How Points Are Calculated
Your CAO points total is calculated from your six best subjects (one sitting). English and Mathematics must be included if they are among your best six: if not, the next best subjects are used instead. Some courses also require a minimum grade in a specific subject.
Higher Level Points
| Grade | Percentage Range | Points |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | 90 — 100% | 100 |
| H2 | 80 — 89% | 88 |
| H3 | 70 — 79% | 77 |
| H4 | 60 — 69% | 66 |
| H5 | 50 — 59% | 56 |
| H6 | 40 — 49% | 46 |
| H7 | 30 — 39% | 37 |
| H8 | 0 — 29% | 0 |
Ordinary Level Points
| Grade | Percentage Range | Points |
|---|---|---|
| O1 | 90 — 100% | 56 |
| O2 | 80 — 89% | 46 |
| O3 | 70 — 79% | 37 |
| O4 | 60 — 69% | 28 |
| O5 | 50 — 59% | 20 |
| O6 | 40 — 49% | 12 |
| O7 | 30 — 39% | 0 |
| O8 | 0 — 29% | 0 |
Foundation Level
Foundation Level grades (F1 — F8) do not attract CAO points. They can be used to satisfy minimum entry requirements for some courses but will not contribute to your points total.
Bonus Points for Higher Level Maths
Students who take Higher Level Mathematics receive 25 bonus CAO points if they achieve a grade H6 or better. The bonus is added after your 6 best subjects are calculated.
Example: If you score H5 (56 points) in Higher Level Maths, you get 56 + 25 = 81 points contributing to your total.
Maximum Possible Points
The maximum CAO points achievable is 625 (6 × H1 at 100 points each + 25 bonus points for Higher Level Maths H6 or above). Without the Maths bonus, the maximum is 600.
Points Calculation Example
Student A's results:
- English: H2 (88 points)
- Maths HL: H5 (56 + 25 bonus = 81 points)
- Irish: H3 (77 points)
- Biology: H1 (100 points)
- Chemistry: H2 (88 points)
- French: H3 (77 points)
- History: H4 (66 points) ← not counted
Total: 88 + 81 + 77 + 100 + 88 + 77 = 511 points
Points Per Course
Every year, the CAO publishes the minimum points required for each course in the previous year. These fluctuate based on demand, supply of places and exam performance. Check www.cao.ie for the latest points tables.