Is IB History HL harder than SL?

The mean grade is lower at HL (4.5) than at SL (4.8), but that does not prove HL is harder. The two groups of candidates may differ, and the bulletin does not explain the gap. Choose by interest and course requirements.

How many candidates got a 7 in History in May 2026?

As shares of all candidates, 2.6% at HL and 3.3% at SL received a 7. These are percentages, not head counts, so they should be compared as shares only.

Did History grades go up compared with May 2025?

Slightly. The HL mean moved from 4.4 in May 2025 to 4.5 in May 2026, and the SL mean from 4.7 to 4.8. The May 2026 figures are provisional and a final version follows later in the year.

IB subject statistics

IB History 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 History students averaged 4.5 at HL (38,195 students) and 4.8 at SL (9,460). 2.6% of HL and 3.3% of SL students scored a 7, and the most common grade at both levels was 5.

This page uses the IB's official statistical bulletin for the May 2026 session to show how IB History was graded. The May 2026 figures come from the IB's provisional bulletin, and a final version follows later in the year, so small revisions are possible.

History had 38,195 candidates at Higher Level (HL) and 9,460 at Standard Level (SL). Below we look at the mean grades, the spread of results, the gap between the two levels and the change since May 2025.

Key figures

Level	Students	Mean grade	Share of 7s	vs May 2025
HL	38,195	4.5	2.6%	+0.1
SL	9,460	4.8	3.3%	+0.1

Grade distribution, May 2026

Grade distribution, May 2026
Grade	Higher Level	Standard Level
1	0.4%	0.3%
2	5.2%	3.7%
3	11.3%	7.6%
4	30.9%	24.0%
5	31.4%	36.7%
6	15.5%	20.9%
7	2.6%	3.3%

Grade 1-7, % of studentsHigher LevelStandard Level

Aiming for a 6 or 7 in History?History tutoring

What the mean grade and distribution show

The mean grade was 4.5 at HL and 4.8 at SL. At HL, the grade distribution was: 0.4% of candidates received a 1, 5.2% a 2, 11.3% a 3, 30.9% a 4, 31.4% a 5, 15.5% a 6 and 2.6% a 7. These percentages are shares of all candidates, and the small remainder received no grade. The two most common grades at both levels are 4 and 5, so the typical History result sits in the middle of the scale. A 7 is rare, and a 1 is rarer still.

HL compared with SL

SL results sit higher than HL results. At SL, 36.7% of candidates received a 5, 20.9% a 6 and 3.3% a 7, against 31.4%, 15.5% and 2.6% at HL. At the lower end, grades 2 and 3 account for 3.7% and 7.6% of SL candidates but 5.2% and 11.3% of HL candidates. These are shares, not head counts, and HL has far more candidates in History than SL. The data cannot explain the gap. It could reflect who chooses each level, how candidates prepare, or other factors, so it should not be read as one level being easier or harder.

Movement since May 2025

Mean grades rose slightly at both levels compared with May 2025. HL went from 4.4 to 4.5 and SL from 4.7 to 4.8. The movement is small, and one session cannot tell us whether it is a trend or normal year-to-year variation. The ordering is unchanged: SL has the higher mean in both sessions. Because the May 2026 figures are provisional, the final bulletin may adjust them slightly.

What this means for subject choice and preparation

Choose HL or SL in History mainly on interest, how much written work you want to take on, and what your target universities or courses ask for. The mean grade should not decide it. Since grades 4 and 5 are the most common outcomes at both levels, the difference between an average and a strong result is often a single grade step, so consistent work across the whole course matters more than a last-minute push. A 7 was awarded to 2.6% of HL and 3.3% of SL candidates, so aim for 6 as a strong, realistic target and treat 7 as a stretch goal. Practise with past papers and examiner-style feedback early in the course.

Key takeaways

Mean grades in May 2026 were 4.5 at HL and 4.8 at SL.
Grades 4 and 5 are the two most common results at both levels.
A 7 was awarded to 2.6% of HL and 3.3% of SL candidates.
Both means rose slightly from May 2025: HL from 4.4 to 4.5, SL from 4.7 to 4.8.
These are provisional figures, and the HL/SL gap alone does not show which level is easier.

Frequently asked questions

Is IB History HL harder than SL?: The mean grade is lower at HL (4.5) than at SL (4.8), but that does not prove HL is harder. The two groups of candidates may differ, and the bulletin does not explain the gap. Choose by interest and course requirements.
How many candidates got a 7 in History in May 2026?: As shares of all candidates, 2.6% at HL and 3.3% at SL received a 7. These are percentages, not head counts, so they should be compared as shares only.
Did History grades go up compared with May 2025?: Slightly. The HL mean moved from 4.4 in May 2025 to 4.5 in May 2026, and the SL mean from 4.7 to 4.8. The May 2026 figures are provisional and a final version follows later in the year.