MYP Mathematics
Grade descriptors
MYP mathematics is reported on a 1–7 scale. These descriptors describe the performance expected at each grade level across the four criteria.
Minimal achievement
The student demonstrates minimal awareness of some of the objectives and rarely shows ability to apply mathematics in real-life situations. Work is rarely complete and frequently contains errors.
Total score: 1–5 out of 32
Very limited achievement
The student demonstrates very limited knowledge and understanding of basic mathematical concepts. They can carry out simple routine procedures with limited accuracy. Mathematical communication is rarely appropriate.
Total score: 6–9 out of 32
Limited achievement
The student demonstrates limited knowledge of mathematical concepts and understanding. They can carry out some routine procedures with partial accuracy. Patterns are sometimes recognised but conjectures are not well formulated.
Total score: 10–14 out of 32
Adequate achievement
The student demonstrates adequate knowledge of concepts and applies mathematical techniques correctly in routine situations. Patterns are recognised and general statements attempted, though justification may be incomplete.
Total score: 15–18 out of 32
Substantial achievement
The student demonstrates a reasonable command of mathematical concepts, applies techniques accurately in a range of contexts, communicates mathematical reasoning clearly, and makes attempts at justifying general results. Real-life problems are approached with appropriate strategies.
Total score: 19–23 out of 32
Very high achievement
The student demonstrates a strong command of mathematical knowledge and understanding. They apply techniques accurately across familiar and some unfamiliar contexts, formulate and test conjectures well, and communicate mathematical reasoning with precision. Reflections on real-life contexts are generally appropriate.
Total score: 24–27 out of 32
Excellent achievement
The student demonstrates an excellent and thorough command of mathematical concepts, applies techniques with consistent accuracy in a wide range of contexts including unfamiliar ones, formulates and justifies generalisations convincingly, and communicates mathematical ideas with precision and elegance. Real-life problems are solved fully with appropriate reflection on limitations.
Total score: 28–32 out of 32
A note on grade boundaries
The mark ranges shown above are illustrative. The IB publishes new grade boundaries each assessment session; boundaries may shift slightly each year depending on the difficulty of the tasks. The boundaries shown on this page are approximate middle-of-range values based on typical IB guidance. For the exact boundaries applicable to any given assessment, refer to the mark scheme provided with the task.