IB Math Internal Assessment (IA): Your Complete Starting Guide

Welcome to the first post in our special series dedicated to the IB Math Internal Assessment (IA).Whether you’re just beginning or already working on your IA, this series will help you step by step: from choosing your topic to structuring your IA and meeting each of the five IB criteria , so you can aim for the highest mark possible..

What is the IB Math Internal Assessment (IA)?

The Math IA is an individual, written exploration of a mathematical topic of your choice.

It counts for 20% of your final IB Math grade, which is significant — often enough to move your grade up by a whole level.

You can do your IA whether you’re studying:

• Analysis and Approaches (AA) or Applications and Interpretation (AI)

• Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL)

• Your final IA should usually be between 12–20 pages long. Some excellent IAs go beyond this, but aiming for this range helps you stay focused and meet the IB criteria effectively.

Tools & Tips

Most students write their IA in Microsoft Word or Google Docs.Word is generally better for formatting and has a stronger built-in equation editor, which can make writing mathematical expressions easier and neater.

How is the IA graded?

The IA is marked out of 20 marks, spread across five criteria.These criteria are the same for SL and HL students — except in Criterion E, where HL students need to include more advanced mathematics.

Your teacher plays a key role too: they’ll help you choose your topic, guide your approach, and provide written feedback on your first full draft.After your final submission, your IA is marked internally by your teacher and then moderated externally by the IB.

Remember: your teacher won’t correct everything for you. They can give advice, but the writing and final polish must be your own work.

💡 Why the IA matters (and how you can make it count)

Unlike an exam, the IA is completely under your control.

You choose when to:

• Brainstorm and select your topic

• Write your draft

• Refine your mathematical models and reflections

This freedom means you can invest time, creativity, and careful planning to produce your best possible work — and truly improve your final IB Math grade.

What’s next in this series?

In upcoming posts, we’ll go deeper into:

• Choosing the perfect IA topic

• How to meet each of the five IB criteria

• Building and presenting mathematical models

• Avoiding common mistakes that cost students marks

✅ Final tips before you start

• Choose a topic you’re genuinely curious about

• Use tools that make writing equations and diagrams easier

• Plan your work so you’re never rushing at the last minute

• Listen carefully to your teacher’s advice

Want to share your topic idea? Drop it in the comments below — we’d love to hear what you’re exploring.