IB MYP grading is criterion-referenced, not norm-referenced. There are no “grade boundaries” in the sense of raw marks per paper. Instead, each subject uses four criteria, each scored 0–8. The total (out of 32) is converted to a final 1–7 grade using the IB’s grade boundaries for total criterion points. Tutopiya explains how this works for 2026.
The MYP 1–7 Scale and Total Criterion Points
From criteria (0–8 each) to final grade (1–7)
Four criteria per subject
Each MYP subject has four criteria (typically A: Knowledge and understanding, B: Investigating/Applying, C: Communicating, D: Thinking critically). Each criterion is marked from 0 to 8. The four criterion scores are added to give a total out of 32, which is then converted to the 1–7 grade using the IB’s published grade boundaries for total points.
IB MYP Grade Boundaries (Total Criterion Points to 1–7)
Standard boundaries—schools may use slight variations
| Grade | Total criterion points (out of 32) | Typical descriptor |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 28–32 | Excellent; independent, insightful |
| 6 | 24–27 | High quality; sophisticated analysis |
| 5 | 19–23 | Strong; consistent understanding |
| 4 | 15–18 | Satisfactory; meets most objectives |
| 3 | 10–14 | Developing; partial success |
| 2 | 6–9 | Basic awareness; incomplete |
| 1 | 0–5 | Minimal achievement |
School-level variation
The IB provides grade boundaries for total criterion points. Individual schools may apply slight variations, so always check your school’s MYP assessment policy. Assessment is criterion-based: you are judged against the level descriptors, not against other students.
How MYP Assessment Differs from Exam Boards
No single “raw mark” grade boundaries
Criterion-based vs mark-based
Unlike GCSE or IGCSE, the MYP does not report subject grades from a single exam raw mark. Grades come from multiple criterion scores across tasks (e.g. essays, projects, tests). Moderators and the IB ensure consistency across schools. For eAssessment (where applicable), the IB uses the same 1–7 scale and criterion boundaries.
Official IB Resources
MYP assessment and grading
IB MYP: Grading and awards
Official IB page on MYP grading, awards, and how the 1–7 scale is applied.
IB MYP Grading and AwardsMaster MYP with Tutopiya
Get criterion-focused support for MYP subjects and a strong foundation for IBDP.