What's a Good IB Score? (Diploma Points Explained)

The IB Diploma is scored out of 45 points, and a "good" score depends on what comes next for you. As a rough guide, the global average diploma sits around 30-31, a score of about 38+ is strong, 40+ is excellent, and a perfect 45 is rare. You need at least 24 points (with conditions) to earn the diploma. You can model how your subjects add up with our free IB score calculator.

How the 45 points are built

Your total comes from two parts. You take six subjects, each scored from 1 to 7, which adds up to a maximum of 42. On top of that, you can earn up to 3 bonus points from the combination of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). Forty-two plus three is where the 45-point ceiling comes from.

• Six subjects — each scored 1 to 7 (up to 42 points total).
• TOK + Extended Essay — up to 3 bonus points combined.
• Maximum — 45 points.

What you need to earn the diploma

Earning the diploma takes at least 24 points, but the point total alone isn't enough — there are conditions. You generally need to satisfy requirements across higher-level and standard-level subjects, complete TOK and the Extended Essay, and finish the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) component. Specific failing conditions can stop a diploma even at 24+, so check the current official requirements.

IB score ranges, roughly

Averages shift from year to year, so use these as a guide rather than fixed cutoffs:

• Around 30-31 — roughly the global average diploma score.
• 38+ — strong, above average.
• 40+ — excellent.
• 45 — perfect and rare.

Good depends on your destination

Universities that recognize the IB often set their own point requirements, sometimes with conditions on specific higher-level subjects. A score that's more than enough for one program may fall short for another, so look up the published requirements for the universities and courses you're targeting and confirm them directly, since they change.

Turn your goal into a plan

Map out your six subjects and the bonus points, see what total you're tracking toward, and focus on the areas with the most room to grow. COSMIQ's free voice tutor is free for every learner, and the IB score calculator helps you model different combinations of subject and bonus points.

Related resources: IB score calculator · free voice tutor