IB points calculator

How the IB Diploma is scored

Each of your six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, so subjects give up to 42 points. Higher and standard level count the same. Theory of knowledge and the extended essay are each graded A to E and together add up to 3 core points, from the IB’s core points matrix. That makes 45 the highest possible score.

The TOK and extended essay matrix

Two As give 3 points. An A with a B gives 3, and a B with a C gives 2. Two Cs give 1, and two Ds give nothing. An E in either one is a failing condition: the diploma is not awarded, whatever the total.

Conditions for passing

To be awarded the diploma you need all of these:

• at least 24 points, with CAS requirements met;
• a grade of at least 2 in every subject, and no E in TOK or the extended essay;
• no more than two grade 2s, and no more than three grades of 3 or below;
• at least 12 points from higher level subjects (with four HL subjects, the best three count);
• at least 9 points from standard level subjects, or at least 5 if you take only two SL subjects.

Source: the IB’s published Diploma Programme passing criteria. Your school’s DP coordinator has the final word on your registration.

Raising your predicted grades

A grade moves when your written answers earn the marks the markscheme is looking for. Exaim marks your IB answers against the markscheme and shows which marks you earned and which you missed, for Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths: Analysis and Approaches, Maths: Applications and Interpretation and ESS at SL and HL. Applying to UK universities? Convert your grades with the UCAS points calculator.

Questions

What is the highest possible IB score?

45 points: up to 7 from each of your six subjects (42) and up to 3 core points from theory of knowledge and the extended essay.

What do you need to pass the IB Diploma?

At least 24 points, CAS completed, and every other condition met: no grade 1, no E in TOK or the extended essay, no more than two grade 2s or three grades of 3 or below, at least 12 points at higher level and at least 9 at standard level (5 if you take only two SL subjects). A score of 24 or more can still fail on one of these.

Do higher level subjects count for more points?

Not in the score out of 45: a 7 is worth 7 at either level. Higher level matters for the passing conditions and for university offers, which often set HL grades, and UCAS gives an HL subject twice the Tariff points of an SL subject.

How many points do TOK and the extended essay add?

Up to 3, read from the IB core points matrix: two As give 3 and two Ds give none. An E in either is a failing condition, whatever your total.

Is this the official IB calculation?

It follows the passing criteria the IB publishes for the Diploma Programme. It does not cover special cases such as anticipated or retake candidates, so your DP coordinator has the final word.