How is the IB Diploma scored? Out of 45 points: six subjects graded 1 to 7 (42 points) plus up to 3 core points from Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The minimum for the Diploma is 24 points, but every passing condition must also be met, so 24 alone doesn’t guarantee a pass.
Key takeaways
- The maximum IB Diploma score is 45: six subjects × 7, plus 3 core points.
- The minimum total for the Diploma is 24 points.
- An E grade in TOK or the Extended Essay means no Diploma.
- Students need at least 12 points across HL subjects and 9 across SL subjects.
- CAS earns no points but must be completed.
How are IB subject grades calculated?
Each International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme subject is graded on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students normally take three subjects at Higher Level (HL), and never more than four, with the rest at Standard Level (SL).
| Grade | Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 7 | Excellent |
| 6 | Very good |
| 5 | Good |
| 4 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | Mediocre |
| 2 | Poor |
| 1 | Very poor |
Each subject grade combines external assessment (final exams marked by IB examiners) and internal assessment (IAs, orals or projects marked by teachers and moderated by the IB). Raw marks are converted to grades using grade boundaries the IB sets for each exam session.
How do TOK and the Extended Essay earn bonus points?
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE) are each graded A to E, and the IB combines the two grades in its core points matrix to award 0 to 3 points:
| TOK \ EE | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Fail |
| B | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Fail |
| C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Fail |
| D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Fail |
| E | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail |
An E in either TOK or the EE is a failing condition, whatever the total score. The EE moves to a 30-mark scale in 2027: see the IB Extended Essay 2027 changes.
What is the minimum score to pass the IB Diploma?
The minimum score for the IB Diploma is 24 points, but a student must also meet all of the IB’s passing conditions. A student with 24 or more points still misses the Diploma if:
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements have not been met.
- No grade was awarded in a subject, TOK or the EE.
- A grade E was awarded in TOK or the EE.
- A grade 1 was awarded in any subject.
- There are three or more grade 2s.
- There are four or more grades of 3 or below.
- Fewer than 12 points were gained on HL subjects (for candidates taking four HL subjects, the three highest count).
- Fewer than 9 points were gained on SL subjects (candidates taking two SL subjects need at least 5).
How does a total IB score add up? An example
An IB Diploma total is the six subject grades plus the core points:
| Component | Grade | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Math AA HL | 6 | 6 |
| Chemistry HL | 6 | 6 |
| Economics HL | 5 | 5 |
| English Lang & Lit SL | 6 | 6 |
| French B SL | 5 | 5 |
| Physics SL | 6 | 6 |
| TOK + EE | B + B | 2 |
| Total | 36 |
This student meets every condition: 17 HL points (above 12), 17 SL points (above 9) and no grades below 5.
What is a bilingual IB Diploma?
A bilingual IB Diploma goes to a student who completes two Group 1 (language and literature) courses in different languages, or a Group 3 or 4 subject in a language other than their Group 1 language, with grade 3 or higher in both courses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest possible IB score?
45 points. The maximum IB Diploma score comes from six subjects at grade 7 (42 points) plus the full 3 core points from TOK and the Extended Essay. Only a small percentage of candidates worldwide reach 45 in any exam session.
Are HL subjects worth more points than SL subjects?
No. The IB values Higher Level and Standard Level subjects equally when calculating Diploma points, so a 6 at SL adds the same 6 points as a 6 at HL. HL subjects do carry their own minimum: at least 12 points across HL subjects.
Do IAs count towards the final IB grade?
Yes. Internal assessments count towards each IB subject grade, and the weighting varies by subject. In IB Mathematics, for example, the internal assessment (the mathematical exploration) is worth 20% of the final grade.
What happens if you fail the IB Diploma?
You still receive IB course results for every subject you completed. Many students can also retake subjects in a later exam session; your IB Coordinator can confirm the options. See your options if you didn’t get the IB score you needed.
Does CAS affect my IB score?
No. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is not graded and adds no points to the IB Diploma total. However, the school must confirm that CAS requirements are met, and the Diploma is not awarded without it, whatever the student’s score.
Conclusion
The 45-point scale is simple; the passing conditions are what catch students out. Understand them early, not on results day.
Want to strengthen your score before May? Mindlab’s IBO-certified tutors help students lift weaker subjects and secure their HL and SL points. Explore IB tuition or WhatsApp (+65) 9711 6839.
