How CAO points are calculated
For entry to most Irish higher education courses, the CAO converts your Leaving Certificate grades into points using the Common Points Scale and adds up your best six subjects. Higher Level grades are worth more than Ordinary Level, and Higher Level Mathematics carries a bonus. The maximum is 625 points: six H1s (600) plus the 25-point maths bonus.
| Higher | Points | Ordinary | 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 | 0 |
| H8 | 0 | O8 | 0 |
The Higher Maths bonus
An extra 25 points are added to Higher Level Mathematics at grades H1 to H6. An H6 is worth 46 points, so with the bonus it counts as 71. The bonus only helps if maths, including the bonus, ends up in your best six; the calculator checks this for you and tells you whether your bonus counted. There is no bonus for Ordinary Level Maths or for H7 and H8.
Worked example
The grades pre-filled above are English H3 (77), Irish H4 (66), Mathematics H4 (66 + 25 = 91), French H5 (56), Biology H3 (77), Chemistry H4 (66) and Geography O1 (56). Sorted, the best six are 91, 77, 77, 66, 66 and 56:
91 + 77 + 77 + 66 + 66 + 56 = 433 points
One 56-point result is dropped as the seventh subject. If the maths grade were an H7 instead, it would be worth 37 points with no bonus, fall out of the best six, and the total would drop to 398.
Points aren’t the only requirement
Every course also has minimum entry requirements (for example two H5s and four O6/H7s, a pass in Irish and English, or a specific grade in a subject such as H4 in Chemistry). Meeting the points but missing a subject requirement means no offer. Points for each course (the “cut-off”) are set by demand each year after results, so last year’s figure is a guide, not a promise. Some courses add their own tests or portfolios.
Tips
- Weigh Higher vs Ordinary carefully. An H7 (37) is worth the same as an O3 and less than an O2 (46), so a Higher Level paper pays off mainly if you can reach H6 (46) or better.
- Count your seventh subject. Many students sit seven or eight subjects; only the best six count, so an extra subject acts as insurance.
- Check matriculation. Universities require specific subjects, often including Irish (unless exempt), English and Maths.
Questions students ask
What is the maximum number of CAO points?
625: six H1 grades (600 points) plus the 25-point bonus for Higher Level Maths.
How many points is an H6 in Higher Maths?
71 points: 46 for the H6 plus the 25-point Higher Maths bonus, as long as maths is in your best six.
Do Ordinary Level grades count for CAO points?
Yes. An O1 is worth 56 points, the same as an H5, down to 12 points for an O6. O7 and O8 earn no points.
Does LCVP count as one of my six subjects?
Yes. The LCVP Link Modules can count as one of your best six, worth 66 for a Distinction, 46 for a Merit or 28 for a Pass.
Are Foundation Level grades counted?
Not in the standard points scale. Some institutions accept Foundation Level Maths or Irish for particular courses; check with the college.
Sources
Checked: November 2026
Results are estimates for planning. Your school, college or testing organization calculates your official numbers. UPMYGPA is not affiliated with College Board, ACT, LSAC or the AAMC.