How to Convert IB Grades to GPA Accurately

Translating IB grades into a US-style GPA isn’t straightforward, especially with multiple scales and no official formula. However, if you’re applying to American universities or scholarships, it’s essential. This guide breaks down the most reliable conversion methods, and explains unweighted vs weighted GPA. 

Key Takeaways

• There is no official IB-to-GPA formula, but widely accepted conversion tables provide reliable approximations.

• IB grades can be converted using unweighted (4.0) or weighted (5.0) GPA scales. Weighted GPA gives HL subjects extra credit, while unweighted GPA treats HL and SL equally.

• US universities often prefer raw IB grades but may request GPA for self-reporting or scholarship eligibility.

• GPA conversion helps IB students understand competitiveness for US admissions and scholarships, but universities tend to prioritise official IB transcripts.

Why Convert IB Grades into GPA?

If you’re an IB student applying to an American university, you’ll almost certainly need to translate your grades into a Grade Point Average (GPA). Most American universities rely on GPA as their primary academic metric. But, because the IB uses a 1–7 subject scale, comparing it directly to a GPA system isn’t straightforward. There’s no official IB-to-GPA formula, due to the decentralized nature of the education system in the US. Fortunately, there are standardised, widely accepted conversion approaches - these are a great starting point, as they provide a realistic representation of how your IB grades align with GPA.

Understanding GPA Scales

There are two commonly used scales: unweighted GPA (4.0 Scale) and weighted GPA (5.0 Scale). The unweighted scale is the most common scale used in the US. Below is a summary of each system:

Unweighted GPA (4.0 Scale)

The unweighted GPA ignores the difficulty level of the course (Standard Level vs. Higher Level) and translates the final grade back to the standard 4.0 scale. The IB grade (7-1) is converted to a set number of points on the 4.0 scale.

Weighted GPA (5.0 Scale)

The weighted GPA rewards the student for taking on the additional rigour of HL courses in the IB curriculum. In simple terms, the university typically adds a bonus to the base unweighted score for HL courses. For example, a grade 7 in a Higher Level course is worth more points than a 7 in a Standard Level course.

Common IB to GPA Conversion Methods

Below are details of the two common conversion methods. Remember, these aren’t official, but they’re the most widely recognised options.

Unweighted GPA Conversion (4.0 Scale)

Here’s how you calculate your GPA:

• Take your IB grade (e.g. 6).

• Find the GPA equivalent (e.g. 3.7).

• Repeat for all six IB subjects.

• Average these six GPA values.

This gives your unweighted GPA. The table below gives you unweighted GPA equivalents.

Weighted GPA Conversion (5.0 Scale)

Weighted GPAs give HL subjects extra credit. Using the table below:

• Take your HL and SL IB grades (e.g. HL 6).

• Find the GPA equivalent (e.g. 4.7).

• Repeat for all six IB subjects.

• Average these six GPA values.

This gives your weighted GPA. (Remember: You can score a maximum of 5 for HL subjects, and a maximum of 4 for SL subjects.)

Example Conversion: IB Diploma Score to GPA

Here’s a worked example for an IB student:
HL: Maths (6), Biology (5), Economics (6).
SL: English (7), Spanish (6), History (5).

Unweighted GPA Conversion (4.0 Scale):

Total = 21.1. Unweighted GPA = 21.7 ÷ 6 ≈ 3.52.

Weighted GPA Conversion (5.0 Scale):

Total = 24.7. Weighted GPA = 24.7 ÷ 6 ≈ 4.12.

How Universities Interpret IB Grades vs GPA

Each US university will use its own unique methods of interpreting IB grades. Here’s a summary of the factors they are likely to consider and the evidence they may require:

• US Universities Often Prefer Raw IB Grades: Many competitive universities - including several in the Ivy League - will request your predicted IB grades, your official transcript and your final IB score (after results). They do not require you to convert IB grades into GPA unless self-reporting.

• Admissions Offices Are Familiar with IB: IB is globally recognised as one of the most rigorous high school qualifications. US universities will understand the 1–7 grading scale and the 45-point diploma structure. Your GPA helps admissions teams contextualise your performance, but the IB grades themselves remain the primary metric. They will also understand what constitutes a good IB score and a bad IB score.

• GPA Conversion May Affect Scholarships: Some merit-based awards require a minimum GPA. For example, a 3.5 for moderate scholarships and 3.8+ for competitive awards. Converting your IB grades into a GPA helps you check your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Official IB to GPA Conversion Formula?

No. Neither the IB Organisation nor US universities publish an official formula. However, the tables in this article are the most widely accepted standards.

Do HL Subjects Count More Toward GPA Than SL?

For weighted GPAs: yes. For unweighted GPAs: no. HL subjects usually carry +1 additional point on a 5.0 scale.

How Do US Universities Evaluate IB Grades?

They understand the grading scale. Please note: Sometimes students are awarded college credit for HL courses scored 5+. Finally, your IB transcript is often more important than your converted GPA.

Does GPA Conversion Affect Scholarship Eligibility?

Some scholarships require a minimum GPA. Converting your IB grades into a US GPA helps you see whether you meet the threshold. But official decisions are usually made using transcripts, not equivalents.

Final Thoughts

Your IB grades, predicted scores and school transcript carry more weight in admissions decisions than any conversion. If you’re applying to the US, use conversion tables as a guide but, remember, there are no official equivalent tables - always check each university’s requirements. Finally, please take note of the following guidance from the International Baccalaureate (opens in a new tab)’s website: “The best practice is for IB World Schools to submit student grades in the IB’s 1–7 grading scale, as this best represents student achievement.”

References

• IB grade conversion for universities in the USA: (opens in a new tab)https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/support-students-transition-to-higher-education/ib-grade-conversion-for-universities-in-the-usa/ (opens in a new tab)

• IB Grading Scale 1-7: Complete Conversion Guide with Examples: (opens in a new tab)https://num8ers.com/guides/ib-grading-scale-1-to-7-conversion-guide/ (opens in a new tab)

• How to Convert A-Level and IB Grades to a GPA Score: (opens in a new tab)https://www.crimsoneducation.org/uk/blog/what-is-a-good-gpa (opens in a new tab)