Understanding IB Grades and U.S. GPA Systems
The International Baccalaureate (IB) uses a 1 to 7 scale for each subject, with 7 being the highest. In contrast, U.S. high schools and universities typically use a 4.0 GPA system, where 4.0 equals an "A" grade. IB grades can be converted into GPA scores, both unweighted (UW) and weighted (W), depending on your school's policy and the rigor of your subjects.
An unweighted GPA reflects your raw academic performance without regard to course difficulty, while a weighted GPA accounts for the challenge of advanced coursework like IB Higher Level (HL) subjects by giving them extra credit.
General Conversion from IB Scores to U.S. GPA Scale
Though there is no universal formula, a rough guide many U.S. counselors follow goes something like this:
- An IB 7 usually equates to a perfect 4.0 GPA.
- IB 6 is also considered equivalent to an A or A-, thus still around 4.0.
- An IB 5 is generally interpreted as a solid B, which aligns with a 3.0 GPA.
- A 4 is a C, equaling about a 2.0 GPA.
- A 3 or lower tends to fall into D or failing territory, with GPAs ranging from 1.0 down to 0.0.
When a course is considered rigorous (such as HL subjects or full IB Diploma coursework), schools may add an extra point to that score for weighted GPA purposes. That means a 6 in an HL subject could be treated like a 5.0 instead of a 4.0.
Step-by-Step Process to Convert Your IB Grades
Here’s how to manually convert your IB grades to UW and W GPA, no spreadsheet or table necessary:
- List all your subjects and the IB scores you received or were predicted.
For example, suppose you earned: 6 in HL English, 5 in HL History, 6 in HL Biology, 5 in SL Math, 6 in SL Language B, and 4 in SL Visual Arts. - Assign unweighted GPA equivalents based on the standard scale.
A 6 is treated as a 4.0, a 5 as a 3.0, and a 4 as a 2.0. - Adjust for weighting if your school or college recognizes HL subjects.
For weighted GPA, add an extra point to HL subjects. That turns your HL 6 into a 5.0, HL 5 into a 4.0, and HL 6 into a 5.0 again. - Calculate your GPA average.
For the unweighted GPA: add all the GPA scores and divide by the number of subjects (6 in this case).
For the weighted GPA: add the adjusted values for HLs and standard scores for SLs, then divide again by the total subject count.
Sample IB GPA Translation
Let’s run through a sample:
- IB scores: 6 (HL), 5 (HL), 6 (HL), 5 (SL), 6 (SL), 4 (SL)
- Unweighted GPA equivalents: 4.0, 3.0, 4.0, 3.0, 4.0, 2.0
- Unweighted GPA total = 20 / 6 = approx. 3.33
For weighted GPA:
- HLs become 5.0, 4.0, 5.0
- SLs remain 3.0, 4.0, 2.0
- Weighted GPA total = 23 / 6 = approx. 3.83
What Colleges Care About More Than GPA Conversion
It’s worth noting that top universities don’t just look at your GPA. They evaluate:
- How rigorous your courses were, especially your Higher Level subjects.
- Core academic performance in math, science, language, and social studies.
- Personal essays, letters of recommendation, and the overall profile.
An IB 6 in HL Physics might matter more to MIT than a 7 in SL Visual Arts.
Tips for Strong IB GPA Conversion on Applications
To improve how your GPA is interpreted:
- Make sure your school’s transcript includes a GPA scale or conversion chart.
- Ask your counselor to contextualize your IB program in their recommendation.
- Use your Common App essay or additional information section to mention your IB workload and HL subjects.
FAQs – Translating IB Grades to GPA
Is a 6 in HL Chemistry better than a 4 in SL English?
Yes, and universities know that. HL subjects are considered more rigorous.
Do all colleges convert IB grades the same way?
No. Each uses its own process, especially in the U.S., where some recalculate GPA based on core subjects only.
What GPA is considered good from IB?
A GPA equivalent of 3.5 or higher from IB is considered strong. A predicted IB score of 36+ usually translates well.
Can I self-convert if my school doesn’t?
Yes, but make sure you explain how you did it or leave it to your counselor’s school profile.
Do bonus points (EE/TOK) affect GPA?
Not usually. They're more important for earning the full diploma than for GPA calculations.
Should I explain my IB GPA in the Common App?
Only if it's unclear on your transcript or your grades seem lower due to IB rigor. Context matters.
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