How are Leaving Cert points calculated?

Leaving Cert points are calculated by matching your exam grades (H1-H8 or O1-O8) to the official CAO points scale, then adding the points from your six best subjects. H1 = 100 pts, H2 = 88 pts down to H8 = 0 pts. O1 = 56 pts down to O7 = 0 pts. If you scored H6 or above in Higher Level Maths, an extra 25 bonus points are added.

How many subjects count for CAO points?

Only your best 6 subjects count towards your CAO points total. You can sit up to 8 subjects in the Leaving Cert, but only the top 6 highest-scoring results are used.

Do you get 25 bonus points for Ordinary Level Maths?

No. The 25 bonus points only apply to Higher Level (HL) Mathematics. You must achieve a grade of H6 or above (40% or more) at Higher Level to receive the bonus points.

What is the difference between CAO points for Higher and Ordinary Level?

Higher Level (HL) awards significantly more points: H1 = 100, H2 = 88, H3 = 77, H4 = 66, H5 = 56, H6 = 46, H7 = 37, H8 = 0. Ordinary Level (OL) awards fewer: O1 = 56, O2 = 46, O3 = 37, O4 = 28, O5 = 20, O6 = 12, O7 = 0, O8 = 0.

CAO Points Calculator 2026 | Leaving Cert Points Calculator Ireland

CAOPointsCalculator.com

Updated for 2026

CAO Points Calculator
Leaving Cert 2026 — Ireland

Q: What is the maximum CAO points score?

The maximum CAO points score is 625 points. This is achieved by getting six H1 grades (6 × 100 = 600 points) plus the 25 bonus points for Higher Level Mathematics.

Enter your Leaving Cert grades below and instantly calculate your CAO points score. Free, fast, and accurate.

Enter Your Leaving Cert Grades

Your estimated CAO points (top 6 subjects)

ℹ️ This is an estimate based on your grades. Official points are calculated by the CAO after results are released.

Official CAO Points Scale 2026

Grade	Percentage	Higher Level (HL)	Ordinary Level (OL)
H1 / O1	90–100%	100	56
H2 / O2	80–89%	88	46
H3 / O3	70–79%	77	37
H4 / O4	60–69%	66	28
H5 / O5	50–59%	56	20
H6 / O6	40–49%	46	12
H7 / O7	30–39%	37	0
H8 / O8	0–29%	0	0

⭐ HL Maths bonus: If you achieve H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics, add 25 extra points to that subject. Maximum total: 625 points.

How to Calculate Leaving Cert CAO Points

The CAO points system is used by all Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to award college places. Here’s exactly how it works:

Step 1 — Match your grade to a points value

Each grade at Higher Level (H1–H8) or Ordinary Level (O1–O8) maps to a fixed points value. Use the table above or our calculator to look these up instantly.

Step 2 — Add the HL Maths bonus (if applicable)

If you sit Higher Level Mathematics and score H6 or above (40%+), you receive an additional 25 bonus points on top of your Maths grade. This applies to HL Maths only — not any other subject, and not Ordinary Level Maths.

Step 3 — Take your best 6 subjects

You may sit up to 8 subjects in the Leaving Cert. The CAO automatically takes your highest 6 results. Our calculator does this automatically — just enter all your grades and it finds your top 6.

Step 4 — Add them up

The total of your best 6 subjects (with any applicable bonus) is your CAO points score. The maximum possible score is 625 points (six H1 grades at 100 points each, plus 25 bonus points for HL Maths).

Higher Level vs Ordinary Level — which should you choose?

Higher Level subjects are worth significantly more points. A H1 in Higher Level (100 pts) compared to an O1 in Ordinary Level (56 pts) is a 44-point difference. However, if you struggle in a subject at Higher Level, dropping to Ordinary Level can actually increase your points by securing a higher grade. Use our calculator to compare scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are Leaving Cert CAO points calculated?

Your CAO points are calculated by matching each of your Leaving Cert grades to the official points scale, adding any HL Maths bonus, then summing your top 6 results. The calculation is the same for all Irish universities and institutions using the CAO system.

What is the maximum CAO points score in 2026?

The maximum CAO points score is 625 points. This requires six H1 grades (6 × 100 = 600 points) plus the 25 bonus points for achieving H6 or above in Higher Level Mathematics.

How many subjects are included in the CAO points calculation?

Only your best 6 subjects count towards your CAO points total. You can sit up to 8 subjects, and the CAO system automatically selects the 6 highest-scoring results. Irish and English (or another language) may be requirements for specific courses, but the points calculation itself uses only the top 6 regardless of subject.

Do I get bonus points for Ordinary Level Maths?

No. The 25 bonus points only apply to Higher Level (HL) Mathematics. You must score H6 (40% or above) at Higher Level to qualify. Ordinary Level Maths does not attract any bonus points.

Is this CAO points calculator accurate for 2026?

Yes. This calculator uses the official CAO points scale which has been in place since 2017. The scale is confirmed for 2026: H1=100, H2=88, H3=77, H4=66, H5=56, H6=46, H7=37 at Higher Level. However, this gives an estimate — official points are calculated by the CAO directly after results are released in August 2026.

Does Irish count in CAO points?

Irish is included in the CAO points calculation in the same way as any other subject — it counts towards your top 6 if it is one of your best subjects. However, some courses require a minimum grade in Irish (e.g., H4 for teaching courses), regardless of overall points.

When are CAO offers made based on points?

CAO Round 1 offers are typically made in mid-August, shortly after Leaving Cert results are released. Round 2 offers follow in late August / early September. Acceptance deadlines are usually within a few days of each round.

CAO Points Calculator Leaving Cert 2026 — Ireland