where 7 represents outstanding achievement and 1 indicates minimal attainment. Students must take three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), although some students opt for four HL subjects.
Subject Total = Sum of all six subject grades
Maximum = 6 × 7 = 42 points
How IB Subject Grades Are Determined
Individual subject grades combine Internal Assessment (IA) scores with External Assessment (final exam) scores. The weighting between these components varies by subject but typically ranges from 20-30% for IA and 70-80% for external assessments.
Subject Grade = (IA Score × IA Weight) + (Exam Score × Exam Weight)
Where:
IA Weight + Exam Weight = 100%
Breaking Down the IB Grading Scale
The IB uses a criterion-referenced grading system where each grade level represents specific achievement descriptors. This ensures consistency across different examination sessions and geographical locations.
| Grade | Description | Performance Level | Typical Percentage Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Excellent | Demonstrates outstanding knowledge and understanding with consistent excellence | 80-100% |
| 6 | Very Good | Shows thorough knowledge with very good understanding | 73-79% |
| 5 | Good | Demonstrates good knowledge and understanding | 60-72% |
| 4 | Satisfactory | Shows satisfactory knowledge and understanding | 47-59% |
| 3 | Mediocre | Demonstrates limited knowledge requiring significant improvement | 32-46% |
| 2 | Poor | Shows very limited knowledge with major gaps | 21-31% |
| 1 | Very Poor | Minimal attainment with fundamental misunderstandings | 0-20% |
How Are TOK and EE Points Calculated?
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) are graded separately using letter grades from A (highest) to E (lowest). These two components combine to contribute up to 3 bonus points to the total diploma score through a matrix system.
TOK/EE Points Matrix
| TOK Grade | EE Grade: A | EE Grade: B | EE Grade: C | EE Grade: D | EE Grade: E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Failed |
| B | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Failed |
| C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Failed |
| D | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Failed |
| E | Failed | Failed | Failed | Failed | Failed |
Example: How TOK/EE Bonus Points Are Calculated
Scenario 1: TOK grade = B, EE grade = A
Bonus Points = 3 (maximum possible)
Scenario 2: TOK grade = C, EE grade = C
Bonus Points = 1
Scenario 3: TOK grade = B, EE grade = D
Bonus Points = 1
How to Calculate IB Predicted Grades
Predicted grades are estimates provided by teachers based on student performance throughout the IB programme. These predictions consider Internal Assessment scores, mock examination results, class performance, and homework quality. Universities use predicted grades for conditional admission offers before final IB results are released.
Components Used for Predicted Grade Calculation
- Internal Assessment (IA) Performance – Completed coursework scored by teachers
- Mock Examination Results – Practice exams simulating final assessment conditions
- Past Paper Performance – Scores on previous IB examination questions
- Classwork and Participation – Consistent performance throughout the course
- Teacher Professional Judgment – Experienced assessment of student capability
Step-by-Step: Calculating Your Predicted Grade
Method for Calculating Subject Predicted Grades
Step 1: Calculate IA Percentage
IA Percentage = (IA Score ÷ IA Maximum) × 100
Example: (55 ÷ 60) × 100 = 91.7%
Step 2: Calculate Mock Exam Percentage
Exam Percentage = (Exam Score ÷ Exam Maximum) × 100
Example: (136 ÷ 200) × 100 = 68%
Step 3: Apply Subject Weightings
Weighted Score = (IA % × IA Weight) + (Exam % × Exam Weight)
Example for Biology HL (IA = 20%, Exams = 80%):
Weighted Score = (91.7 × 0.20) + (68 × 0.80)
= 18.34 + 54.4 = 72.74%
Step 4: Match to Grade Boundaries
Using IB grade boundaries (varies by subject and session):
72.74% typically corresponds to Grade 6
Step 5: Calculate Total Predicted Score
Repeat for all six subjects and add TOK/EE predicted points
Predicted Total = Σ(Predicted Subject Grades) + Predicted TOK/EE Bonus
Example:
Subjects: 7 + 6 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 35 points
TOK/EE: 2 points
Total Predicted Score = 37/45
Common Subject Weighting Examples
Different IB subjects have varying assessment component weightings. Understanding these weightings is crucial for accurate grade prediction and strategic study planning.
| Subject (HL) | Internal Assessment | External Assessment | IA Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology HL | 20% | 80% | One investigation (10 hours) |
| Chemistry HL | 20% | 80% | One investigation (10 hours) |
| Physics HL | 20% | 80% | One investigation (10 hours) |
| Mathematics AA HL | 20% | 80% | Mathematical exploration |
| English A: Lang & Lit HL | 20% | 80% | HL Essay (1200-1500 words) |
| History HL | 25% | 75% | Historical Investigation |
| Economics HL | 20% | 80% | Portfolio of 3 commentaries |
| Business Management HL | 25% | 75% | Research project |
How to Calculate Your Current IB Score
Students can calculate their current standing by combining completed IA scores with mock exam results to estimate their trajectory toward final grades.
Complete Example: Calculating Total IB Score
Student Profile:
- English A: Language & Literature HL – Predicted Grade: 6
- Spanish B HL – Predicted Grade: 7
- History HL – Predicted Grade: 6
- Mathematics AA SL – Predicted Grade: 5
- Biology SL – Predicted Grade: 6
- Visual Arts SL – Predicted Grade: 5
- TOK Grade: B
- EE Grade: A
Calculation:
Subject Total = 6 + 7 + 6 + 5 + 6 + 5 = 35 points
TOK/EE Bonus (B + A from matrix) = 3 points
Total IB Score = 35 + 3 = 38/45 points
Diploma Requirements Check:
- ✓ Total ≥ 24 points (38 ≥ 24)
- ✓ HL subjects total ≥ 12 points (6 + 7 + 6 = 19 ≥ 12)
- ✓ No more than three grades below 4 (zero grades below 4)
- ✓ No grade 1 in any subject
- ✓ Neither TOK nor EE grade E
- ✓ CAS requirements completed
Result: Diploma AWARDED – Competitive score for top universities
IB Diploma Requirements
Achieving the minimum 24 points is necessary but not sufficient for diploma award. Students must also satisfy additional conditions to receive the IB Diploma.
Mandatory Requirements
- Minimum Total Points: At least 24 out of 45 points
- Higher Level Minimum: At least 12 points from three HL subjects (maximum 16 contributes to this requirement)
- Grade Distribution: No more than three subjects with grades 3 or below
- No Failing Grades: No grade 1 in any subject
- Core Components: Grade D or higher in both TOK and EE (not both E)
- CAS Completion: Satisfactory completion of all CAS requirements
- Academic Honesty: No academic misconduct findings
IB Points and University Admission
University admission requirements vary significantly, with top institutions typically requiring scores in the 38-45 range, while many universities accept students with scores from 24-37 points.
| IB Score Range | University Tier | Example Institutions |
|---|---|---|
| 42-45 | Top Global Universities | Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, Stanford |
| 38-41 | Highly Selective Universities | Imperial College, UCL, Toronto, Melbourne |
| 34-37 | Competitive Universities | Warwick, Edinburgh, UBC, Sydney |
| 30-33 | Good Universities | Bristol, Durham, Queensland, Auckland |
| 24-29 | Wide Range of Universities | Many accredited institutions worldwide |
How Are IB Points Calculated for Grade Conversions?
Many universities and educational systems convert IB scores to their local grading equivalents. Common conversions include IB to GPA, IB to A-Level equivalents, and IB to percentage scores.
IB to GPA Conversion
The most common GPA scale used internationally is the 4.0 scale. IB scores can be converted using standard conversion tables or formulas.
GPA = (IB Score ÷ 45) × 4.0
Example:
IB Score = 38
GPA = (38 ÷ 45) × 4.0 = 3.38
| IB Score | Equivalent GPA (4.0 Scale) | Percentage Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 45 | 4.0 | 100% |
| 42-44 | 3.8-3.9 | 93-98% |
| 38-41 | 3.5-3.7 | 84-92% |
| 34-37 | 3.2-3.4 | 76-83% |
| 30-33 | 2.9-3.1 | 67-75% |
| 24-29 | 2.4-2.8 | 53-66% |
Using IB Score Calculators
Online IB calculators simplify the process of predicting your diploma score by automatically applying correct weightings and grade boundaries. These tools are particularly useful for tracking progress throughout the two-year programme.
Recommended IB Calculators
Benefits of Using IB Calculators
- Accurate Predictions: Automatically applies current grade boundaries and weightings
- Progress Tracking: Monitor score trajectory throughout Year 1 and Year 2
- University Planning: Identify target scores for specific university requirements
- Subject Strategy: Determine which subjects need additional focus
- TOK/EE Planning: Visualize impact of core component grades on total score
- Conversion Tools: Easily convert IB scores to GPA or percentage equivalents
Strategic Tips for Maximizing Your IB Score
- Prioritize Internal Assessments: IA scores are controlled entirely by you and contribute 20-25% of each subject grade
- Focus on HL Subjects: While SL and HL grades are worth the same points, meeting the 12-point HL minimum is mandatory
- Master Past Papers: External exam questions follow predictable patterns and mark schemes
- Invest in TOK and EE: Three bonus points can elevate your score from good to excellent
- Grade Boundary Awareness: Understand that achieving 7s requires approximately 80%+ raw scores in most subjects
- Strategic Subject Selection: Choose subjects that align with your strengths and university course requirements
- Time Management: Balance study across all six subjects rather than neglecting weaker areas
- Mock Exam Performance: Treat mock exams seriously as they heavily influence predicted grades
Frequently Asked Questions
Key Points to Remember
- 45 Points Maximum: 42 from subjects + 3 from TOK/EE core components
- Equal Subject Weighting: Both SL and HL subjects contribute equally on the 1-7 scale
- HL Minimum Requirement: At least 12 points must come from three HL subjects
- 24 Points Minimum: Required for diploma, but additional conditions must also be met
- No Grade 1 Allowed: Any subject graded 1 results in diploma failure
- TOK/EE Critical: Both components graded E results in diploma failure
- CAS Mandatory: Completion required despite contributing zero points
- IA Importance: Internal Assessments typically worth 20-25% of subject grade
- Grade Boundaries Vary: Different for each subject, level, and examination session
- Predicted Grades: Based on IA scores, mocks, and teacher professional judgment
Conclusion
Understanding how IB scores are calculated empowers students to strategically approach their diploma programme with clear targets and realistic expectations. The 45-point system combines subject mastery across six disciplines with critical thinking demonstrated through TOK and Extended Essay, creating a comprehensive measure of academic achievement recognized globally.
Whether you are calculating predicted grades for university applications, tracking your progress through Year 1 and Year 2, or planning subject selection strategy, knowing the IB scoring methodology enables informed decision-making. Use the IB Diploma Score Calculator and IB Points Calculator to monitor your trajectory toward your target score and identify areas requiring additional focus.
Remember that while achieving high IB points is important for university admission, the diploma programme also develops critical thinking, research skills, and international-mindedness that extend far beyond numerical scores. Approach your IB journey with strategic planning, consistent effort, and genuine intellectual curiosity to maximize both your diploma score and the broader benefits of the programme.
