Introduction: Understanding IB Exam Scoring
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme uses a unique grading system that often confuses students and parents unfamiliar with its 1–7 scale. Unlike traditional percentage-based systems, the IB evaluates students using specific criteria across multiple components.
In this guide, you’ll learn how IB exams are graded, what each number means, how bonus points are awarded, and how your final IB score is calculated.
How IB Exams Are Graded
- Each subject in the IB is graded on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest)
- Students take six subjects, meaning the maximum subject score total is 42
- Up to 3 additional points are awarded from Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE)
- The highest possible IB Diploma score is 45 points
IB Grading Scale Explained (1–7)
- 7 – Excellent performance
- 6 – Very good performance
- 5 – Good performance
- 4 – Satisfactory performance
- 3 – Mediocre performance
- 2 – Poor performance
- 1 – Very poor performance
A score of 4 or above is generally considered a passing grade in most subjects.
Grade Distribution per Component
IB subjects typically include:
- External Assessments (70–80% of final grade): Papers 1, 2, and 3 depending on subject
- Internal Assessments (IA) (20–30% of final grade): Essays, lab reports, oral presentations, investigations
Final scores are determined by combining IA marks and exam scores, then comparing the total to IB grade boundaries, which vary each year and by subject.
TOK and Extended Essay Bonus Points Matrix
The maximum combined points from TOK and EE is 3. Here's how they work together:
- A (Excellent) + A (Excellent) = 3 bonus points
- A + B or B + A = 3 points
- A + C or B + B = 2 points
- B + C or A + D = 1 point
- Failing either component (E grade) = No diploma awarded
What Is the Pass Mark in IB?
To earn the IB Diploma, a student must:
- Score at least 24 points overall
- Have no score below 3 in any HL subject
- Earn at least 12 points combined from all HL subjects
- Earn at least 9 points combined from all SL subjects
- Complete CAS, EE, and TOK requirements
- Not be awarded an E grade in either TOK or EE
Final IB Score = Subject Grades (max 42) + Core Points (max 3)
Examples:
- 6 subjects averaging grade 5 = 30 points + 2 bonus = 32 total
- 6 subjects with grades 7,6,6,7,6,6 = 38 + 2 bonus = 40 total
FAQs: IB Grading System
Q1: What is a good IB score?
A score of 36+ is considered strong for top universities. A 24 is the minimum for passing.
Q2: Is 7 a rare grade?
Yes. Achieving a 7 means near-perfect performance, especially in HL subjects.
Q3: Do all subjects use the same grade boundaries?
No. Boundaries vary by subject and year depending on exam difficulty and performance data.
Q4: Can I fail the IB with one bad subject?
If you score a 2 in any HL subject or do not meet core requirements, you may fail the diploma.
Q5: How are IAs and exams combined?
Each subject applies a weighting formula, e.g., IA 20% + Exams 80%. Your combined score is mapped to the 1–7 scale using grade boundaries.
Conclusion: Mastering the IB Grading Scale
The IB grading scale is precise, consistent, and globally recognized. Understanding how your subject scores, internal assessments, and core components combine helps you track progress, plan improvements, and set realistic university goals.
With preparation and clear targets, every IB student can use the grading system as a roadmap—not a mystery.
Want to track your grades and project your IB final score?
Try the RevisionDojo IB Score Calculator — the only tool that converts your IA and exam scores into predicted IB subject grades in real time.
