How the 2026 CAO Points System Works

Calculating your exact Leaving Certificate points can be highly stressful, especially when university cutoff margins are tight. At CAO Point, our calculator is programmed using the official 2026 grading framework established by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) and the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Here is exactly how your final score is generated:

1. The “Best 6” Rule

While many Irish students sit for 7 or 8 subjects during their Leaving Cert, only your 6 highest-scoring subjects are counted toward your final CAO points.

Our calculator mathematically evaluates all the grades you input, strips away your lowest-performing subjects, and sums only your top 6. (The maximum possible score achievable is 625 points).

2. The Higher Level (HL) Maths Bonus

To encourage students to take Higher Level Mathematics, the CAO awards a flat 25 bonus points to your Maths grade, provided you meet two strict criteria:

• You must score an H6 or above (between 40% and 100%) on the Higher Level Maths paper. (An H7 does not qualify).
• Your newly boosted Maths score must actually end up being one of your “Best 6” subjects.

Our calculator automatically handles this logic. It adds the 25 points first, sorts your grades, and confirms if the bonus was retained in your final score.

3. LCVP (Link Modules)

If you took the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP), it is graded on a separate scale but can be used as one of your Best 6 subjects. The points awarded are:

• Distinction: 66 points (Equivalent to an H4 or O1)
• Merit: 46 points (Equivalent to an H6 or O2)
• Pass: 28 points (Equivalent to an O4)

Data Accuracy & Privacy

Your academic privacy is our priority. This calculator runs 100% locally on your browser. We do not track, transmit, or store any of the grades or subjects you enter into this tool. All calculations are temporary and disappear as soon as you refresh or leave the page.