What was the mean grade in IB Computer Science in May 2026?

The mean grade was 4.8 at HL and 4.4 at SL. These figures come from the IB's provisional bulletin for May 2026, and a final version follows later in the year.

How did IB Computer Science change compared with May 2025?

Both levels moved up slightly. HL went from 4.7 in May 2025 to 4.8 in May 2026, and SL went from 4.3 to 4.4. The change is small, so it suggests stability rather than a real shift.

Is it easier to get a grade 7 at HL or SL?

In May 2026 a larger share of HL candidates received a 7 (10.9%) than at SL (8.4%). This compares shares only. It does not show that HL is easier, as the groups of candidates may differ.

IB subject statistics

IB Computer Science grade distribution and average grade, May 2026

By Michael Thompson - Head of Teaching Excellence; 15 years as an IB Coordinator

Published 5 October 2026Data: IB Diploma Programme provisional statistical bulletin, May 2026

Short answer: In May 2026, IB Computer Science students averaged 4.8 at HL (4,536 students) and 4.4 at SL (4,140). 10.9% of HL and 8.4% of SL students scored a 7, and the most common grade was 5 at HL and 3 at SL.

This page summarises how candidates performed in IB Computer Science in the May 2026 session, using the IB's official statistical bulletin for that session. The figures are from the provisional bulletin, and a final version follows later in the year, so small changes are possible.

In May 2026 there were 4,536 HL candidates and 4,140 SL candidates. Below we look at the mean grades, how the grades are spread, how HL and SL compare, and how both levels moved against May 2025.

Key figures

Level	Students	Mean grade	Share of 7s	vs May 2025
HL	4,536	4.8	10.9%	+0.1
SL	4,140	4.4	8.4%	+0.1

Grade distribution, May 2026

Grade distribution, May 2026
Grade	Higher Level	Standard Level
1	0.5%	1.4%
2	4.8%	7.2%
3	14.9%	21.3%
4	19.0%	20.0%
5	25.2%	20.6%
6	23.5%	19.0%
7	10.9%	8.4%

Grade 1-7, % of studentsHigher LevelStandard Level

Aiming for a 6 or 7 in Computer Science?Computer Science tutoring

What the mean grade and distribution show

The mean grade was 4.8 at HL and 4.4 at SL, so the average candidate at both levels landed around the middle of the 1 to 7 scale. The distributions are fairly broad rather than bunched at one end. At HL the most common grade was 5 (25.2%), followed by grade 6 (23.5%) and grade 4 (19%). Grade 7 was awarded to 10.9% and grade 1 to just 0.5%. Grades 5, 6 and 7 together cover more than half of all HL candidates. In other words, the subject rewards solid performance, while the very top grade is still reached by only about one candidate in ten at HL.

HL compared with SL

HL had the higher mean (4.8 against 4.4) and a higher share of grade 7 (10.9% against 8.4%). The SL distribution sits lower overall. Its most common grade was 3 (21.3%), narrowly ahead of grade 5 (20.6%) and grade 4 (20%). Grades 1 and 2 made up 1.4% and 7.2% of SL candidates, against 0.5% and 4.8% at HL. Grades 5, 6 and 7 together reach just under half of SL candidates. These are comparisons of shares, not head counts. The gap could reflect who chooses each level, for example students with more programming experience opting for HL, but the bulletin does not tell us why.

Movement against May 2025

Both levels edged up. The HL mean rose from 4.7 in May 2025 to 4.8 in May 2026, and the SL mean rose from 4.3 to 4.4. The gap between the levels therefore stayed about the same. A change of this size is small, so it is best read as stability rather than a clear shift in difficulty or in candidate performance.

What this means for choosing and preparing

Computer Science is not an unusually harsh or generous subject by these figures. Grades 5 and 6 are common at HL, and a grade 7 is within reach but not routine. If you already enjoy programming and problem solving, the HL results suggest a good chance of a solid grade. SL is a sensible option if you want the subject without the extra workload, but plan for a spread of outcomes, as grade 3 was the most common SL result. In preparation, practise past-paper style questions regularly, keep up with coding work throughout the course, and do not leave the written theory until the end. These are general study suggestions, not conclusions drawn from the bulletin.

Key takeaways

May 2026 mean grades: 4.8 at HL and 4.4 at SL, based on the provisional bulletin.
Grade 7 was awarded to 10.9% of HL candidates and 8.4% of SL candidates.
Both means rose slightly from May 2025 (HL 4.7, SL 4.3), so the picture is one of stability.
HL grades cluster at 5 and 6, while the most common SL grade was 3.

Frequently asked questions

What was the mean grade in IB Computer Science in May 2026?: The mean grade was 4.8 at HL and 4.4 at SL. These figures come from the IB's provisional bulletin for May 2026, and a final version follows later in the year.
How did IB Computer Science change compared with May 2025?: Both levels moved up slightly. HL went from 4.7 in May 2025 to 4.8 in May 2026, and SL went from 4.3 to 4.4. The change is small, so it suggests stability rather than a real shift.
Is it easier to get a grade 7 at HL or SL?: In May 2026 a larger share of HL candidates received a 7 (10.9%) than at SL (8.4%). This compares shares only. It does not show that HL is easier, as the groups of candidates may differ.