RevisionDojoWhat Does a “5” Mean in IB Grading?
In the IB system, scores range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest) per subject. A score of 5 is considered:
- A strong passing grade
- Universally accepted by many universities
- Reflective of solid understanding and above-average performance
Is 60% Enough for a 5 on IB Exams?
Yes, in many subjects, getting around 60% correct typically lands you a score of 5, though it depends on the year and subject.
🔎 Here's Why:
- Grade boundaries change annually based on overall exam difficulty
- A 5 generally falls between 55% and 68%, depending on subject and session
- In many SL and HL subjects, 60% is right at or slightly above the typical threshold for a 5
Real-World Examples
While exact cutoffs vary, here’s what past years show:
- IB Biology HL: Around 58–62% often qualifies for a 5
- IB English SL: A 5 has been awarded around the 60% mark
- IB Math AA SL: Score ranges for a 5 can hover around 55–63%
- IB Chemistry HL: Historically, 5s often require 60–66%
Factors That Influence Grade Boundaries
- Difficulty of the exam that year
- Student global performance
- HL vs SL level expectations
- Whether the paper is data-heavy or theory-based
How to Secure a Safe 5
To confidently earn a 5, aim for:
- Consistent scores of 60–70% in practice exams
- Strong Internal Assessments (IAs) to balance weaker exam papers
- Completing all components (EE, TOK, CAS) to earn the full diploma score boost
Is a 5 Good Enough for University?
Absolutely—many universities accept IB scores of 5 for subject requirements, particularly in:
- Liberal arts programs
- Business and social sciences
- International schools and colleges outside North America
That said, highly competitive STEM or medicine programs might expect 6s or 7s in key subjects.
FAQs – Scoring a 5 in IB
- Can I get a 5 with under 60%?
- Possibly! Some exams have low boundaries in tough years.
- Does Internal Assessment help?
- Yes—strong IAs can pull up borderline scores.
- Is a 5 a bad score?
- Not at all. A 5 is solid and well above the global average.
- Can I get into college with mostly 5s?
- Many students do! Especially for non-STEM majors or if you complement them with strong extracurriculars and essays.
Need Help Securing a 5 or Higher? Try RevisionDojo
Whether you're aiming to pass or push for a 6, RevisionDojo supports you with:
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