IB GPA Calculator: Convert IB Scores to GPA
If you are an IB (International Baccalaureate) student applying to US colleges, you need to convert your IB scores to a GPA. IB uses a 1-7 scoring scale, while US colleges use a 4.0 GPA scale.
This calculator converts your IB subject scores to GPA. Mark courses as HL (Higher Level) or SL (Standard Level), enter your TOK and Extended Essay grades, and the calculator shows both your weighted GPA (with HL bonus) and unweighted GPA.
Track your IB Diploma progress and see how your IB scores translate to a US GPA for college applications.
How IB Scoring Works
IB subjects are scored 1-7:
- 7 = Excellent
- 6 = Very good
- 5 = Good
- 4 = Satisfactory (passing)
- 3 = Mediocre
- 2 = Poor
- 1 = Very poor
IB Diploma requirements:
- 6 subjects: 3 at Higher Level (HL), 3 at Standard Level (SL)
- TOK: Theory of Knowledge (graded A-E)
- Extended Essay: Research essay (graded A-E)
- CAS: Creativity, Activity, Service (pass/fail, not scored)
Maximum IB Diploma score: 45 points
- 6 subjects × 7 points each = 42 points
- TOK + Extended Essay = up to 3 bonus points
To earn the IB Diploma, you need a minimum of 24 points total plus TOK, EE, and CAS completion.
IB Score to GPA Conversion
US colleges use GPA (4.0 scale), not IB scores. Here is the typical conversion:
IB Score → GPA (unweighted):
- 7 = 4.0 (A)
- 6 = 3.7 (A-)
- 5 = 3.3 (B+)
- 4 = 3.0 (B)
- 3 = 2.7 (B-)
- 2 = 2.0 (C)
- 1 = 1.0 (D)
This is an approximate conversion. Different schools may use slightly different scales.
Example:
- If you have IB scores of 7, 6, 6, 5, 5, 4 (average 5.5), your unweighted GPA is approximately 3.5.
This calculator handles conversions automatically and accounts for HL bonuses when tracking weighted GPA.
HL vs. SL: What is the Difference?
Higher Level (HL):
- More content depth
- More class hours (240 hours over 2 years)
- Harder exams
- 3 subjects required for IB Diploma
Standard Level (SL):
- Less content depth
- Fewer class hours (150 hours over 2 years)
- Easier exams
- 3 subjects required for IB Diploma
For GPA conversion with HL bonus: HL courses get +0.5 GPA points (similar to honors courses in US high schools).
Example:
This weighted GPA shows colleges that you took more challenging courses.
TOK and Extended Essay Bonus
TOK (Theory of Knowledge) + Extended Essay = up to 3 bonus points
The bonus is based on a matrix:
- TOK A + EE A = 3 bonus points
- TOK A + EE B = 3 bonus points
- TOK B + EE B = 2 bonus points
- TOK B + EE C = 2 bonus points
- TOK C + EE C = 1 bonus point
Lower combinations give fewer or zero bonus points.
These 3 points add to your IB Diploma total (max 45 points) but don’t directly affect your GPA. However, they show academic rigor on your transcript.
Strong TOK/EE performance demonstrates critical thinking and research skills to colleges.
Why US Colleges Want GPA, Not Just IB Scores
US colleges are familiar with GPA. Even though IB is internationally recognized, US admissions offices think in terms of GPA (4.0 scale). Converting your IB scores to GPA helps them compare you to US applicants.
Weighted vs. unweighted GPA: Some colleges recalculate your GPA using their own formula. They might give bonus points for HL courses (like they do for AP/honors), or they might not.
What to report on applications:
- Unweighted GPA: Your IB scores converted to a 4.0 scale (no HL bonus)
- Weighted GPA: Your IB scores with HL bonus (+0.5 for HL courses)
- IB Diploma predicted score: Your total out of 45
Report all three to give colleges the full picture.
IB Diploma vs. IB Certificate
IB Diploma Programme (DP): Full program with 6 subjects, TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS. Maximum 45 points. Most competitive option.
IB Certificate: Take individual IB courses without completing the full Diploma. You earn certificates for subjects passed, but not the full IB Diploma.
For college applications, the IB Diploma is more competitive. It shows you completed the full rigorous program. The IB Certificate remains valuable but does not carry the same weight.
Most IB students pursue the Diploma to strengthen their college applications.
FAQ: IB GPA Calculator
Can I get a GPA above 4.0 with IB?
Yes, if you use weighted GPA with HL bonuses. An IB score of 7 at HL = 4.0 + 0.5 = 4.5 weighted GPA. Some IB students have weighted GPAs of 4.3-4.7 if they take many HL courses and score well.
Do US colleges understand IB scores?
Yes. Top US colleges are familiar with IB. They know that a 7 is excellent and that the program is rigorous. However, they still want to see your GPA for comparison purposes. Provide both IB scores and converted GPA.
What is a good IB GPA for college?
For top US colleges (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT), you want 40+ out of 45 on your IB Diploma (equivalent to 3.8-4.0 GPA). For competitive schools, 35-40 (3.5-3.8 GPA). For most schools, 28-35 (3.0-3.5 GPA).
How is this different from the regular high school GPA calculator?
The high school GPA calculator is for US high schools that use letter grades (A-F) and are weighted/unweighted based on honors/AP. This IB calculator is specifically for IB students with IB scores (1-7) and HL/SL designation.
Should I use my predicted IB scores or final scores?
For college applications (during your final IB year), use predicted scores. After graduation, use the final scores. The calculator lets you mark scores as predicted vs. final.
Do all colleges give HL bonus points?
No. Some colleges treat all IB courses equally (unweighted GPA). Others give bonus points for HL courses (weighted GPA). Report both unweighted and weighted GPAs to cover all scenarios.
When to Use This vs. Other GPA Calculators
Use this IB GPA calculator when:
- You are an IB student (International Baccalaureate program)
- You have IB scores (1-7) and need to convert to a US GPA
- You are taking HL and SL courses
- You need to track TOK, Extended Essay, and IB Diploma total
Use the high school GPA calculator when:
- You are in a US high school (not IB)
- You have letter grades (A-F) and want a weighted vs. an unweighted GPA for AP/honors.
The line: IB program vs. the US high school system.
IB scores (1-7 scale) need to be converted to GPA (4.0 scale) for US college applications. Enter your IB subject scores, mark HL vs. SL, and the calculator shows your unweighted and weighted GPAs plus your IB Diploma total.