IB Points Calculator | Calculate Diploma Score (0-45)

  • Adam
  • October 30, 2025

Calculate your International Baccalaureate Diploma score from subject grades (1-7) and core components. Free calculator using official IB methodology.

IB Points Calculator

Calculate your International Baccalaureate Diploma score using official IB scoring methodology

IB Points Calculator

Enter Your Subject Grades (1-7):

Core Components (0-3 points):

What is IB Scoring?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) scoring system is a rigorous, criterion-referenced assessment framework used to evaluate student performance across the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IB Diploma score ranges from 0 to 45 points, with a minimum of 24 points required to earn the diploma. This standardized system ensures consistent evaluation of student achievement across 150+ countries worldwide.

The total IB score comprises 42 points from six subjects and up to 3 bonus points from core components. Each of the six IB subjects is graded on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 representing exceptional performance and 1 indicating minimal achievement. Students typically take three subjects at Higher Level (HL), requiring deeper content and more assessment, and three at Standard Level (SL). Importantly, both HL and SL subjects contribute equally to the final score—a grade of 7 in SL equals a grade of 7 in HL.

Beyond subject grades, students earn bonus points from two core components. Theory of Knowledge (TOK), a philosophical course exploring knowledge and truth across disciplines, and the Extended Essay (EE), a 4,000-word independent research project, are graded A through E. The combined TOK and EE performance contributes 0 to 3 bonus points to the final diploma score using a matrix that considers grade combinations.

To receive the IB Diploma, students must meet several requirements beyond the 24-point minimum: achieving at least 12 points from Higher Level subjects, having no more than 3 grades below 4 across all six subjects, scoring no failing grades (below 3) in any subject, and ensuring that TOK and the Extended Essay are not both grade E. This comprehensive framework ensures that diploma holders demonstrate not only strong subject knowledge but also critical thinking, research skills, and interdisciplinary understanding.

IB Points Calculation Formulae

IB score calculation follows straightforward mathematical formulas that aggregate subject grades and core component points into a final diploma score.

Subject Points Formula

Total Subject Points = Grade1 + Grade2 + Grade3 + Grade4 + Grade5 + Grade6

Maximum: 6 × 7 = 42 points

Core Components Points

TOK and EE Bonus Points:

Determined by matrix combining TOK grade and EE grade

Maximum combined: 3 points

Total Diploma Score Formula

Total IB Score = Subject Points + Core Points

Range: 0-45 points | Minimum for diploma: 24 points

For example, a student with subject grades 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 5 would earn 34 subject points. Adding 2 core points (from strong TOK and EE performance) yields a 36-point diploma score.

How This Calculator Works

This IB Points Calculator implements the official International Baccalaureate scoring methodology. It calculates your total diploma score from six subject grades and core component contributions, displaying both your point total and diploma qualification status.

Calculation Process

  1. Subject Grade Input: You enter grades (1-7) for each of your six subjects. The calculator validates all inputs fall within the acceptable 1-7 range.
  2. Subject Point Summation: All six subject grades are summed to produce a subject points total (maximum 42).
  3. Core Component Scoring: TOK and EE grades are converted to bonus points (0-3 total) based on the official IB matrix.
  4. Total Score Calculation: Subject points and core points are added for your total IB Diploma score (0-45).
  5. Diploma Requirement Verification: The calculator checks if your score meets minimum requirements and provides qualification status.

Important: This calculator computes points based on the formulas you provide. Your actual IB diploma award depends on your official grades from the International Baccalaureate Organization and meeting all IB requirements, including CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) completion and academic honesty.

Uses of IB Scores

IB Diploma scores serve critical purposes in college admission, placement, and global recognition of academic achievement.

1. University Admission and Competition

A strong IB Diploma score (35+) makes you highly competitive for admission to selective universities worldwide. Universities recognize the rigor and breadth of the IB curriculum. Scores of 40+ are particularly impressive and often used by universities to identify top-performing applicants eligible for merit scholarships.

2. College Credit and Advanced Placement

Many universities grant college credit or advanced placement for strong individual subject scores (typically 6 or 7) in IB exams. A 45-point diploma score can result in 15-30 college credits, allowing accelerated degree completion or freedom to take additional electives.

3. Scholarship Opportunities

Universities and scholarship organizations offer merit scholarships specifically for strong IB achievers. Students with diploma scores of 35+ are often automatically considered for institutional scholarships worth thousands of dollars annually.

4. Professional Program Qualification

Medical, engineering, and law schools often use IB scores to evaluate academic preparedness. High scores in relevant subjects (Math, Sciences, etc.) demonstrate the foundational knowledge needed for rigorous professional programs.

5. Global Recognition

The IB Diploma is recognized by over 5,000 universities in 100+ countries. An IB score is internationally understood and valued, making it valuable whether applying to universities in your home country or abroad.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to calculate your IB Diploma score and understand your qualification status:

Step 1: Enter Your Six Subject Grades

Input your IB subject grades (1-7) for all six subjects. The calculator comes with default grades (6s) which you should replace with your actual grades. It does not matter which physical subject corresponds to each field—enter grades for any six subjects.

Step 2: Select Your TOK Grade

Select your Theory of Knowledge grade (A-E or not graded). The calculator converts this to points using the official IB matrix.

Step 3: Select Your Extended Essay Grade

Choose your Extended Essay grade (A-E or not graded). Combined with your TOK grade, this determines your total core component points (0-3).

Step 4: Calculate Your Score

Click the "Calculate IB Score" button. The calculator instantly displays your subject points, core points, total score, and diploma qualification status.

Step 5: Review Your Qualification Status

Check whether you meet the requirements for earning the IB Diploma: 24+ total points, 12+ from HL subjects, no more than 3 grades below 4, and no grades below 3.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an IB Diploma score?

An IB Diploma score is the total points (0-45) earned from six IB subjects (graded 1-7) plus core components (Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay). A minimum of 24 points is required to earn the IB Diploma.

How many points do I need for the IB Diploma?

You need a minimum of 24 points out of 45, plus meeting other requirements: at least 12 points from HL subjects, no more than 3 grades below 4, no failing grades (below 3), and TOK and EE cannot both be grade E.

What is a good IB score?

30+ is competitive for selective universities, 35+ is excellent and often attracts merit scholarships, and 40+ is exceptional (achieved by ~2% of students). 24-29 meets diploma requirements but is less competitive for top universities.

Can I get a perfect 45 on the IB Diploma?

Yes, a 45 requires earning a 7 in all six subjects (42 points) and earning the maximum 3 core points from TOK and Extended Essay. This is extremely rare, achieved by fewer than 0.5% of students worldwide.

What does an IB 4 mean?

An IB 4 indicates satisfactory performance in that subject. You can have up to three grades of 4 (or lower, but not below 3) and still achieve the diploma. An IB 4 typically represents 63-76% performance.

Are HL and SL subjects weighted equally?

Yes, both HL and SL subjects contribute equally to the final diploma score. Each subject's grade (1-7) counts the same regardless of level. However, universities may view strong HL performance more favorably for related degree programs.

How is the IB score used by universities?

Universities use IB scores for admission decisions, merit scholarships, course placement, and credit decisions. High scores (35+) often result in automatic scholarship consideration and advanced placement into upper-level courses, particularly in related subject areas.

Official Sources & References

This calculator uses methodology from the following official International Baccalaureate sources:

About the Author

This calculator was developed by Adam, an educational technology specialist dedicated to creating clear, accurate tools for students navigating international education systems and qualification frameworks.

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