Enter a grade from 1 to 7 for each of your six subjects, choose HL or SL, then add your theory of knowledge (TOK) and extended essay (EE) grades. The calculator adds your subject points (up to 42) to your core points (up to 3) for a total out of 45, and checks all eight conditions the IB uses to decide whether you are awarded the diploma.
Key takeaways
- IB total = six subject grades (up to 42) + TOK and EE core points (up to 3) = 45.
- You need at least 24 points, but 24 alone is not enough: there are seven more conditions, including at least 12 points at HL and no grade 1.
- An E in either TOK or the extended essay means no diploma, whatever your total.
- The global average in May 2026 was 30.88 points.
How is the IB diploma scored out of 45?
Each of your six subjects is graded from 1 to 7, so the subjects give you up to 42 points. HL and SL grades are worth the same: a 6 at SL adds six points, exactly like a 6 at HL. The last 3 points come from the core, where your TOK and extended essay grades (each A to E) are combined into 0, 1, 2 or 3 points, according to the IB Diploma Programme passing criteria.
Example: HL grades of 6, 6 and 5 plus SL grades of 6, 5 and 5 give 33 subject points. TOK B and EE B add 2 core points, so the total is 35.
How many points do TOK and the extended essay give?
The IB uses a fixed table. Find your TOK grade on the left and your extended essay grade across the top:
| TOK \ EE | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Fail |
| B | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Fail |
| C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Fail |
| D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Fail |
| E | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail |
Two things surprise students. A and A gives the same 3 points as A and B, and a C with a D gives 0 points without failing you. Only an E in either part is a failing condition.
What do you need to pass the IB diploma?
The IB lists these conditions on its passing criteria page. You must meet all of them, and the calculator checks each one for you:
- CAS requirements are met.
- At least 24 points in total.
- A grade in every subject, TOK and the extended essay, with no E in TOK or the EE.
- No grade 1 in any subject.
- No more than two grade 2s.
- No more than three grades of 3 or below.
- At least 12 points at HL. If you take four HL subjects, your three highest HL grades count.
- At least 9 points at SL. If you take two SL subjects, you need at least 5 points at SL.
This is why a student can have 26 points and still miss the diploma: HL grades of 5, 4 and 2 add up to only 11.
What is a good IB score?
The global average for the May 2026 exams was 30.88 points, as reported by Education Middle East. In the UK, the average was 35.11 points and the pass rate was 94.8%, according to Tes. The IB's final statistical bulletin for May 2025 shows a pass rate of 81.9% for diploma candidates.
As a rough guide, 24 is a pass, around 31 is the global average, 35 and above is a strong score that many selective universities ask for, and 40 or more puts you among the top students. Always check the exact offer for your course, because universities often ask for specific HL grades as well as a total.
How should you use this calculator with predicted grades?
Enter your predicted grades first, then set a target score. The calculator shows how many grade steps you still need and which conditions you are close to failing.
- Look at the HL line first. A low HL grade causes more failed diplomas than a low total, because the 12-point HL rule is easy to miss.
- Do not ignore the core. Moving TOK and the EE from C and C to B and B adds 1 point, which is often easier than raising a subject grade.
- Plan for one grade lower. Final grades can come in below predictions, so make sure you still pass with one subject one grade lower.
If you take IB Computer Science, our AP Computer Science score calculator may also help if you are comparing AP and IB options.
Frequently asked questions
Is 24 points enough to pass the IB diploma?
Only if you also meet every other condition. You also need at least 12 points at HL, at least 9 at SL, no grade 1, no more than two grade 2s, no more than three grades of 3 or below, no E in TOK or the extended essay, and CAS completed.
Do HL subjects count for more points than SL?
No. A grade at HL and the same grade at SL add the same number of points. HL only matters for the separate rule that you need at least 12 points across your HL subjects.
How many core points do a B in TOK and a C in the extended essay give?
2 points. In the IB core matrix, B with B, B with C, A with C and A with D all give 2 points. A with A or A with B gives 3.
Sources
- Diploma Programme passing criteria and core points matrix, International Baccalaureate
- DP and CP final statistical bulletin, May 2025 (PDF), International Baccalaureate
- GCC international schools post strong IB results, Education Middle East
- IB results 2026: Diploma Programme scores rise once again, Tes