Can You Get a 45 in the IB?
Quick Answer
Yes, achieving a 45/45 in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is possible, but it is extremely rare. Fewer than 1% of IB students worldwide achieve a perfect score each year.
A 45 represents near-perfect performance across:
- Six academic subjects
- The Extended Essay (EE)
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Completion of CAS requirements
What Does a 45 in the IB Actually Mean?
The maximum IB score is calculated as follows:
- Six subjects × 7 points each = 42 points
- TOK and Extended Essay = up to 3 bonus points
- Maximum total = 45 points
To achieve a 45, a student must:
- Earn 7s in all six subjects (HL and SL)
- Receive all 3 core points, typically from an A in both TOK and EE
- Successfully complete CAS
There is virtually no margin for error.
How Rare Is a Perfect IB Score?
Global Statistics
Each year:
- Approximately 0.5%–1% of IB diploma candidates achieve a 45
- This equates to roughly 2,000–3,000 students worldwide
- Out of more than 180,000 candidates globally
A 45 is therefore exceptional, even among strong IB cohorts.
What Kind of Student Achieves a 45?
Students who score 45s tend to share several characteristics:
- Highly consistent and disciplined study habits
- Strong analytical, evaluative, and writing skills
- Excellent exam technique and command-term awareness
- Strategic use of past papers and markschemes
- Strong time management across subjects and core components
- Thoughtful engagement with CAS and a well-executed Extended Essay
Importantly, these students are not flawless — but they are methodical, reflective, and resilient.
Strategies to Aim for a 45 (or Very Close)
Understand the Marking Criteria
Top scorers know exactly how marks are awarded and tailor their responses to meet IB expectations precisely.
Maximise Internal Assessments
IAs are one of the most controllable parts of the IB. Strong IA performance provides a safety margin if exams are not perfect.
Treat TOK and EE as High-Impact Components
The three core points are often the difference between a 42 and a 45. TOK and EE should be planned early and refined carefully.
Use Structured, High-Quality Resources
Guided practice, examiner insight, and targeted feedback significantly improve efficiency and performance.
Is It Worth Aiming for a 45?
Absolutely. Even if you fall short, aiming for a 45 often places students in the 40+ range, which is still considered outstanding by top universities worldwide.
Many elite universities regularly admit students with scores between 38 and 42, depending on subject choices and Higher Level performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many students get a 45 in the IB each year?
Roughly 1 in 100 candidates worldwide, or about 2,000–3,000 students annually.
Can you get into top universities without a 45?
Yes. Most top universities admit students with scores in the high 30s or low 40s, especially with strong HL subjects.
Is getting a 45 mostly about intelligence?
No. It is far more about consistency, strategy, and execution than raw intelligence.
Final Verdict
A perfect 45 in the IB is possible — but it is rare, demanding, and requires sustained excellence across every component of the programme. While not everyone will reach 45, striving for it sharpens skills, raises performance, and dramatically improves academic outcomes.
Whether you achieve a 45 or not, aiming high in the IB almost always pays off.
