IB Grade Calculator

Calculate your International Baccalaureate (IB) grade on the 1-7 scale. Customize weightings and grade boundaries for accurate predictions.

Course Components

Total Weight: 0%

Set the minimum percentage required for each grade (1-7).

Calculated IB Grade

-- / 7
0.0%

Total Weighted Score

1 Next Grade 7

Enter data to see proximity.

The Definitive Guide to Calculating Your IB Grades

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is one of the most rigorous high school curriculums in the world. Unlike standard US grading (A-F) or simple percentages, IB uses a unique 1 to 7 scale. Calculating your final score can be confusing because each subject is composed of multiple "components"—Internal Assessments (IA), Oral Exams, Paper 1, Paper 2, and sometimes Paper 3—each with a different weight. Our IB Grade Calculator simplifies this complexity, allowing you to predict your final score accurately.

Why use this calculator? Grade boundaries in IB change every year based on the difficulty of the exams (the "bell curve"). A 75% might be a '7' in Math AA HL one year, but a '6' in another. Our tool allows you to customize grade boundaries, making it adaptable to any subject and any exam session (May or November).

How IB Grading Works: The 1-7 Scale

In the IB Diploma, each of your six subjects is graded from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest).
7: Excellent Performance
6: Very Good Performance
5: Good Performance
4: Satisfactory Performance
3: Mediocre Performance
2: Poor Performance
1: Very Poor Performance

To get your diploma, you generally need a total of 24 points across 6 subjects, provided you meet specific higher-level (HL) requirements and pass the Core.

Understanding Component Weighting

Your final grade is a weighted average. This means not every test counts the same.
Example for a typical Language B SL course:

  • Paper 1 (Writing): 25%
  • Paper 2 (Reading/Listening): 50%
  • Individual Oral (Internal): 25%
If you score 90% on your Oral (worth 25%) but only 50% on Paper 2 (worth 50%), your grade will be heavily pulled down by Paper 2. Our IB Score Predictor handles this math instantly.

How to Use the IB Grade Calculator

We designed this tool to be flexible for any subject group (Group 1 to Group 6).

Step 1: Add Components

Look at your syllabus or ask your teacher for the component breakdown. Click "Add Component" for each part (e.g., IA, Paper 1, Paper 2).
Enter the Name, your Score, the Max Score possible, and the Weight %.

Step 2: Check Total Weight

Ensure your total weighting equals 100%. If you only have grades for the IA (20%) so far, the calculator will show your current standing based only on that 20% chunk, effectively forecasting your grade if you maintain that performance.

Step 3: Adjust Boundaries

Expand the "Grade Boundaries" section. By default, we use a standard conservative scale (e.g., 80%+ is a 7). However, for difficult subjects like Physics HL or Math AA HL, a '7' might start at 68% or 70%. Adjust these sliders to match the most recent grade boundaries released by the IBO for accurate prediction.

The Core: TOK and Extended Essay

In addition to the 42 points available from subjects (6 subjects × 7 points), there are 3 bonus points available from the "Core"—Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE).
These are graded on an A-E scale and combined using a matrix.
Matrix Summary:

  • A + A = 3 Points
  • A + B = 3 Points
  • B + B = 2 Points
  • C + C = 1 Point
  • E in either = Failing Condition
While this calculator focuses on subject grades, remember to factor in these 3 points for your total Diploma Score (out of 45).

Strategies to Improve Your IB Score

  1. Maximize the IA: The Internal Assessment is the only component you have full control over before the exam. It usually counts for 20-30%. Securing a high score here reduces the pressure for the final written exams.
  2. Know the Boundaries: Don't aim for 100%. If a '7' starts at 75%, getting a 76% is effectively the same as getting 95% in terms of your transcript. Allocate study time efficiently across subjects to cross these thresholds.
  3. Focus on Heavily Weighted Papers: In many science subjects, Paper 2 is worth significantly more than Paper 3 (if applicable). Prioritize your revision based on the weight percentages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a "good" IB score?

The global average is typically around 30-32 points.
24+: Diploma Awarded (Passing).
30+: Respectable score, good for many state universities.
38+: Competitive for Ivy League and top-tier UK universities (Oxbridge).

Do grade boundaries change?

Yes, every session (May and November). If an exam was particularly difficult, the IBO lowers the boundaries to ensure fairness. If it was easy, boundaries go up. Always check previous years' reports for estimates.

How are points calculated for HL vs SL?

The 1-7 scale is the same for Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). However, HL courses are more rigorous. For the diploma, you must earn at least 12 points total across your 3 HL subjects.

Can I get a 7 if I fail one component?

Yes, it is mathematically possible. If you bomb Paper 1 (20%) but ace the IA and Paper 2 (80% combined), the weighted average might still land you in the '7' or '6' range. Use our calculator to test these "What If" scenarios.