IB Score to GPA Converter - Calculate Your IB Diploma GPA
Comprehensive IB to GPA converter for International Baccalaureate students. Convert IB scores (1-7), total IB points (out of 45), and individual subject grades to US GPA scale (4.0, weighted & unweighted). Essential tool for college applications and university admissions.
Convert Total IB Points to GPA
Convert Individual IB Subjects to GPA
Convert GPA to Estimated IB Points
Understanding IB Score to GPA Conversion
Converting IB (International Baccalaureate) scores to GPA is essential for IB Diploma students applying to US universities and colleges. The IB grading system uses a 1-7 scale for each subject, with a maximum total of 45 points (42 from six subjects plus 3 bonus points from TOK and Extended Essay). However, US institutions use the 4.0 GPA scale, creating a need for accurate conversion. Different universities may use varying conversion methods, but this calculator provides the most commonly accepted formulas used by admissions offices.
IB to GPA Conversion Formulas
Standard Conversion Formula
The most common method converts individual IB scores directly:
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{\text{IB Score} - 1}{6} \times 4.0 \]
Where:
- IB Score ranges from 1 to 7
- GPA ranges from 0.0 to 4.0
For Total Points:
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{\text{Total IB Points}}{45} \times 4.0 \]
Weighted GPA Conversion
For weighted GPA (giving extra weight to HL courses):
\[ \text{Weighted GPA} = \frac{\sum(\text{Score}_i \times \text{Weight}_i)}{\sum \text{Weight}_i} \]
Where:
- HL (Higher Level) courses: Weight = 1.2
- SL (Standard Level) courses: Weight = 1.0
Complete IB Score to GPA Conversion Table
| IB Score | Letter Grade | Unweighted GPA (4.0) | Weighted GPA (HL) | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | A+ | 4.0 | 4.8 | 95-100% |
| 6 | A | 3.67 | 4.4 | 90-94% |
| 5 | B+ | 3.33 | 4.0 | 85-89% |
| 4 | B | 3.0 | 3.6 | 80-84% |
| 3 | C+ | 2.67 | 3.2 | 75-79% |
| 2 | C | 2.0 | 2.4 | 70-74% |
| 1 | D | 1.0 | 1.2 | Below 70% |
Total IB Points to GPA Conversion
| Total IB Points | Equivalent GPA | Academic Standing | University Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42-45 | 3.8-4.0 | Outstanding | Top-tier universities (Ivy League, Oxbridge) |
| 38-41 | 3.5-3.8 | Excellent | Highly competitive universities |
| 34-37 | 3.2-3.5 | Very Good | Selective universities |
| 30-33 | 2.9-3.2 | Good | Most universities |
| 24-29 | 2.4-2.9 | Satisfactory | Diploma awarded, many universities |
| Below 24 | Below 2.4 | Did not pass | IB Diploma not awarded |
University-Specific IB Requirements
| University Tier | Typical IB Requirement | GPA Equivalent | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy League / Top 10 | 40-45 points | 3.8-4.0 | Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford |
| Top 25 | 36-42 points | 3.5-4.0 | Duke, Northwestern, Cornell |
| Top 50 | 32-38 points | 3.2-3.8 | Boston University, NYU |
| State Universities | 28-34 points | 2.9-3.5 | UC system, Public universities |
Worked Examples
Example 1: Converting 36 IB Points to GPA
Student Score: 36 total IB points
Method: Standard conversion
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{36}{45} \times 4.0 = 0.8 \times 4.0 = 3.2 \]
Result: 3.2 GPA (unweighted)
Interpretation: This is a solid GPA competitive for most state universities and many private institutions.
Example 2: Converting Individual Subject Score
Subject: English A Literature HL - Score 6
Unweighted GPA:
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{6 - 1}{6} \times 4.0 = \frac{5}{6} \times 4.0 = 3.67 \]
Weighted GPA (HL bonus):
\[ \text{Weighted GPA} = 3.67 \times 1.2 = 4.4 \]
Example 3: 42 IB Points to GPA
Student Score: 42 total IB points
\[ \text{GPA} = \frac{42}{45} \times 4.0 = 0.933 \times 4.0 = 3.73 \]
Result: 3.73 GPA
Note: 42 IB points represents excellent achievement and is competitive for top-tier universities including Ivy League schools.
IB Grading System Explained
Subject Grades (1-7 Scale)
Each of the six IB subjects is graded on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students take three Higher Level (HL) and three Standard Level (SL) subjects. The grading criteria differ between HL and SL primarily in depth and breadth of content, not difficulty of achieving a particular grade.
Bonus Points (TOK + EE)
Up to 3 additional points can be earned from the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay and Extended Essay (EE) combination:
- Both TOK and EE graded A-E
- Grade combination determines bonus points (0-3)
- A/A combination = 3 points
- Failing either component (grade E) = diploma not awarded
Total Points Calculation
Maximum possible: 6 subjects × 7 points + 3 bonus points = 45 points total
Minimum for diploma: 24 points with additional requirements
Common Misconceptions
IB is Not Automatically Weighted
Many students assume IB courses automatically count as weighted/AP equivalent. However, weighting policies vary by high school and university. Some US high schools give weighted GPA credit for IB courses (typically +0.5 or +1.0 boost), but not all do. When applying to universities, check whether they recalculate GPA using their own system or accept your school's weighted GPA. Some colleges ignore weighting entirely and look at unweighted GPA alongside course rigor.
Universities May Use Different Conversion Methods
There's no universal IB to GPA conversion—different universities use different formulas. Some convert only final IB exam scores, others consider predicted grades. Some give extra weight to HL courses, others treat all IB scores equally. Always check specific university policies. Many top universities evaluate IB transcripts holistically rather than converting to a strict GPA number, focusing on course rigor and individual subject performance.
37 IB Points ≠ 3.7 GPA (It's Higher)
Students often assume a direct 10:1 ratio (e.g., 37 points = 3.7 GPA). However, the standard formula yields: 37/45 × 4.0 = 3.29 GPA. This seems lower than expected because IB scoring is more rigorous—achieving 37 points represents strong performance equivalent to approximately 90% average. The score distribution is different: in IB, the average is around 30 points, while in traditional GPA systems, averages are often higher numerically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 36 IB points a good score?
Yes, 36 IB points is a very good score, placing students above the global average (around 30 points). It converts to approximately 3.2 GPA and demonstrates strong academic performance. This score is competitive for admission to many reputable universities including selective state schools and mid-tier private universities. For context, about 10-15% of IB students worldwide achieve 40+ points, and the median is around 29-30 points.
What GPA is 42 IB points?
42 IB points converts to approximately 3.73 GPA using the standard formula (42/45 × 4.0). This represents excellent achievement—only about 5% of IB students worldwide score 42 or above. With 42 points, students are competitive for top-tier universities including Ivy League schools. Many universities consider 42+ points equivalent to a 3.8-4.0 GPA when evaluating applications holistically.
How do colleges view IB grades compared to AP?
Top universities generally view IB and AP as equally rigorous, though some prefer IB for its comprehensive nature. IB offers broader curriculum (six subjects plus TOK, EE, CAS) while AP allows more specialization. For GPA conversion, both are often weighted similarly (+0.5 to +1.0). Admissions officers familiar with both systems recognize that IB scores of 6-7 are roughly equivalent to AP scores of 4-5. The choice between IB and AP typically doesn't significantly impact admissions chances at most universities.
Can I get a 4.0 GPA with IB scores?
Yes, achieving all 7s in your IB subjects would convert to a 4.0 unweighted GPA. However, this is extremely rare—fewer than 1% of IB students worldwide achieve a perfect 45 points (all 7s plus 3 bonus points). More commonly, students with scores of 40-43 (averaging 6.5-7 per subject) achieve GPAs in the 3.7-3.9 range. With weighted GPA calculations that give HL courses extra credit, you could exceed 4.0 even without perfect scores.
Should I report my IB predicted grades or final scores?
For US college applications submitted before IB exam results (typically May), report predicted grades—these are official teacher predictions based on coursework and mock exams. Most universities understand IB students won't have final scores until after admission decisions. Predicted grades carry significant weight in admissions. Once final IB scores are available, send them to your enrolled university; significantly lower scores than predicted may affect admission or placement. Many universities offer credit or advanced standing based on final IB exam scores of 5-7.
Do US universities give college credit for IB scores?
Yes, most US universities grant college credit or advanced placement for IB HL exam scores of 5, 6, or 7. Policies vary by institution—some require only score of 5, others require 6 or 7. SL exams typically don't qualify for credit at most selective universities. Credit amounts range from 3-8 credits per exam, with full IB Diploma sometimes earning 30+ credits (up to one year). Always check specific university IB credit policies. Some universities offer sophomore standing to students with full IB Diploma and high scores.
IB Recognition in University Admissions
The IB Diploma is recognized and respected by universities worldwide, including all top US institutions. Admissions officers value IB for its:
- Rigor: Comprehensive, internationally standardized curriculum
- Research skills: Extended Essay demonstrates college-level research
- Critical thinking: Theory of Knowledge develops analytical skills
- Well-roundedness: Balanced curriculum across disciplines
- Global perspective: International focus valued by universities
Many admissions officers consider IB equivalent to or more rigorous than AP courses, particularly valuing the holistic nature of the program.
Important Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimated GPA conversions based on commonly used formulas and conversion tables. Individual universities may use different conversion methods or evaluate IB scores holistically without direct GPA conversion. Conversion formulas vary between institutions, high schools, and countries. This tool is for informational and planning purposes—always verify specific requirements and conversion policies with target universities' admissions offices. Weighted GPA calculations depend on your high school's weighting policy. This calculator does not replace official transcripts or university admissions counseling. For definitive GPA calculations and admissions chances, consult with your school counselor and target universities directly.