How is Your IB Score Calculated? A Complete Overview

The International Baccalaureate (IB) grading system is distinct from other high school assessment methods, so it is of utmost important you understand how it works. Your final IB DP score is a combination of subject grades and points awarded from the core components of the program, with a maximum of 45. Each part of this grading system is structured to reward both depth and breadth of knowledge, as well as engagement beyond traditional academics.

Understanding how your IB score is calculated can provide valuable insights into where to focus your efforts and how each component contributes to the final diploma. In this overview, we will dive in to everything you need to know about the IB scoring system.

An Overview of the Scoring System

The IB scoring system is broken down into two main areas that students need to understand to get a clear picture of their final score:

1. Holistic Score – This portion assesses students through the Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay (EE), and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) project. ToK and EE can contribute up to 3 bonus points to the final score, making this a crucial part of the IB Diploma score calculation.
2. Subject Grades – Each of the six subjects students choose is graded on a 1-7 scale. Combined, these subject grades can total up to 42 points, with higher-level (HL) and standard-level (SL) subjects assessed differently in terms of depth but carrying equal weight in the final scoring.

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Holistic Score: Your Overall IB DP Score

The first thing you need to know is your holistic score. This is your overall score for completing the IB Diploma Programme. As part of the diploma programme. This score is out of 45.

First let’s go through the elements that make up your score:

Elements of your IB Diploma Score

Your subjects

All students complete six subjects. Each subject has its own marking criteria which will cover below. The IB has six groups of subjects

1. Group 1 - Studies in Language and Literature
2. Group 2 - Language Acquisition
3. Group 3 - Individuals and Societies
4. Group 4 - Sciences
5. Group 5 - Mathematics
6. Group 6 - The Arts (student may also select another subject from Group 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 instead of Group 6)

Moreover, students must complete at least three subjects at a Higher Level. This usually means more and harder content.

Theory of Knowledge (ToK)

ToK is a unique course designed to encourage students to reflect on how knowledge is constructed and to question what they know in various disciplines. It’s assessed through an oral presentation and a 1,600-word essay, both of which challenge students to think critically and articulate their understanding of complex concepts.

Extended Essay (EE)

The Extended Essay is an independent, 4,000-word research paper that allows students to dive deeply into a subject of their choice, fostering skills in research, analysis, and formal writing. Students work closely with a supervisor, learning to manage a large research project—a skill valuable for university and beyond.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

CAS is a non-graded component aimed at developing students’ personal and social skills. It requires students to engage in creative activities, participate in physical pursuits, and contribute to the community through service. Although it is not assessed with a grade, completion of CAS is a mandatory requirement for earning the IB Diploma.

How is your grade calculated?

These elements all come together to give students a score out of 45.

The biggest contributor are your subject grades. For each subject, students get a score out of 7. So that means, 42 out of 45 points are contributed by your subjects.

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❗Important to know, a 7 in a HL is the same as a 7 in a SL subject

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ToK and your Extended Essay combine for the final 3 bonus points. For ToK and EE you are graded between A to E. The combination of these two grades gives you your bonus points.

Here’s how ToK and EE scores contribute to the diploma score:

• A/A combination = 3 points
• A/B or B/A combination = 3 points
• B/B, A/C, or C/A combination = 2 points
• B/C, C/B, or A/D combination = 1 point

The CAS component does not actually contribute to your grade. However, it is mandatory to complete in order to receive your IB diploma.

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What is a good score?

To determine what constitutes a "good score" in the IB program, it helps to look at the distribution of scores and understand how universities and employers view different levels. The IB Diploma is scored out of a maximum of 45 points, with scores typically ranging from 24 points (the minimum passing score) to the high 30s or low 40s for strong students. Generally, a score of 35 and above is considered excellent, often aligning with the top 25% of students globally. Scoring in the 40+ range places students among the top achievers and can significantly strengthen university applications, especially for competitive programs.

Universities typically have specific IB score requirements, with many top institutions looking for scores in the high 30s to 40s. For example, competitive programs in the UK and US may require scores around 38-42, as these scores demonstrate mastery across disciplines and strong performance in both core components (Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay) and individual subjects.

Here are some high level numbers from the IB exams that occurred in May 2024

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To better understand what is a good score, it will be helpful to look at the distribution of scores.

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What is the passing score?

To earn the IB Diploma, students must achieve a minimum overall score of 24 points, but this is just one part of the requirements. The IB Diploma scoring system requires students to meet certain standards across both individual subjects and the core components to be eligible for the diploma. Here’s a breakdown of the specific criteria:

1. Minimum Subject Scores: Each of the six subjects is scored on a scale of 1 to 7, and students must receive a minimum score in each. Generally, students must not receive a score of 1 in any subject, as this would disqualify them from receiving the diploma. Additionally, students must achieve a combined minimum of 12 points from their three Higher Level (HL) subjects, with no grade lower than a 3 in any HL subject, and a combined minimum of 9 points from their Standard Level (SL) subjects.
2. Core Components (ToK, EE, CAS):
   • Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and Extended Essay (EE): Students must complete these core components and receive passing grades. ToK and EE are graded on a scale from A (highest) to E (lowest), with a combined grade no lower than a D in either. ToK and EE together can contribute up to 3 additional points toward the total score based on the quality of the work.
   • Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): Although CAS is not graded with points, students must complete this component to meet the IB Diploma requirements. CAS requires students to engage in activities that promote personal growth, social responsibility, and physical activity. Failure to meet CAS requirements results in disqualification from receiving the diploma.
3. Passing Thresholds and Conditions: Beyond scoring at least 24 points, students must avoid certain “failing conditions,” which can also result in disqualification, even if the total score is 24 or above. Examples of these failing conditions include receiving more than three scores of 3 or lower across HL subjects, or not meeting the minimum points required in SL and HL subjects as specified.

The diploma's passing criteria ensure that students demonstrate consistent achievement across all subjects and components, aligning with the IB’s holistic approach to education and rewarding well-rounded performance. This approach challenges students to maintain standards across academic, creative, and personal growth areas, setting a foundation for success in higher education.

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Subject Grades: Calculating Scores for Individual IB Subjects

Understanding the 7-point scale

In the IB grading system, each subject is scored on a 7-point scale, with 7 being the highest and 1 the lowest. This scale provides a nuanced evaluation of student performance across a broad spectrum of skills, ensuring that students’ achievements reflect both knowledge and skill in each subject area. Here’s a closer look at each grade level and what it represents:

1. 7 – Excellent
   • A score of 7 signifies outstanding understanding and application of the subject material. Students achieving this score demonstrate an in-depth grasp of complex concepts, analytical skills, and the ability to apply knowledge to novel situations. This grade is usually awarded to students who not only excel in exams but also perform well in internal assessments and coursework.
2. 6 – Very Good
   • A score of 6 reflects a very strong performance, where students display thorough knowledge and competent analytical abilities. While slightly below the highest level, this score indicates that students have a comprehensive understanding of the subject, showing consistency across various assessments, including exams and internal evaluations.
3. 5 – Good
   • Students earning a 5 show solid knowledge and understanding of key concepts and skills within the subject. While there may be minor gaps in understanding or occasional mistakes, this score reflects a student who is proficient and generally well-prepared in the subject area.
4. 4 – Satisfactory
   • A 4 represents satisfactory performance, meaning that the student demonstrates an acceptable level of understanding and knowledge in the subject. They are able to grasp most concepts but may show inconsistencies or need further development in specific areas. A score of 4 is generally the minimum required for universities that recognise IB scores.
5. 3 – Mediocre
   • A score of 3 indicates limited knowledge or understanding. Students at this level may struggle with certain aspects of the subject and often need improvement in their comprehension or application of key concepts. This score may reflect minimal engagement with coursework or challenges in meeting the academic standards required by the IB.
6. 2 – Poor
   • Achieving a 2 suggests a weak understanding of the subject material, with significant gaps in knowledge and the ability to apply concepts. Students with a score of 2 may struggle with assessments and coursework and require additional support or focused study to meet minimum standards.
7. 1 – Very Poor
   • The lowest score of 1 indicates very limited understanding or achievement in the subject. Students at this level may not have met the basic requirements of the course and likely face substantial difficulties in comprehension and application.

What assessments are there to make up your subject score out of 7?

In the IB program, each subject’s score is derived from a combination of internal and external assessments, ensuring that students are evaluated on a range of skills and knowledge. This balanced approach allows students to demonstrate both their knowledge of the subject and their application skills across different types of assessments.

External Assessments

External assessments are the primary method of evaluation and typically carry a significant weight in each subject’s final score. These are exams taken at the end of the course and are marked by official IB examiners to ensure consistency and fairness across all IB students worldwide.

For most IB subjects, the external assessment component makes up about 70-80% of the final grade. This includes structured papers (such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions) designed to test students’ grasp of the core content, analytical skills, and critical thinking abilities.

The exact weight of external exams may vary between subjects. For example, Science and Mathematics subjects may have slightly different structures compared to Humanities or Language Arts, reflecting the unique demands and content of each field.

Internal Assessments

Internal assessments are projects or assignments evaluated by the students’ teachers and then moderated by IB examiners to ensure consistency. These assessments provide students with opportunities to explore subjects in greater depth and demonstrate skills in real-world applications or research.

Internal assessments generally account for 20-30% of the final grade in most subjects, although the exact percentage can vary depending on the subject. For instance, in Science subjects, the IA might be an experimental investigation, while in Language subjects, it could be an oral presentation.

This IA component allows students to work on projects over an extended period, helping them develop skills in independent research, data analysis, and presentation that are crucial for higher education.

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What is the difference between SL and HL?

In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, students are required to take courses at both Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL). The main difference between SL and HL courses lies in their depth and complexity. HL courses are more comprehensive and intense, typically requiring a greater number of instructional hours and more in-depth study than SL courses.

Students in the IB Diploma Program must choose six subjects: three at HL and three at SL, although they can opt for four HL and two SL subjects if desired. HL courses usually entail 240 teaching hours, whereas SL courses require 150 hours. This difference in instructional hours reflects the additional complexity and breadth of content in HL courses.

The exams for HL subjects are generally longer and more challenging, often featuring more complex questions that test in-depth knowledge and understanding. In contrast, SL exams are shorter and focus more on the fundamental aspects of the subject.

At the end of the day though, a 7 in an HL subject is effectively the same as a 7 in an SL subject. To maximise your score, it can be really important to pick your subjects correctly.

Understanding grade boundaries

The IB grade boundaries are the cutoff points for each score level (1-7) and are determined after each exam session based on student performance, exam difficulty, and expert judgement. This process is essential for ensuring that IB grades remain fair and meaningful across years, reflecting consistent standards of achievement.

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❗The IB grade boundaries for each score level are different for each subject (including variation between HL and SL)

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How IB Grade Boundaries Are Calculated

1. Setting Initial Boundaries:
   • After exams are administered, the IB organisation collects and analyses a sample of student answers for each subject and exam paper. Experienced examiners and assessment experts then review this sample to determine the initial boundaries based on expected performance at each grade level (1-7).
   • For example, they’ll analyse the level of detail, depth, and accuracy needed to achieve a top score in a particular subject. This assessment often considers the complexity of questions and the expected skill level in the subject.
2. Statistical Analysis:
   • The IB uses statistical methods to compare the current year’s exam results to historical data. This helps in detecting any differences in the difficulty level of the exam compared to previous years.
   • By examining past performance trends and applying statistical models, the IB can adjust grade boundaries if necessary. For instance, if an exam was particularly challenging, the grade boundary for a score of 7 might be slightly lower than in previous years.
3. Expert Judgement and Moderation:
   • A panel of experienced IB examiners and subject experts provides input on boundary setting, using both statistical data and their expertise in the subject area.
   • This panel also accounts for any anomalies, such as a particularly challenging question that may have affected overall student performance.
4. Final Adjustment and Approval:
   • Once the boundaries are set, they undergo a final review and approval process to ensure fairness across subjects and exam sessions. This process helps in setting meaningful and achievable goals across different subject groups and exam papers.

How Grade Boundaries Change Each Year

Because each IB exam session is different, grade boundaries are re-calibrated with every exam period (May and November sessions) to ensure consistency. Some key reasons for changes include:

• Exam Difficulty Variability: Each exam is unique, and if an exam paper is more difficult or easier than usual, boundaries are adjusted to reflect this.
• Cohort Performance: The performance level of each exam cohort may also influence grade boundaries. For example, if an exam session has a particularly strong or weak cohort, boundaries may shift slightly to reflect these differences.
• Subject-Specific Adjustments: Boundaries can vary significantly between subjects. For instance, the criteria for a top score in Mathematics might differ from those in Visual Arts due to the distinct skill sets required. This subject-specific boundary setting ensures fairness across disciplines.

This approach to boundary-setting allows the IB to maintain a standard that accurately reflects a student’s level of understanding and skills within the subject, regardless of the specific difficulties posed by a particular year’s exam. These adjustments ensure that the IB grading system remains robust, fair, and aligned with global educational standards.

Below are the grade boundaries from May 2024. You can see the variation between subject and also within the same subject between SL and HL and finally the variation between the time zones.

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Score adjustments

In the IB scoring system, score adjustments may occur to ensure that all students are graded fairly and consistently. Adjustments often result from the moderation process, where examiners review internal assessments to verify alignment with IB standards. If inconsistencies are found, IB examiners may adjust scores up or down to reflect the expected criteria. Additionally, in some cases where exam papers are particularly challenging, grade boundaries may be adjusted to ensure that student scores accurately reflect their knowledge and skills without being unfairly penalised by exam difficulty. This thorough moderation and adjustment process helps maintain equity in scoring across all IB schools globally.

Can I retake my IB exams?

Yes, IB students can retake their exams if they’re not satisfied with their scores. Retakes are often scheduled in the following examination session (either May or November), and students can choose to retake exams in one or more subjects to improve their overall score. Retakes can be beneficial for students aiming to meet specific university entry requirements or simply to achieve a higher IB score. However, retakes come with an additional fee, and students must register through their IB coordinator within a specific time frame. Many students find that with additional preparation and focus, retaking exams provides a valuable second chance to reach their academic goals.

Can I get my exam remarked?

Yes, students who believe their exam results do not accurately reflect their performance can request a remark. Known officially as an “enquiry upon results,” this process involves a review of the exam paper by a different IB examiner. If the examiner finds that the score should be adjusted, the student’s grade is updated accordingly. This process may lead to a higher or lower score, so students should consider the possibility of either outcome. Remarking requests typically come with an associated fee, and students must submit their requests promptly after results are released, generally within a few weeks. If the remark leads to a grade change, some or all of the fee may be refunded, depending on the specific IB policies and guidelines in place.

Conclusion

The IB Diploma scoring system is designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous assessment of students’ knowledge, skills, and personal growth. By evaluating students through both subject grades and core components like Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), the IB ensures a holistic approach that values academic and personal development alike. Each part of the scoring system, from the 7-point scale in individual subjects to the carefully moderated internal assessments and adaptable grade boundaries, reflects the IB’s commitment to fair, consistent, and challenging standards.

Understanding how your IB score is calculated, how grades can be adjusted, and the options available for retakes or remarks offers valuable insight into achieving your best outcome. Whether aiming for a university-specific score, personal academic growth, or a well-rounded educational experience, the IB’s unique approach can provide both challenge and reward. With preparation, strategic focus, and an understanding of how each component contributes to the overall score, students can make the most of the IB’s rigorous and globally respected program.