IB Diploma Points Calculator - Calculate Your Total Score (Max 45)
Calculate your complete IB Diploma points with our comprehensive calculator. Input grades for all six subjects plus TOK and Extended Essay to see your total score out of 45, pass/fail status, and university competitiveness analysis.
IB Diploma Points Calculator
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts / Additional Subject
Core Components
Understanding the IB Diploma Points System
IB Diploma Points Calculation Formula
\[ \text{Total IB Points} = \sum_{i=1}^{6} \text{Subject Grade}_i + \text{TOK/EE Bonus Points} \]
Where:
- Subject Grades: Each of 6 subjects scored 1-7 (maximum 42 points)
- TOK/EE Bonus: Combined TOK and EE grades earn 0-3 bonus points
- Maximum Total: 42 + 3 = 45 points
- Minimum Pass: 24 points required for diploma
Subject Distribution:
Students must take:
- 3 subjects at Higher Level (HL) - more depth and breadth
- 3 subjects at Standard Level (SL) - standard curriculum
- One subject from each of Groups 1-5, plus one from Group 6 or additional from Groups 1-5
TOK/EE Bonus Points Matrix
| TOK \ EE | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 3 points | 3 points | 2 points | 2 points | Fail diploma |
| B | 3 points | 2 points | 2 points | 1 point | Fail diploma |
| C | 2 points | 2 points | 1 point | 0 points | Fail diploma |
| D | 2 points | 1 point | 0 points | 0 points | Fail diploma |
| E | Fail diploma | Fail diploma | Fail diploma | Fail diploma | Fail diploma |
IB Diploma Requirements
To Earn the IB Diploma, Students Must:
- Score minimum 24 points total (out of 45)
- Achieve minimum 12 points from HL subjects (out of 21 possible)
- Achieve minimum 9 points from SL subjects (out of 21 possible)
- Have no grade 1 in any subject
- Have no more than two grade 2s
- Have no more than three grades of 3 or below
- Complete CAS requirements (150 hours over 18 months)
- Not fail TOK/EE combination (grade E in either = diploma failure)
- No academic misconduct or malpractice
Failing Conditions
Students do NOT receive the diploma if they:
- Score below 24 total points
- Earn grade 1 in any subject
- Earn three or more grades of 2
- Earn four or more grades of 3 or below
- Earn fewer than 12 points from HL subjects
- Earn fewer than 9 points from SL subjects
- Receive grade E in TOK or EE
- Fail to complete CAS
IB Points Distribution & Performance Levels
| Points Range | Performance Level | Global Percentile | University Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45 | Perfect Score | Top 0.2% | Elite - Oxbridge, Ivy League |
| 42-44 | Exceptional | Top 1% | Top global universities |
| 40-41 | Outstanding | Top 2-3% | Russell Group, top US colleges |
| 38-39 | Excellent | Top 5% | Competitive universities |
| 36-37 | Very Good | Top 10% | Good universities worldwide |
| 33-35 | Good | Top 15-20% | Wide range of universities |
| 30-32 | Above Average | Top 30% | Many university options |
| 28-29 | Average | Top 40-50% | Accessible universities |
| 24-27 | Pass | Lower 50% | Universities with lower requirements |
| Below 24 | Did Not Pass | N/A | Diploma not awarded |
Worked Examples
Example 1: High-Achieving Student (43 Points)
Subject Grades:
- English A HL: 7
- Economics HL: 7
- Physics HL: 6
- Spanish B SL: 6
- Mathematics AA SL: 7
- Biology SL: 6
Core: TOK: A, EE: A (3 bonus points), CAS: Complete
Calculation:
\[ \text{Subject Points} = 7 + 7 + 6 + 6 + 7 + 6 = 39 \]
\[ \text{TOK/EE Bonus} = 3 \text{ points (A/A combination)} \]
\[ \text{Total} = 39 + 3 = 42 \text{ points} \]
Check Requirements:
- ✓ HL points: 7+7+6 = 20 (exceeds 12 minimum)
- ✓ SL points: 6+7+6 = 19 (exceeds 9 minimum)
- ✓ No grades 1, 2, or multiple 3s
- ✓ CAS complete
Result: DIPLOMA AWARDED - Excellent performance, competitive for top universities
Example 2: Minimum Pass (24 Points)
Subject Grades: 544-443 (HL-SL pattern)
Subject Points: 5+4+4+4+4+3 = 24
TOK/EE: D/D = 0 bonus points
Total: 24 points
Check:
- ✓ HL: 5+4+4 = 13 (meets 12 minimum)
- ✓ SL: 4+4+3 = 11 (meets 9 minimum)
- ✓ Only one grade 3 (maximum 3 allowed)
Result: DIPLOMA AWARDED (barely) - Meets minimum requirements
Example 3: Diploma Failure (Despite 25 Points)
Subject Grades: 664-433
Subject Points: 6+6+4+4+3+3 = 26
TOK: E, EE: B
Analysis:
Despite scoring 26 points (above 24 minimum), student receives E in TOK.
Result: DIPLOMA NOT AWARDED - E in TOK results in automatic failure regardless of points
Global IB Points Statistics
| Statistic | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Global Average | ~29-30 points | Mean score across all IB students worldwide |
| Pass Rate | ~80% | Percentage of students earning diploma |
| Perfect Scores (45) | ~0.2% | Approximately 150-200 students globally per year |
| 40+ Points | ~6-7% | Elite performance level |
| 35+ Points | ~20% | Above average to excellent |
| Below 24 (Fail) | ~20% | Do not receive diploma |
Common Misconceptions
More Than 24 Points Doesn't Guarantee Diploma
Students often assume scoring above 24 total points automatically earns the diploma. Reality: you can score 30 points and still fail if you don't meet all requirements. Example: 30 total points but only 10 HL points (need 12 minimum) = no diploma. Or: 27 points but grade E in TOK = no diploma. The IB has multiple failing conditions beyond total points: insufficient HL/SL points, too many low grades (2s and 3s), CAS incompletion, or TOK/EE failure. Always check all requirements, not just total points. Some students score 25-27 points yet fail diploma, while all 24-point students who meet other requirements pass.
HL vs SL Doesn't Affect Grade Points Directly
Students sometimes think HL grades are "worth more" in the points calculation—they're not. An HL 6 and SL 6 both contribute 6 points to your total. The distinction matters for: (1) meeting minimum HL points requirement (12 of 21); (2) university admissions (they often specify HL grades); (3) curriculum depth (HL covers more content). But for the simple points calculation, level doesn't matter—only the grade 1-7. Where level matters: you need 12+ from your three HL subjects combined, meaning you can't score poorly in HL subjects. Strategy: take HL in subjects where you can achieve 4+ grades to ensure meeting the 12-point HL minimum.
TOK/EE Bonus Points Are Crucial
Many students underestimate TOK and Extended Essay importance. These 3 bonus points represent nearly 7% of your final score (3/45). Difference between D/D (0 points) and A/B (3 points) equals gaining half a subject grade improvement across your diploma. Example: with subject scores totaling 35, TOK A + EE B gives you 38 total, while TOK D + EE D leaves you at 35—a three-point difference determining university admission prospects. Additionally, grade E in either TOK or EE results in diploma failure regardless of subject points. Don't treat TOK/EE as afterthoughts—strategic investment in quality TOK essay and EE research can significantly boost your final score with relatively focused effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good IB Diploma score?
Context determines "good." The global average is 29-30 points, so anything above 30 is above average. For competitive university admissions: 35+ points is "good" for Russell Group universities; 38+ is "very good" for top-tier institutions; 40+ is "excellent" for Oxbridge and Ivy League. However, your target depends on course requirements—Medicine might require 38-40, while Humanities might accept 32-34. Within your school, compare to historical averages. Personally, a "good" score means achieving your potential—a student capable of 42 who scores 35 underperformed, while a student predicted 28 who achieves 30 exceeded expectations. Focus on meeting requirements for your target universities rather than abstract "good" standards.
Can you get 45 points without perfect grades?
No—achieving 45 points requires perfection: all six subjects at grade 7 (42 points) plus maximum TOK/EE bonus (3 points). There's no way to reach 45 with any grade below 7 in subjects. The TOK/EE bonus system maxes at 3 points (A/A, A/B, or B/A combinations), so you can't compensate for subject grades below 7 with extra TOK/EE performance. Approximately 0.2% of IB students globally achieve 45 points—roughly 150-200 students from ~80,000 candidates annually. It requires exceptional performance across all disciplines, which is why universities recognize 45 points as extraordinary achievement worthy of top academic scholarships. Most successful students aim for 40-42 points as realistic elite targets rather than perfect 45.
How many points do you need to pass IB?
The minimum passing score is 24 points out of 45, but this alone doesn't guarantee the diploma. You must also: (1) achieve minimum 12 points from three HL subjects; (2) achieve minimum 9 points from three SL subjects; (3) have no grade 1; (4) have maximum two grade 2s; (5) have maximum three grades of 3 or below; (6) complete CAS requirements; (7) not fail TOK/EE (no grade E). It's possible to score 26 points but fail diploma due to insufficient HL points or too many low grades. Conversely, 24 points earns diploma if all other requirements are met. Approximately 80% of IB students worldwide earn the diploma, meaning 20% fail despite completing the program.
What happens if you fail IB Diploma?
Students who don't meet diploma requirements receive an IB Certificate for individual subjects passed rather than the full diploma. These certificates show grades achieved in specific subjects, which some universities accept for course credit. Options after failing: (1) Retake exams in November session (register through your school); (2) Apply to universities that accept certificates or IB Course Results; (3) Some students complete alternative qualifications (A-Levels, SAT/ACT). Many universities offer conditional admission based on certificates if you achieved strong grades in relevant subjects despite missing overall diploma requirements. Don't assume diploma failure ends university prospects—research institutions' specific IB certificate policies and explain circumstances in applications.
Do universities care about individual subject scores or just total points?
Both matter, but subject-specific scores often matter MORE than total points for competitive courses. Example: Imperial Engineering requires "38 points with 7,6,6 in HL Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry"—they care about those specific HL grades, not whether you achieved 38 via strong languages and weak sciences. Medical schools demand high HL Chemistry/Biology grades regardless of total. Cambridge might reject a 40-point candidate with mediocre HL Math (grade 4) for Mathematics degree, while accepting a 37-point candidate with HL Math 7. When researching university requirements, note both minimum total points AND subject-specific grade requirements. Strategic course selection matters—taking HL in subjects relevant to your intended major is crucial beyond just maximizing total points.
Can you change HL to SL or vice versa during the IB?
Generally yes, but with restrictions and typically only in Year 1 (IB1). Most schools allow changes within the first few months of starting IB Diploma when students realize level mismatch with ability or interests. After Year 1, changes become difficult because: (1) HL and SL cover different content depths; (2) Internal assessments differ; (3) You'd miss foundational content. Some schools forbid changes after certain deadlines to maintain curricular integrity. Strategically: choose HL subjects where you're genuinely strong and interested—struggling in HL Chemistry for university requirements while failing to meet HL minimum points (12) helps nobody. Better to take HL in strengths and SL in weaknesses, then select university courses matching your actual HL subjects.
Strategic Planning for 40+ Points
Subject Selection:
- Choose HL subjects where you consistently achieve 6-7 in school assessments
- Balance challenging HLs with manageable SLs
- Consider subject combinations—HL Math + HL Physics is demanding
- Select subjects aligning with university major for motivation
Core Components Strategy:
- Start EE research early (summer between IB1 and IB2)
- Choose EE subject you're genuinely interested in and knowledgeable about
- Treat TOK seriously—easy 2-3 bonus points with effort
- Complete CAS progressively—don't cram it into final semester
- Aim for A/B in both TOK and EE for 2-3 bonus points minimum
Grade Management:
- Prioritize HL subjects—must achieve 12+ combined (average 4 per subject)
- Don't let any subject drop to grade 2 (maximum two 2s allowed)
- Avoid three or more grade 3s (automatic diploma failure)
- Internal assessments count 20-30%—maximize these marks
- Practice exam papers extensively—final exams determine 70-80% of grades
Important Disclaimer
This IB Diploma Points Calculator provides score calculations based on inputted grades and TOK/EE combinations. Actual IB Diploma results depend on official IB Organization grading and moderation processes. Final grades may differ from school-predicted grades due to exam performance, internal assessment moderation, and external marking. Diploma requirements include multiple conditions beyond total points: minimum HL/SL thresholds, grade distribution limits, CAS completion, and acceptable TOK/EE performance. This calculator checks common requirements but individual circumstances may vary—consult your IB Coordinator for official diploma status. Calculator is for planning and goal-setting purposes, not official IB score reporting. Students must meet all IBO requirements for diploma award—achieving minimum points doesn't guarantee diploma if other conditions aren't met. Use this tool to understand the IB points system and plan strategically while working with school guidance for official academic counseling.