IB Diploma Points Calculator

Calculate your International Baccalaureate (IB) total diploma points. Find out if you're on track for the IB Diploma and estimate your score.

🎓 Academics📐 IB Points = 6 Subject Scores + 3 Core Points (EE + TOK)
HL Subject 1 (1-7)
HL Subject 2 (1-7)
HL Subject 3 (1-7)
SL Subject 1 (1-7)
SL Subject 2 (1-7)
SL Subject 3 (1-7)
TOK/EE bonus points (0-3)
Please enter valid values.

Formula & Reference

VariableFormulaUnits
IB Diploma Points CalculatorIB Points = 6 Subject Scores + 3 Core Points (EE + TOK)points / 45

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1
Strong IB Candidate

HL: 6,5,6; SL: 5,6,5; core: 2.

  • Subject total: 33 | Core: 2
  • Total: 35 / 45 | Diploma on track
  • 35+ points: competitive for top universities
✓ 35 / 45 - strong
Example 2
Minimum Diploma

HL: 4,4,4; SL: 4,4,4; core: 0.

  • Subject total: 24 | Core: 0
  • Total: 24 / 45 | Meets minimum diploma requirement
✓ 24 / 45 - minimum
Example 3
At Risk

HL: 3,3,5; SL: 3,2,4; core: 1.

  • Subject total: 20 | Core: 1
  • Total: 21 / 45 | At risk - SL2 at 2 (need 3)
✓ 21 / 45 - at risk for diploma

Real-World Applications

🎓
IB Students
Track your points and diploma eligibility throughout the program.
🧑‍🏫
IB Coordinators
Help students understand diploma requirements.
📚
University Admissions
Understand IB scores for international applicants.
📊
College Counselors
Advise IB students on score targets for admissions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

⚠️
Failing a single subject below 3

Every subject must score 3 or higher for diploma award. One 2 (even with perfect scores elsewhere) fails the diploma requirement. Monitor weak subjects closely.

⚠️
Not valuing the core

The TOK essay and Extended Essay (EE) together provide up to 3 bonus points. These can push a 42 to 45 or a 38 to 41. Take these components seriously.

⚠️
IB predicted grades for admissions

Universities outside the US often make conditional offers based on IB predicted grades. UK universities in particular offer places conditional on achieving specific IB point totals (e.g., '38 points including 6,6,6 in HL subjects').

Frequently Asked Questions

What IB score do you need for top universities? ▾
Ivy League/Oxbridge: 40-45 points. Strong US universities: 34-40. Average US university: 28-34. Most universities accept IB diploma as qualifications. UK universities use conditional offers based on IB points.
What is the IB core? ▾
Three components beyond six subjects: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay and presentation, Extended Essay (EE) - 4,000-word independent research essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) - required but not scored. TOK and EE together provide 0-3 bonus points.
Do IB credits transfer to US universities? ▾
Yes, but policies vary. Most US universities grant credit for IB Higher Level scores of 5, 6, or 7 (sometimes 4+). Some award credit equivalent to AP 3/4/5. Check each university's specific IB credit policy.
What is the average IB score worldwide? ▾
Global average: approximately 29-31 points (varies year to year). US IB students: approximately 32-33 average (self-selected, more motivated student pool). Maximum: 45 (rare - under 1% of candidates).
IB vs AP: which is better for college? ▾
IB is a holistic curriculum emphasizing critical thinking and international perspectives. AP offers flexibility to choose individual subjects. For international universities (UK, Canada, Australia), IB is more recognized. For US universities, both are equally well-regarded.

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