Flexible conversion tool
Convert an IB grade to a percentage estimate
Choose a profile, select the grade, and use custom mappings when a school or institution supplies its own table.
Example data table
Active grade-to-percentage mapping
The table updates to reflect the currently selected profile or the custom values entered above.
| IB grade | Percentage estimate | Position on the seven-grade scale |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 7 | 100.00% | Highest grade |
| Grade 6 | 83.33% | Intermediate grade |
| Grade 5 | 66.67% | Intermediate grade |
| Grade 4 | 50.00% | Intermediate grade |
| Grade 3 | 33.33% | Intermediate grade |
| Grade 2 | 16.67% | Intermediate grade |
| Grade 1 | 0.00% | Lowest grade |
Formula used
How the estimate is calculated
The correct formula depends on the conversion profile you select.
Custom grade mapping
This option uses the exact value entered for the selected grade. It is the best choice when the receiving organization supplies a conversion table.
Linear scale
This spreads the seven grades evenly from 0% to 100%.
Proportional scale
This compares the selected grade directly with the highest possible grade.
How to use this calculator
Get a clear conversion estimate
- Select the IB course grade you need to convert.
- Choose a conversion profile. Select Custom grade mapping for a recipient-provided table.
- For custom conversion, enter a percentage for every grade from 1 through 7.
- Choose the number of decimal places needed for the form or comparison.
- Select Calculate percentage. The result appears above the form.
- Use Download CSV or Download PDF to save the calculation details.
Guide
Understanding IB grades and percentage equivalents
Grades and raw marks are different
An IB grade is not the same as a raw exam percentage. The Diploma Programme reports course achievement on a seven-point scale. Grade 7 is the highest result. Grade 1 is the lowest result. Schools, universities, scholarship bodies, and national systems may interpret those grades differently. That is why a percentage calculator should show an estimate, not an official universal replacement.
Start with the recipient's policy
A useful conversion starts with the recipient's published policy. Some institutions provide a table that assigns one percentage to every grade. Others use a range, a midpoint, or a special conversion for higher level subjects. A few use the total diploma score instead of individual subject grades. Check whether your application asks for predicted grades, final results, course grades, or total points. These choices can change the correct method.
Choose the right profile
This calculator offers flexible profiles for that reason. The custom profile lets you enter a percentage for each grade from 1 through 7. Use it when a university, school, employer, or equivalency authority has supplied a conversion table. The linear profile spreads seven grades evenly from zero to one hundred. The proportional profile divides the selected grade by seven. It may not match a recipient's specified admissions policy.
Apply the formula carefully
The formula depends on your profile. A custom profile returns the percentage attached to your selected grade. A linear profile uses (grade minus 1) divided by 6, then multiplies by 100. A proportional profile uses grade divided by 7, then multiplies by 100. The calculator can keep a selected number of decimal places. This avoids unwanted rounding while you compare options.
Check inputs before conversion
Before calculating, decide which grade you want to convert. Choose a single course grade for a subject-specific result. Do not mix individual grades with the 45-point diploma total. They measure different things. Enter percentages only after verifying the scale. Keep each custom value between zero and 100. Also ensure higher grades never map to lower percentages. This produces a sensible conversion table and helps catch typing errors. If a policy lists ranges, use the exact value requested by the recipient. Otherwise, record whether you selected a midpoint, a lower bound, or an upper bound.
Present the estimate responsibly
Use the result carefully. It is best suited to preliminary comparisons, personal records, and forms that request an estimate. Do not alter an official transcript. Do not assume one institution’s mapping will work elsewhere. Ask the receiving institution when its policy is unclear. Keep a copy of the published rule with your application materials. This makes your calculation easier to explain.
Keep the original result visible
A grade conversion is only one part of an academic review. Course level, subject choice, predicted status, core points, and local requirements can also matter. For a stronger application, present the original IB result beside the converted estimate when permitted. Label the conversion method clearly. Include the policy source where a form allows notes. Clear documentation prevents confusion and helps reviewers understand your achievement fairly.
Frequently asked questions
IB grade percentage conversion questions
1. Does IB publish one universal grade-to-percentage conversion?
No. The IB uses grades from 1 to 7, while receiving institutions may set their own conversion approach. Use the rule supplied by the organization requesting the percentage.
2. Which profile should I select?
Select Custom grade mapping when a school, university, employer, or authority gives you a table. Use the linear or proportional option only for comparisons or when a recipient specifically permits it.
3. Can I convert predicted grades?
Yes, when a form accepts predicted results. Clearly label the value as predicted. Do not present a predicted conversion as a final awarded result.
4. Does Higher Level use a separate percentage formula?
Some institutions may apply their own subject or level rules. This calculator lets you enter a separate custom table when needed. Confirm the recipient’s requirements before converting.
5. Why does the calculator show an estimate?
A numerical percentage depends on the profile selected. Different recipients can assign different values to the same IB grade. The estimate makes the chosen assumption visible.
6. Can I use the calculator for the full diploma total?
No. This page converts one course grade from 1 to 7. A full diploma result uses subject grades and possible core points, so it needs a separate calculation.
7. What does the linear option calculate?
It places Grade 1 at 0% and Grade 7 at 100%, with equal intervals between them. It is a mathematical reference scale, not a universal admissions conversion.
8. What does the proportional option calculate?
It divides the selected grade by 7 and multiplies by 100. This shows the grade as a share of the highest possible grade.
9. Can custom values be repeated?
Yes. The calculator allows equal neighboring percentages. However, higher grades cannot map to lower percentages because that would create an inconsistent conversion table.
10. Are CSV and PDF exports official documents?
No. They save your calculation and selected assumptions. They do not replace an official transcript, school profile, or conversion letter.
11. What should I do before submitting a converted percentage?
Always confirm the required institutional conversion policy before applying.