IB Score Calculator (IB Diploma Points)
Add up your six IB subject grades and your Theory of Knowledge / Extended Essay core points to see your predicted IB Diploma score out of 45.
Predicted IB Diploma Score
How the IB Diploma Score Is Calculated
Every IB Diploma candidate takes six subjects, each graded on a 1-to-7 scale, for a combined subject total of up to 42 points. Alongside those six subjects, every candidate completes the DP core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). TOK and the EE are each graded A through E, and the combination of those two letter grades is read against an official matrix to award between 0 and 3 additional core points. CAS itself does not contribute any points; it is assessed as complete or incomplete, but failing to complete CAS blocks the diploma regardless of score.
Putting it together: IB Score = Subject Points (max 42) + TOK/EE Core Points (max 3) = 45 points maximum. Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) subjects are graded on the identical 1-to-7 scale and count equally toward this total, even though HL courses cover more content and typically carry more weight in university admissions decisions.
Official TOK / Extended Essay Bonus Points Matrix
| EE grade \ TOK grade | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Fail |
| B | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Fail |
| C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Fail |
| D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Fail |
| E | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail |
Read your Extended Essay grade down the left column and your TOK grade across the top row; the cell where they intersect is your core bonus. A grade of E in either TOK or the Extended Essay is a failing condition for the whole diploma, independent of every other score.
Conditions Required to Be Awarded the Diploma
- At least 24 total points across subjects and core.
- A grade has been awarded in all six subjects, TOK, and the EE (no missing components).
- A grade of at least 2 has been awarded in every subject.
- No more than two grade-2s awarded across all six subjects.
- No more than three grade-3s-or-below awarded across all six subjects.
- At least 12 points earned across Higher Level subjects.
- At least 9 points earned across Standard Level subjects (candidates registered for only two SL subjects need at least 5 SL points).
- CAS requirements have been completed.
- No grade of E in TOK or the Extended Essay.
Meeting the 24-point threshold alone does not guarantee the diploma — the distribution rules above (grade-2 and grade-3 limits, HL/SL minimums) are common reasons a numerically passing score still does not result in an awarded diploma, which is why this calculator checks each condition rather than reporting the total point score alone.
What Counts as a Competitive IB Score
Global diploma scores are criterion-referenced rather than curved, so the same six grades mean the same thing regardless of what other students achieve that session. As a general orientation for university planning: scores in the low-to-mid 30s are typically viewed as solid and competitive at most four-year universities, scores from the mid-30s into the high 30s are considered strong for selective research universities, and scores of 40 and above are generally associated with the most selective programs worldwide, including many highly competitive medicine and engineering courses. Individual universities and specific degree programs publish their own point and subject-level requirements, so always confirm the exact figure with the admissions office of each school on your list rather than relying on general bands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum IB score?
The maximum possible IB Diploma score is 45 points: six subjects worth a maximum of 7 points each (42 total), plus a maximum of 3 core bonus points from the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay matrix.
What is the minimum IB score needed for the diploma?
A candidate needs at least 24 total points, along with the additional distribution requirements covering minimum subject grades, HL and SL point minimums, and completed CAS, TOK, and EE components.
How are TOK and Extended Essay bonus points calculated?
TOK and the EE are each graded A through E. The two letter grades are read together against the official IBO matrix, which awards 0, 1, 2, or 3 points depending on the combination, with a grade of E in either component triggering an automatic failing condition.
Does it matter whether a subject is Higher Level or Standard Level?
Both HL and SL subjects are graded on the same 1-to-7 scale and contribute equally to your subject point total. The distinction matters separately for the diploma’s HL/SL minimum point rules and for how universities weigh course rigor in admissions.
Can I still get the diploma with 24 or more points?
Not automatically. A candidate must also avoid more than two grade-2s and more than three grade-3s-or-below, must reach at least 12 HL points and 9 SL points, must complete CAS, and must avoid a grade of E in TOK or the Extended Essay, even if the raw point total clears 24.
What is considered a good IB score for university admissions?
There is no single universal cutoff, but scores in the low-to-mid 30s are commonly viewed as solid and competitive at most universities, while scores of 38 to 40 and above are typically associated with highly selective programs. Always check the specific published requirement for each university and course.
This calculator provides a general, formula-based estimate of your IB Diploma score for planning purposes and is not an official IB result. Actual diploma awards are determined solely by the International Baccalaureate Organization based on final grade boundaries and moderation. For the authoritative passing criteria, see the official IBO DP passing criteria page.