Introduction: Why Predicted IB Grades Matter
Predicted grades are more than academic forecasts—they shape university admissions, especially for students applying under early decision or conditional offers. If you're in the IB Diploma Programme and wondering, “How can I calculate my predicted grade?”, this guide walks you through every step of the process.
What Is a Predicted IB Grade?
A predicted grade is a teacher’s estimate of the score a student is most likely to achieve in a given IB subject by the end of the course. It’s reported to the IB and used by universities to make admission decisions before final exams are completed.
How to Calculate Your Predicted IB Grade
Step 1: Identify the Components in Each Subject
Each IB subject consists of:
- Internal Assessments (IA): 20–30% of your final grade
- External Assessments (Exams): 70–80% of your final grade
- Oral exams (for languages)
- Coursework (for arts and sciences)
Step 2: Gather Your Internal Assessment Scores
Ask your teacher what your IA score is (or estimate based on your performance and rubric). For example:
- Biology IA score: 20 out of 24
- Convert this to a percentage: 83.3%
Step 3: Estimate External Assessment Scores
These include Paper 1, Paper 2, and sometimes Paper 3:
- Use mock exam results or past paper performance
- Convert your raw score to a percentage
- Example: 72/100 = 72%
Step 4: Apply the Weighting Formula
Use the weighting for the subject (typically provided in the syllabus):
Example for HL Science:
- IA: 20%
- Paper 1–3: 80%
Predicted Score = (IA % x 0.2) + (Exam % x 0.8)
Example: (83.3% x 0.2) + (72% x 0.8) = 16.66 + 57.6 = 74.26%
Step 5: Match Your Final % to the IB Grade Boundaries
Refer to IB grade boundaries (can vary by year and subject):
In our example, a score of 74.26% corresponds to a predicted grade of 6.
How to Calculate Your Total Predicted IB Score
Repeat the above steps for all six subjects, then:
- Add the predicted grades for each subject (max 42)
- Add predicted points from TOK + EE (up to 3)
Total Predicted IB Score = Subject Grades (max 42) + Core Points (max 3)
Example:
- 3 HL subjects: 6, 6, 5
- 3 SL subjects: 6, 5, 5
- TOK/EE Bonus: 2
Total: 6+6+5+6+5+5 = 33 + 2 = 35
Tips to Improve Your Predicted IB Grade
1. Ace Your Internal Assessments
- Start early and use the IB rubric
- Get feedback and revise where possible
2. Excel in Mock Exams
- Treat mocks as seriously as finals
- Focus on exam-style writing, timing, and mark scheme alignment
3. Participate Actively in Class
- Teachers value consistent academic engagement
- Show growth and improvement over time
4. Seek Feedback
- Regularly ask your teacher about your standing
- Use their input to address specific weaknesses
FAQs: Predicted IB Grades Explained
Q1: Who decides my predicted grade?
Your subject teacher, using your IA, classwork, mock exams, and professional judgment.
Q2: Can I see my predicted grades?
In most schools, yes. However, policies vary—ask your IB coordinator.
Q3: Can predicted grades be changed?
Yes, teachers can revise them before submission deadlines if your performance improves.
Q4: How accurate are predicted grades?
They are usually close but not guaranteed. They reflect likely performance, not guaranteed outcomes.
Q5: Do universities accept students below their predicted scores?
Some do, depending on final scores, essay strength, and overall application quality.
Conclusion: Calculating Your Predicted IB Grade With Confidence
To calculate your predicted IB grade:
- Estimate IA and exam scores
- Apply correct weightings
- Use IB grade boundaries
- Add up your subject grades and core points
Predicted grades are essential for university applications and scholarship consideration. Knowing how they’re calculated empowers you to take control, ask informed questions, and strategically boost your academic performance.
Use the RevisionDojo IB Predicted Grade Calculator
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Start optimizing your score now with the exact methods your teachers and universities use.
