The IB Diploma total is famous for its maximum of 45 points, but how it is built — six subjects plus a small core bonus — is widely misunderstood. This calculator sums your subject grades, applies the Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay bonus matrix, and checks the formal pass conditions, while making clear how HL and SL actually factor in.
How it works
Every subject is graded 1-7 regardless of level, and the core adds up to three bonus points:
subject points = sum of six grades (max 6 × 7 = 42)
core bonus = TOK/EE matrix (0–3 points)
total = subject points + core bonus (max 45)HL and SL grades carry equal point value; HL matters because it is harder and because universities set offers around specific HL subjects. Pass conditions add structure on top of the total: a minimum of 24 points, minimum HL and SL point sums, and no failing grades.
Example and notes
A student with three HL grades of 6, 6, 5 and three SL grades of 7, 6, 5 scores 35 subject points. Two solid core grades (say B and B) add the full extra points allowed by the matrix, lifting the total toward 37-38. Their HL sum of 17 clears the 12-point HL minimum and the SL sum of 18 clears the 9-point SL minimum, so the diploma is awarded — but a university offer requiring a 6 in a specific HL subject is what ultimately decides admission, not the total alone.