Last updated: August 2026
CAO points are calculated by converting each Leaving Certificate grade into a fixed points value on the common points scale, then adding the points from your six best results in a single sitting. Higher Level grades are worth more than Ordinary Level grades, and a 25-point bonus applies to Higher Level Maths at H6 or above, giving a maximum of 625 points.
- On the CAO common points scale, a Higher Level H1 is worth 100 points and an Ordinary Level O1 is worth 56 points.
- The maximum CAO score is 625 points: 600 from six H1 grades plus the 25-point Higher Level Maths bonus.
- Only your six best results from one sitting count towards your points total.
How CAO points are calculated
Every Leaving Certificate grade you receive is worth a set number of points. Higher Level grades carry more points than Ordinary Level grades at the same grade number, because the courses are more demanding. Grades run from 1 (the highest band) to 8 (the lowest), and are written with the level in front, so H3 is a grade 3 at Higher Level and O3 is a grade 3 at Ordinary Level.
To work out your total, the CAO takes your six best results from a single sitting of the Leaving Certificate and adds their points together. Results from different years are not mixed. If you sit more than six subjects, only the six highest-scoring results count, and the rest do not add to your total.
Students who achieve H6 or above in Higher Level Maths receive an extra 25 bonus points. The bonus is added to the Higher Maths result first, so it only lifts your total if Higher Maths ends up in your best six. That is why the theoretical maximum is 625 points rather than 600.
Points alone do not secure a place. Courses also set minimum entry requirements, which can include a certain grade in subjects such as English, Irish, Maths, a laboratory science or a language. Always check the specific requirements published by the college for each course you list.
| Grade | Marks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | 90 to 100% | 100 |
| H2 | 80 to less than 90% | 88 |
| H3 | 70 to less than 80% | 77 |
| H4 | 60 to less than 70% | 66 |
| H5 | 50 to less than 60% | 56 |
| H6 | 40 to less than 50% | 46 |
| H7 | 30 to less than 40% | 37 |
| H8 | less than 30% | 0 |
Plus 25 bonus points for Higher Level Maths at H6 or above.
| Grade | Marks | Points |
|---|---|---|
| O1 | 90 to 100% | 56 |
| O2 | 80 to less than 90% | 46 |
| O3 | 70 to less than 80% | 37 |
| O4 | 60 to less than 70% | 28 |
| O5 | 50 to less than 60% | 20 |
| O6 | 40 to less than 50% | 12 |
| O7 | 30 to less than 40% | 0 |
| O8 | less than 30% | 0 |
O7 and O8 score zero points on the common points scale.
CAO points calculator
Pick the level and grade for your six best subjects to see your total. Tick "HL Maths" on your Higher Level Mathematics result to include the 25-point bonus.
Need more than six rows, or want to compare sittings? Use the full CAO points calculator.
Course points by range
Points cut-offs are set each year by demand: the last applicant offered a place sets the cut-off for that course and round. Use the ranges below to explore courses in our search, then check the official CAO points for the most recent year on each course page.
CAO points FAQs
This guide explains the CAO common points scale in general terms. Always confirm points, dates and entry requirements with the CAO and the course provider before making decisions.