How Does the IB Diploma Grading System Work?
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How Does the IB Diploma Grading System Work?
The grading system used by the International Baccalaureate (IB) can seem confusing at first if you’re accustomed to traditional letter grades. Instead of A–F or percentage marks, the IB uses a numerical 1–7 grading scale, along with a cumulative point-based diploma score. Understanding how IB assessment works is crucial for students, parents, and educators alike.
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How the IB Grading Scale Works
Each subject in the IB Diploma Programme is graded on a 1–7 scale. A grade of 7 represents the highest achievement; 1 indicates the lowest performance. Because the IB grading system is criterion-referenced not relative to other students grades reflect how well a student meets predefined standards.
This consistent scale ensures fairness and comparability across different schools and countries worldwide.
How IB Tutors and Coaching Help Students Understand IB Grading
Expert IB tutors play an important role in helping students interpret the IB grading system and improve performance. They clarify assessment requirements for each subject, including internal assessments (IAs), external exams, coursework, and lab work, ensuring students know exactly what examiners expect.
Tutors also track a student’s progress across grading criteria, identify strengths and weaknesses, and create targeted revision plans for continuous improvement. Through mock exams and timed practice sessions, students gain familiarity with exam formats, scoring patterns, and time management strategies directly contributing to better results. In addition, tutors provide guidance on essential IB core components like the Extended Essay (EE) and Theory of Knowledge (TOK), supporting topic selection, research, writing, and structure to help maximize diploma points.
What Contributes to the Final IB Diploma Score
Subject Grades (6 subjects)
- Students take six IB courses, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
- Each subject yields a grade from 1 to 7. Up to 42 points (6 × 7) come from these subjects.
Core Components: TOK & Extended Essay (EE)
In addition to subject scores, students complete the IB core: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). Based on performance, they can earn up to 3 bonus points. The third core element Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) must be completed but does not contribute numeric points.
Total Diploma Score: Maximum 45 Points
The maximum achievable IB Diploma score is 45 points 42 from six subjects plus up to 3 from TOK + EE.
To receive the IB Diploma, students must meet certain conditions: minimum total points (often 24), successful core completion, and no failing grades among other criteria.
How to Interpret and Use IB Results Wisely
Avoid direct conversions to percentage or A–F grades
While some attempt to map IB 7 → A+, 6 → A, etc., this is not officially endorsed. The IB doesn’t provide a universal conversion table because grading depends on global standards, not relative performance.
Focus on subject-by-subject performance and skill growth
IB report cards often include performance across criteria (for example in IAs), which shows strengths and weaknesses. Evaluating trends over time (strengths, dips, improvements) provides better insight than single scores.
Use the full IB score (out of 45) for university or career planning
Most universities evaluate IB candidates based on their total diploma score and subject grades. A “good” IB total score depends on the program and university — but generally, scores above mid-30s are considered strong.
Understand that core components carry weight
A strong Extended Essay and TOK performance can earn you up to 3 bonus points, which can make a critical difference in reaching diploma thresholds.
Common Misconceptions About IB Results, and the Truth
| Misconception | Reality |
|---|---|
|
“A 7 is like 95–100% in a subject.” |
There is no official percentage-to-grade conversion; grade boundaries vary by subject and exam session. |
|
“Only final exams matter.” |
Internal assessments, projects, IAs, and coursework often form a significant portion, IB assessment is holistic. |
|
“A single low grade spoils the diploma.” |
Passing conditions allow limited lower grades; consistent performance and core completion matter more. |
|
“IB grades can be easily converted to GPA or percentages.” |
IB does not endorse conversion to other grading systems; conversion varies by university or country. |
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Final Thoughts
The IB grading system may look unfamiliar initially, but it offers a fair, comprehensive, and globally standardised way to assess student performance. With clear understanding of the 1–7 scale, subject grades, core components, and total score out of 45, parents and students can interpret results with clarity.
Take the next step in your IB preparation with clarity and confidence. Contact Quest For Success for personalised guidance tailored to your IB curriculum, goals, and academic pathway.