How to calculate your IB Diploma score out of 45

Step 1: add the six subject grades

Each Diploma Programme subject receives a final grade from 1 to 7. Add all six grades together. A candidate with 6, 5 and 4 at HL plus 5, 4 and 4 at SL has 28 subject points.

Do not add percentages, raw component marks or predicted grades to this total. Grade boundaries convert assessed work into each final 1–7 subject grade; the six published subject grades are the numbers used in the Diploma total.

• Maximum subject total: 42 points.
• Typical structure: three HL and three SL subjects, although some candidates take four HLs.
• Use final grades for an official total and predicted grades only for planning.

Step 2: add TOK and Extended Essay core points

TOK and the Extended Essay are graded A to E. Their combination produces 0, 1, 2 or 3 additional points through the official core points matrix. In the example above, two core points create a total of 30 out of 45.

CAS does not add points, but its requirements must be met for the Diploma. An E in either TOK or the Extended Essay is a failing condition, even if the subject total is otherwise strong.

Step 3: run the full Diploma conditions check

The common shortcut '24 points means a pass' is incomplete. The official criteria require at least 24 points and all of the conditions below. This is why a calculator that displays only a total can give false reassurance.

• CAS requirements have been met.
• A grade has been awarded in all six subjects, TOK and the Extended Essay.
• There is no grade 1 in any subject or level.
• There are no more than two grade 2s across HL and SL.
• There are no more than three grades of 3 or below across HL and SL.
• The HL total is at least 12; with four HLs, the three highest HL grades count.
• The SL total is at least 9; candidates with only two SLs need at least 5 points at SL.
• Neither TOK nor the Extended Essay has an E grade.

Two examples that expose the difference

Example A: HL 6+5+4, SL 5+4+4 and two core points equals 30. The HL sum is 15 and the SL sum is 13, so the numerical checks are satisfied if all remaining requirements are complete.

Example B: HL 4+4+3, SL 6+5+4 and two core points equals 28. The overall total is above 24, but the HL sum is only 11. The full Diploma is not awarded despite the 28-point headline.

What a score calculator can and cannot predict

Before results, a calculator can model combinations of predicted subject grades and core points. It cannot predict final grade boundaries, replace missing coursework decisions or confirm that CAS and all award conditions were recorded correctly.

After results, compare the calculation with the official result and ask the coordinator about any mismatch. If one subject is close to a boundary, review EUR options; if the gap is larger, calculate which retake grade would change the Diploma or university outcome.