IB Physics HL Grade Boundaries 2025: Complete Breakdown (Timezone 0)

Introduction

The IB Physics HL course challenges students to understand fundamental concepts, apply problem-solving skills, and conduct experimental investigations. Knowing how each assessment component contributes to the final grade—and the grade boundaries set by the IB—is essential for achieving top marks.

This guide presents the complete grade boundary ranges for IB Physics HL in 2025 (Timezone 0): Paper 1 (MCQ), Paper 2, Paper 3, Practical Work, and the final grade boundaries. We’ll also share tips to maximize your score and aim for a 7.

Quick Start Checklist for IB Physics HL

• ✅ Memorize the grade boundary ranges for each assessment.
• ✅ Balance theoretical understanding with problem-solving skills.
• ✅ Focus on experimental design and data analysis for Practical Work.
• ✅ Review examiner reports for key expectations in top bands.

IB Physics HL Grade Boundaries 2025 (Timezone 0)

Paper 1 (MCQ) (out of 40)

• Grade 7: 25–40
• Grade 6: 21–24
• Grade 5: 18–20
• Grade 4: 15–17
• Grade 3: 13–14
• Grade 2: 11–12
• Grade 1: 0–10

Paper 2 (out of 90)

• Grade 7: 61–90
• Grade 6: 51–60
• Grade 5: 40–50
• Grade 4: 30–39
• Grade 3: 19–29
• Grade 2: 9–18
• Grade 1: 0–8

Paper 3 (out of 45)

• Grade 7: 31–45
• Grade 6: 27–30
• Grade 5: 23–26
• Grade 4: 19–22
• Grade 3: 11–18
• Grade 2: 6–10
• Grade 1: 0–5

Practical Work (out of 24)

• Grade 7: 20–24
• Grade 6: 17–19
• Grade 5: 14–16
• Grade 4: 11–13
• Grade 3: 7–10
• Grade 2: 4–6
• Grade 1: 0–3

Final IB Physics HL Grade Boundaries (out of 100)

• Grade 7: 69–100
• Grade 6: 58–68
• Grade 5: 48–57
• Grade 4: 38–47
• Grade 3: 25–37
• Grade 2: 14–24
• Grade 1: 0–13

Tips for Scoring in the Top Grade Ranges

• Paper 1: Focus on conceptual understanding and multiple-choice strategies.
• Paper 2: Practice calculations, derivations, and problem-solving under timed conditions.
• Paper 3: Prioritize data analysis, experimental design, and higher-order reasoning questions.
• Practical Work: Keep detailed lab notes, demonstrate analysis skills, and link conclusions to theory.

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RevisionDojo provides targeted IB Physics strategies, including problem-solving techniques, experiment analysis guidance, and exam tips, helping students maximize performance across all components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are grade boundaries different for each paper?

Each paper tests distinct skills: conceptual understanding, calculations, and practical reasoning. Boundaries reflect relative difficulty and historical performance.

2. How is the final grade calculated?

All components combine into a mark out of 100. Excellence in one paper cannot fully compensate for weaknesses in another. Balanced preparation is essential.

3. Which component is often the hardest?

Many students find Paper 2 challenging due to its volume of calculations and problem-solving demands. Consistent practice improves speed and accuracy.

Conclusion

Succeeding in IB Physics HL requires consistent practice, strong conceptual understanding, and attention to examiner expectations. By knowing the exact grade boundaries, students can set realistic goals and plan an effective study strategy.

RevisionDojo helps students focus on what matters most: mastering physics concepts, honing problem-solving skills, and achieving top grades.

Grade Boundaries at a Glance (IB Physics HL 2025, Timezone 0)

Paper 1 (40)
7: 25–40 | 6: 21–24 | 5: 18–20 | 4: 15–17 | 3: 13–14 | 2: 11–12 | 1: 0–10

Paper 2 (90)
7: 61–90 | 6: 51–60 | 5: 40–50 | 4: 30–39 | 3: 19–29 | 2: 9–18 | 1: 0–8

Paper 3 (45)
7: 31–45 | 6: 27–30 | 5: 23–26 | 4: 19–22 | 3: 11–18 | 2: 6–10 | 1: 0–5

Practical Work (24)
7: 20–24 | 6: 17–19 | 5: 14–16 | 4: 11–13 | 3: 7–10 | 2: 4–6 | 1: 0–3

Final Grade (100)
7: 69–100 | 6: 58–68 | 5: 48–57 | 4: 38–47 | 3: 25–37 | 2: 14–24 | 1: 0–13