Leaving Cert CAO Points Calculator
Enter your subjects and grades below. This tool totals your best six subjects and automatically adds the +25 Higher Level Maths bonus if eligible.
| Subject | Grade | HL Maths? |
|---|---|---|
Tip: Tick HL Maths? only for the subject entry where you took Higher Level Mathematics.
How Leaving Cert points are calculated
The CAO points system uses your best six results from one sitting of the Leaving Certificate. Each grade is assigned a fixed points value, and your highest six are added together. If one of those subjects is Higher Level Mathematics and you score at least an H6, you also receive a 25-point bonus.
Quick points reference
| Higher Level | Points | Ordinary Level | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| H1 | 100 | O1 | 56 |
| H2 | 88 | O2 | 46 |
| H3 | 77 | O3 | 37 |
| H4 | 66 | O4 | 28 |
| H5 | 56 | O5 | 20 |
| H6 | 46 | O6 | 12 |
| H7 | 37 | O7/O8 | 0 |
| H8 | 0 | - | - |
How to use this points leaving cert calculator
- Enter up to 8 subjects (or just leave the default names and edit as needed).
- Select the grade achieved in each subject.
- Tick the HL Maths box for your Higher Level Maths row.
- Click Calculate Points to see your best six and final total.
Why students use a CAO points calculator
A good calculator helps you make better decisions before results day. You can test different grade combinations, compare realistic and ambitious outcomes, and see where one grade improvement could make the biggest impact.
For example, improving a subject from H4 to H3 adds 11 points, while moving from O2 to O1 adds 10 points. Small changes across two or three subjects can make a significant difference to your overall CAO options.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that only the best six subjects count.
- Adding the maths bonus when the grade is below H6.
- Mixing old and current grade scales.
- Ignoring course-specific minimum entry requirements.
Important note about course entry
Your CAO points are essential, but they are not the only factor. Many courses have specific subject requirements (for example, H4 in a science subject, or an O6/H7 in a language). Always check the latest official CAO handbook and individual college requirements.
This calculator is designed for planning and estimation, so use it as a guide and confirm all details with official sources.