Answering Calculation Questions (DP IB Economics): Revision Note

How to answer IB Economics calculation questions

• Calculation questions appear mainly in Paper 2 and Paper 3 and are closely linked to AO4 (use and application of skills)

  These questions reward method, accuracy, and interpretation, not speed.

• Many students lose marks not because they do not understand the concept, but because they skip steps, omit units, or fail to interpret results correctly

What examiners are looking for

• For calculation questions, examiners expect:

  • a clear and correct method

  • accurate numerical working

  • correct units and rounding

  • and, where required, economic interpretation of the result

General rules for calculations

• Always show all workings

• Write out formulas before substituting numbers

• Include units in the final answer

• Round final answers to two decimal places (unless instructed otherwise)

• Use results from calculations in later questions when relevant

Common mistakes to avoid

• Writing only the final answer with no workings

• Forgetting negative signs in elasticity values

• Omitting units

• Rounding too early

• Failing to use calculation results in later evaluative questions