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What is a good IB score? Percentiles from 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 the average IB score was 30.9 points. A total of 35 or more put a student in the top 31.3%, and 40 or more in the top 10.1% of candidates with a points total.

Students and parents often ask what a good IB score is. The answer depends on where a total sits among all other diploma candidates with a points total. This page uses the IB's official provisional statistical bulletin for the May 2026 session to show where each points band falls.

The mean total in May 2026 was 30.9 points and the pass rate was 82.6%. The sections below turn the band data into plain percentiles and show how to set a realistic target.

Key figures

131,467

Diploma students

30.9

Mean total points

82.6%

Diploma pass rate

Diploma students counts everyone registered for the diploma, including anticipated and retake candidates; the mean and pass rate cover candidates who received a result.

How rare is each points band?

Total pointsStudentsThis band or higher
40-4510,521*top 10.1%
35-3922,138top 31.3%
30-3429,088top 59.2%
24-2928,481top 86.5%
20-238,852top 94.9%
11-194,655top 99.4%
0-10629everyone

* plus fewer than 10 candidates not awarded the diploma - the IB does not publish counts under 10.

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The average score in May 2026

The mean was 30.9 points, which sits in the 30-34 band. That band is the largest, with 29,088 candidates. The 24-29 band is close behind with 28,481 candidates. Across the bands, 59.2% of candidates scored 30 or more, so the middle of the field lies slightly above 30. A total in the low 30s is a typical result, not a weak one. The pass rate of 82.6% describes how many candidates were awarded the diploma, which is a separate measure from the points bands.

What the percentiles look like

The 'top share' figure shows the proportion of candidates who reached a band or higher. Reaching 40-45 puts you in the top 10.1%. Reaching 35-39 or higher puts you in the top 31.3%. Reaching 30-34 or higher puts you in the top 59.2%, and 24-29 or higher in the top 86.5%. Further down, 94.9% scored 20 or more and 99.4% scored 11 or more. The 0-10 band contained 629 candidates. The percentiles cover the 104,369 candidates with a points total. The bulletin lists 131,467 diploma candidates overall.

How 40+ and 45 compare

The 40-45 band held 10,521 diploma holders, plus fewer than 10 candidates who were not awarded the diploma and whose exact number the IB does not publish, so treat 10,521 as a minimum. The 35-39 band was more than twice as large, with 22,138 candidates. The data groups 40 to 45 together, so it does not show how many candidates reached 45 on its own. What it does show is that 45 is the top of the highest band, which only the top 10.1% of candidates reach. A 40+ is an excellent result, and 45 sits at the very top of that group.

How to set a sensible target

Start with your current predicted total and compare it with the bands above. If you are in the 30-34 band, you are already near the average of 30.9. Moving into 35-39 would take you from the top 59.2% to the top 31.3%. Then check what your target universities and courses ask for, because that matters more than a percentile. Aim for a total slightly above the requirement, so one weaker subject does not undo your plan. Make sure your target fits your subject strengths, and set the goal by band rather than by one exact number.

Key takeaways

  • The mean total in May 2026 was 30.9 points, and the pass rate was 82.6%.
  • 40-45 puts you in the top 10.1%, and 35-39 or higher in the top 31.3%.
  • 30 or more was reached by 59.2% of candidates, so the low 30s is a typical result.
  • The 40-45 count of 10,521 is a minimum, and the data does not separate out 45.
  • Set your target by university requirements and your subject strengths, not by percentile alone.

Frequently asked questions

Is 30 a good IB score?
In May 2026 the mean was 30.9 points, and 59.2% of candidates reached 30 or more. A score of 30 is therefore close to the average, and whether it is good enough depends on your university requirements.
How rare is a score of 40 or above?
The 40-45 band is the top 10.1% of candidates in May 2026. It contained 10,521 diploma holders, plus fewer than 10 candidates who were not awarded the diploma, whose exact number the IB does not publish.
Does the data show how many students got 45?
No. The IB no longer publishes the number of students achieving 45 points, and the data on this page groups 40 to 45 in a single band.

More IB statistics

See the IB points universities ask for

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Sources