CAO Points Calculation

Introduction

The Leaving Certificate gives students a wide choice of subjects. For CAO points, a student's best six results are normally counted.

Most subjects are assessed at Ordinary Level and Higher Level. Some subjects also have Foundation Level. The maximum standard CAO score is 600 points from six subjects, with a possible additional 25 bonus points for Higher Level Maths where the student achieves H6 or above.

CAO points calculation

Higher Level grades run from H1 to H8 and Ordinary Level grades run from O1 to O8. For example, 90-100% at Higher Level is H1, 80-89% is H2, and 70-79% is H3. Ordinary Level follows the same percentage bands with O grades.

The table below shows how grades convert into CAO points. Our team can help students understand which subjects are counted, where the Maths bonus applies, and how subject choices affect target courses.

Example: a student who earns H3 receives 77 CAO points for that subject. A student who earns O1 receives 56 CAO points. A student who earns H4 in Higher Level Maths receives 66 points plus the 25-point Maths bonus, giving 91 points for Maths.