IB uses a 1–7 scoring scale. Enter each IB course with its score and level (HL = Higher Level, SL = Standard Level).
Course NameScoreLevel
IB Score → US GPA Reference
7
4.0
A+/A
6
4.0
A
5
3.3
B+
4
2.7
B-
3
2.0
C
2
1.0
D
1
0.0
F
IB → US GPA Equivalent
3.77
Average IB score: 5.8 / 7
HL Courses
3
SL Courses
3
Total Courses
6
How to Use the IB GPA Calculator
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme uses a 1–7 scoring scale instead of the US letter grade system. This calculator converts IB scores to their US GPA equivalents and calculates weighted GPA with bonuses for Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) courses.
Enter each IB course name, select the IB score (1–7), and choose HL or SL.
The IB to GPA tab shows your standard US GPA equivalent based on the score conversion chart.
The Weighted tab applies HL (+1.0) and SL (+0.5) bonuses to show your weighted US GPA on a 5.0 scale.
The built-in reference chart shows how each IB score converts to a US grade and GPA.
IB Score to US GPA Conversion
The IB 1–7 scale does not map perfectly to the US A–F scale, but widely accepted conversions are used by US universities to evaluate IB transcripts:
US colleges are familiar with the IB system and evaluate it positively. They recalculate your GPA on their own scale, similar to how they handle AP courses. Most colleges award college credit for HL scores of 5 or higher, with some requiring 6 or 7. An IB score of 5 is roughly equivalent to a B+ in a rigorous college-prep course. Completing the full IB Diploma is viewed comparably to completing multiple AP courses.
Both IB and AP are rigorous college-level programs, but they differ in structure. IB is a comprehensive two-year diploma program requiring six courses, a Theory of Knowledge class, an Extended Essay, and Creativity/Activity/Service (CAS) hours. AP allows students to take individual courses without a coordinated program. IB HL courses are often compared to first-year college courses, while AP courses vary in difficulty depending on the subject. Neither is universally harder — it depends on the subject and the student.
For competitive US universities, aim for a total IB score of 36–42 (out of 45). A score of 30–35 is solid and competitive at most universities. Many elite US universities see applicants with scores of 38+. For UK universities, top programs like Oxford and Cambridge typically require total IB scores of 38–42, with specific HL requirements (e.g., 7,7,6 in relevant subjects). A perfect score of 45 is achieved by fewer than 1% of IB students worldwide.
Yes — students can take individual IB courses as "IB Certificate" courses without completing the full Diploma requirements. Certificate courses are assessed on the same 1–7 scale and can still earn college credit at many universities. However, the full IB Diploma is more prestigious and often unlocks more college credit and scholarship opportunities. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge, which are Diploma-only requirements, are viewed very favorably by admissions offices.
Higher Level (HL) courses require at least 240 hours of instructional time and cover more advanced content. Standard Level (SL) courses require 150 hours. IB Diploma students must take exactly 3 HL and 3 SL courses. HL courses are more comparable to first-year college courses and are more likely to earn college credit. For US GPA weighting purposes, HL typically gets a larger bonus (+1.0) than SL (+0.5) due to the additional rigor and depth.