The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is one of the most respected pre-university qualifications in the world, taken by students aged 16 to 19. Known for its academic rigor and holistic approach to education, the IB grading system can often appear complex to students, parents, and educators alike. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how the IB grading system works, how scores are calculated, and how they compare across different educational frameworks.
What the IB Diploma Programme Offers Students
The IB DP aims to develop students who are intellectually curious, well-rounded, and globally minded. Specifically, the programme helps students:
- Gain excellent breadth and depth of knowledge
- Flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically
- Study at least two languages
- Excel in traditional academic subjects
- Explore the nature of knowledge through the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course
Why Choose the IB Diploma Programme?
Research consistently shows that the IB DP offers students distinct advantages:
- IB students in the United States are more likely to enroll in, persist through, and graduate from higher education compared to national averages.
- In the United Kingdom, IB graduates outperform their A-level counterparts in terms of university outcomes.
- Across Asia-Pacific, DP alumni report stronger 21st-century skills, including problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.
The IB Curriculum and Subject Choices
The curriculum includes the DP core and six subject groups. Each student must:
- Take three to four subjects at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL)
- Complete core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Teaching Hours:
- SL subjects: 150 teaching hours
- HL subjects: 240 teaching hours
How Is the IB Diploma Score Calculated?
Each student receives grades from 1 to 7 in six subjects. The maximum total is 45 points:
- 6 subjects x 7 points each = 42 points
- Up to 3 additional points from combined performance in TOK and EE
Minimum Passing Criteria:
To receive the diploma, students must:
- Score at least 24 total points
- Meet CAS requirements
- Receive at least a grade 2 in all subjects
- Receive no more than two grade 2s and no more than three grade 3s
- Score at least 12 points across their HL subjects (if taking 4 HLs, best 3 count)
- Score at least 9 points across SL subjects (or 5 if taking only two SLs)
Core Points Matrix (TOK and EE)
TOK and EE are graded A (highest) to E (lowest), and combined to award 0 to 3 core points. CAS is a pass/fail requirement with no grade.
Earning the Bilingual Diploma
A bilingual diploma is awarded if a student:
- Completes two Group 1 languages with a grade 3 or higher in both
- Completes a Group 3 or 4 subject in a different language than their Group 1 language, again with a grade 3 or higher
Extended essays, school-based syllabi, and additional subjects do not contribute to the bilingual diploma.
Understanding the IB Grading Scale
IB grades range from 1 (very poor) to 7 (excellent):
- 7 – Excellent
- 6 – Very good
- 5 – Good
- 4 – Satisfactory
- 3 – Mediocre
- 2 – Poor
- 1 – Very poor
How Are Grade Boundaries Decided?
Grade boundaries change with each exam session and are determined based on student performance globally. This ensures that grading is fair, even if one year’s exam is harder or easier than usual.
Interpreting IB Results and Next Steps
Not meeting expected grades? Students have options:
- Resits: Retake one or more subjects
- Appeals: Request remarking or check for errors
Always consult your IB Coordinator to understand the options based on individual circumstances.
IB Score Requirements at UK Universities
Here’s a sample of competitive IB score requirements:
- University of Cambridge (Natural Sciences): 40 points + 7/7/6 at HL
- University College London (History): 39 points + 19 HL points
- University of Oxford (English): 38 points + 6/6/6 at HL
- Bristol University (Maths): 38 points + 6/6 at HL
- Durham University (Law): 36 points + 6/6/6 at HL
- Other examples:
- University of Bath: 36 points
- King’s College London: 35 points
- University of Leeds: 35 points
- University of Kent: 34 points
- Birmingham University: 32 points
- Royal Holloway: 32 points
What Does a 7 in IB Mean in Other Systems?
- A-Level (UK): 7 in HL ≈ A*
- Advanced Placement (AP, USA): 7 ≈ AP score of 5
- French Baccalaureate: 7 ≈ 20/20 or 95%+ score
IB to A-Level Conversion (UCAS Points)
Higher Level (HL):
- 7 = A* = 56 UCAS points
- 6 = A = 48 points
- 5 = C = 32 points
- 4 = D = 24 points
- 3 = E ≈ 12 points
- 2-1 = No points
Standard Level (SL):
- 7 = 28 points
- 6 = 24 points
- 5 = 16 points
- 4 = 12 points
- 3 = 6 points
- 2-1 = No points
IB to AP and US Equivalents
For U.S. college admissions, IB scores are compared with:
- AP exam scores (1 to 5 scale)
- SAT/ACT performance
- GPA and school grades
Some U.S. universities may offer credit for HL subjects with scores of 5 or above.
Global IB Recognition
The IB Recognition Database includes 100+ countries and hundreds of universities that recognize the IB. If an institution isn’t listed, check its website or admissions office.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the IB grading system is essential for maximizing opportunities in university applications. This guide demystifies scoring, grade boundaries, and cross-system conversions—giving students the clarity they need to plan their academic futures confidently.
Ascend Now offers personalized tutoring tailored to the IB curriculum. From mastering subject content to developing strong internal assessments, our expert educators help students build confidence and perform at their best in the IB programme.
