How Do IB Points Work? A Simple Guide to the International Baccalaureate Scoring System
If you're new to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, one of the first things you'll want to understand is how IB points work. Whether you're a student, parent, or teacher, knowing how points are calculated can make a big difference in tracking progress and planning university applications.
In this guide, we break down the IB points system in a way that's clear, straightforward, and actionable.
What Is the IB Point System?
The IB Diploma Programme awards a maximum of 45 points. These points are used to determine whether a student has passed the program and to measure academic achievement across six subjects and the core components of the program.
Students take six subjects, each graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. These grades are combined with up to 3 bonus points from the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) components.
The core elements—TOK and EE—are unique features of the IB and encourage students to think critically and conduct independent research.
How Are the 45 IB Points Distributed?
The maximum 45 points come from two main sources:
- 42 points from six academic subjects.
- 3 bonus points from TOK and EE.
Each of the six subjects contributes a maximum of 7 points. These subjects include:
- One first language (Language A)
- One second language (Language B)
- Individuals and Societies (e.g., History, Economics)
- Sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry)
- Mathematics
- The Arts or a second subject from the above groups
You can mix and match Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL) courses, but you're required to take three HL subjects minimum, and up to four HL subjects maximum.
How Do You Earn Bonus Points from TOK and EE?
The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) are assessed using letter grades from A (highest) to E (lowest). The combination of your grades in these two components determines how many bonus points you receive, ranging from 0 to 3.
To earn the full 3 bonus points, you typically need at least an A in one component and a B in the other.
It’s important to note: if you score an E in either TOK or EE, you risk failing the entire diploma, regardless of how well you perform in your other subjects.
What Is the Pass Mark in IB?
To be awarded the IB Diploma, a student must meet the following criteria:
- Achieve at least 24 total points, including bonus points.
- Score at least 12 points across the three HL subjects.
- Score at least 9 points across the three SL subjects.
- Complete and pass all core components: CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK, and EE.
- Not receive any score of 1 in a subject.
- Not receive more than three scores of 3 or below.
These rules ensure that students demonstrate both depth and consistency in their studies across a range of disciplines.
How Are IB Subjects Graded?
Each IB subject is graded using internal and external assessments.
Internal assessments include oral exams, science labs, essays, or portfolios and are usually graded by teachers, then moderated externally. External assessments mostly consist of final exams administered in May or November sessions.
Your final subject grade reflects your combined performance in both types of assessment, and it is this grade that contributes to your overall IB points.
How Are Predicted and Final IB Scores Different?
Your predicted score is an estimate made by your teachers before final exams. It's based on your coursework, mocks, and class performance. This predicted score is used by universities during the admissions process.
Your final score is released in July (for May exams) or January (for November exams) and reflects your actual performance in internal and external assessments. This is the score universities will ultimately use to confirm your placement.
FAQs: Understanding IB Points
How many points do I need to pass the IB?
You need at least 24 points, including TOK/EE bonus points, to pass the IB Diploma.
What is the maximum IB score?
The maximum is 45 points—42 from six subjects and 3 from TOK/EE.
How hard is it to get a 40+ in IB?
Very. Fewer than 10% of IB students achieve a 40 or higher. It requires consistent top scores across all subjects and excellent work in TOK and EE.
Can you fail IB if you get a 24?
Yes, if you score a 1 in any subject, fail to complete CAS, or get an E in TOK or EE, you may not be awarded the diploma—even if you have 24 points.
Are HL and SL subjects graded differently?
No, both are graded on a 1–7 scale. However, HL subjects require more content depth and are weighted more heavily in some university admissions.
Conclusion: IB Points Are More Than Just a Score
The IB points system is about more than just numbers—it reflects your ability to manage a challenging workload, think critically, and succeed across a wide range of subjects. Understanding how points work helps you plan strategically, set realistic goals, and use every opportunity to boost your final outcome.
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