IELTS Band Score: How to Calculate Your IELTS Score?

Prity Mallick

10 min read

Updated On Apr 08, 2025

Curious about the band scores in IELTS exam? Discover the IELTS Band Score: How to Calculate Your IELTS Score and dive into the score calculation, understanding overall band scores, and tips to improve your band scores and achieve a band 8+.

IELTS Band Score Calculator
IELTS Listening Band Score Chart
IELTS Reading Band Score Chart
IELTS Writing Band Score Descriptors
IELTS Speaking Band Score Descriptors
How is the IELTS Band Score Calculated?
Overall IELTS Band Score Rounding
Understanding Overall IELTS Band Scores
How to Improve your IELTS Band Score?

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The IELTS band scores reflect a test-taker’s English language proficiency level, ranging from non-user (band score 1) to expert (band score 9). It is widely utilized by universities, employers, and organizations, and the required IELTS exam band scores differ based on the specific institution or purpose of the test. The band scores of the IELTS exam are designed to be user-friendly and align with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

Here, we will discuss everything you need to know about the IELTS band score from the IELTS score charts/descriptors for each module to the overall IELTS score calculator.

Look at the CEFR vs IELTS Score Conversion 2025 to gain a better understanding.

IELTS Band Score Calculator

Each section is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, and the overall band score is calculated by averaging scores from the four test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. So, in order to use the IELTS band score calculator, test-takers need to learn about how the IELTS band score for each section is calculated whether you are taking the IELTS Academic or General Training. Remember that these scores show how good you are in English and can be used by universities and professional bodies, including nursing councils and healthcare regulators, to determine whether you can communicate effectively in real life in English.

Let's check out the video below to understand how the IELTS band scores work and how is it calculated.

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IELTS Listening Band Score Chart

Let’s have a look at the sectional IELTS band score calculator or band descriptors before moving to the overall IELTS band score. The IELTS Listening includes 40 questions in total and no points are deducted for incorrect answers. As a result, the IELTS Listening band score is calculated according to the number of correct answers as depicted in the listening band score chart below.

Number of correct answers	Band Score
39-40	9
37-38	8.5
35-36	8
32-34	7.5
30-31	7
26-29	6.5
23-25	6
18-22	5.5
16-17	5
13-15	4.5
11-12	4

IELTS Reading Band Score Chart

Just like the listening module, the band score for IELTS Reading is determined by the number of correct answers out of the total 40 questions. There is no negative marking or deduction of points for wrong responses. Since the format of this module is different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General, look at the table below to learn about the distribution of band scores for these two IELTS types.

Number of correct answers (Academic)	Number of correct answers (General)	IELTS Band Score
39-40	40	9
37-38	39	8.5
35-36	37-38	8
33-34	36	7.5
30-32	34-35	7
27-29	32-33	6.5
23-26	30-31	6
19-22	27-29	5.5
15-18	23-26	5
13-14	19-22	4.5
10-12	15-18	4
8-9	12-14	3.5
6-7	9-11	3
4-5	6-8	2.5

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IELTS Writing Band Score Descriptors

The IELTS Writing consists of two tasks, and your IELTS writing tasks will be individually evaluated by the examiner, based on four criteria. Since the task 1 is different in Academic and General Training, it is important to know the structure for the specific exam that you are taking. In the General Training, you will be asked to write a letter while in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you will need to analyse the data provided. Let's see the four criteria based on which you will be assessed in your writing module.

IELTS Writing Band Score Descriptors

Each of these criteria accounts for 25% of the total score. Since IELTS General Writing Task 1, which is a letter-writing task, is much simpler than the Task 1 for IELTS Academic, a report writing task, the marking for Task Achievement differs significantly. However, it remains the same for the other three criteria.

Let’s check out what each of these descriptors means in the table below.

Band Descriptor	Details
Task Achievement (Task 1)	Providing precise data Giving an outline Highlighting important elements or phases Providing information to support the detail
Task Response (Task 2)	Taking on the assignment (responding to the questions) Presenting appropriate, well-developed, y points which are supported by facts Establishing a clear stand and expressing your opinion when asked Giving a final perspective
Coherence and Cohesion	Structuring concepts and facts into paragraphs Every paragraph should have a single idea (T2). Using various connecting devices
Grammatical Range and Accuracy	Using a variety of sentence forms Employing various grammatical tenses Utilizing suitable punctuation Avoid grammatical mistakes
Lexical Resource	Utilizing a variety of words and paraphrasing Using collocations Making use of proper spelling Steer clear of mistakes

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IELTS Speaking Band Score Descriptors

Similar to the writing section, the band score for IELTS Speaking is also calculated based on four criteria, each of which accounts for 25% of the overall speaking band score.

IELTS Speaking Band Score Descriptors

Take a look at the table below to understand the meaning of each of these descriptors.

Band Descriptor	Details
Fluency and Coherence	Talking for an extended period Talking without pauses or hesitating Talking without adjusting for oneself Able to communicate Utilizing connecting devices
Pronunciation	Able to communicate effectively throughout the exam Able to use appropriate intonation Understanding is unaffected by accent Accurate pronouncing of words and sounds
Grammatical Range and Accuracy	Using a variety of sentence forms Employing various grammatical tenses Utilizing suitable punctuation Avoid grammatical mistakes
Lexical Resource in IELTS	Utilizing a variety of words and paraphrasing Using collocations Making use of proper spelling Steer clear of mistakes

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How is the IELTS Band Score Calculated?

With the IELTS band score being valid for two years, the IELTS band score calculation is done using a detailed and standardized process. The overall IELTS band score is calculated by averaging the four individual scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. The individual scores are equally weighted.

Here’s an overview of how the scores are determined:

Raw Scores: In each section, test-takers receive raw scores, which represent the number of correct answers or the quality of performance in the Writing and Speaking section.
Band Score Conversion: The raw scores are then converted into band scores using a conversion table, which establishes the relationship between raw scores and band scores for each section.
Section Scores: The band scores obtained in the Listening and Reading sections are determined by the number of correct answers. For example, if a test-taker scores 30 out of 40 correct answers, the corresponding band score is determined based on the conversion table.

Go through the following example for better understanding how the IELTS band score calculator works.

Example: IELTS Band Score Calculation

A test-taker has received the following IELTS band scores in each section:

Listening Band Score	Reading Band Score	Writing Band Score	Speaking Band Score
7.5	7.0	6.5	7.0

To calculate the overall IELTS band score, we first sum these scores and then divide by 4.

Overall IELTS band score = (Listening score + Reading score + Writing score + Speaking score) / 4

As per the individual scores of the IELTS sections, the overall IELTS band score of this person is 7.5+7.0+6.5+7.0=28/4 =7.0. It indicates that the test-taker is a ‘Good user’ of English.

Overall IELTS Band Score Rounding

Sometimes, the overall IELTS band score ends up in decimals, like 7.75, 6.25, etc. In such cases, certain rules are followed to come up with the final IELTS band score. Check out the rules and examples given below for an in-depth explanation.

If the average of the four scores ends in 0.25, the overall band score is rounded up to the next half band.
If the average of the four scores ends in 0.75, the overall band score is rounded up to the next whole band.
If the average of the four scores is less than 0.25 or 0.75, the overall band score is rounded down.

Example for Overall IELTS Band Score:

Let us understand the above rule with the help of some examples.

If a candidate gets 6 in IELTS Listening, 7 in Reading, 8 in Writing, 6 in Speaking, the total score is (6+7+8+6)/4 = 6.75. As per the rounding rule, 6.75 will be rounded to the next whole band, which in this case is 7. So, the candidate will get an overall band score of 7.
If a candidate’s score is IELTS Listening 6, IELTS Reading 7, IELTS Writing 8, IELTS Speaking 8, then the total score is (6+7+8+8)/4 = 7.25. According to the rule, it will be rounded up to 1/2 and then the final band they will receive is 7.5.
But if a candidate gets 6 for Listening, 6.5 for Reading, 6 for Writing, and 6 for IELTS Speaking, the total score is (6+6.5+6+6)/4 = 6.125. The rule is to round down to the nearest full band score. So they will get 6.
If a candidate gets 6.5 in listening, 6.5 in reading, 6.5 in writing, and 7 in speaking, the total score is (6.5 + 6.5 + 6.5 + 7) / 4 = 6.625. So, as per the rules, the band score will be rounded down to the nearest half-band score – i.e. the candidate will get 6.5.

It’s not that burdensome if one gets the hang of it. And, don’t forget to apply rounding rules when calculating the final IELTS band score!

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Understanding Overall IELTS Band Scores

Now, it is important to be aware of what the IELTS band score tells about the candidate’s English language proficiency. Have a look at the descriptions below in the table to understand what each band score would mean in terms of your language proficiency level.

Band Score	Proficiency Level	Description
9	Expert	Fully operational command of the language; English use is appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.
8	Very Good	Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage; May misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations but handles complex arguments well.
7	Good	Operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings; Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6	Competent	Effective command despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings; Can use and understand reasonably complex language, especially in familiar situations.
5	Modest	Partial command of the language, copes with overall meaning in most situations; Likely to make many mistakes but can handle basic communication in their field.
4	Limited	Basic competence limited to familiar situations; Frequent problems in understanding and expression.
3	Extremely Limited	Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations; Frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent	Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1	Non-User	No ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
0	Did Not Attempt the Test	Did not answer the questions.

How to Improve your IELTS Band Score?

There are a number of things you can do to improve your IELTS band score. Here are a few IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+:

Start by taking an IELTS practice test: This will give you an idea of your current level and identify your strengths and weaknesses. The more you practice, the better you will become at understanding and using English. There are many resources available to help you practice for the IELTS, including online IELTS practice tests, textbooks, and apps.
Focus on the skills you need to improve: If you are struggling with listening, for example, you can find listening practice materials online or in books.
Get regular feedback on your progress: This could be from a tutor, an online course, or a friend or family member who is fluent in English.
Take a preparation course: If you are serious about improving your IELTS band score, consider taking online preparation courses with IELTSMaterial.com, as their preparatory courses offer expert guidance, tailored strategies, and valuable resources to help you succeed. You will also receive personalized feedback and assessments, interactive lessons, and mock tests.

Knowing your IELTS band score is crucial as it determines your eligibility for universities, immigration processes, and professional opportunities in English-speaking countries. Success in the IELTS relies on understanding how to achieve your target score. It’s essential for IELTS aspirants to know how the overall IELTS band score calculator works, as it will help you set realistic goals and identify areas for improvement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my IELTS score?

Your overall IELTS band score is calculated by averaging your scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The scores for each component are equally weighted, and your overall band score is rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

What is the normal IELTS band score?

The normal IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9, with 6.5 being the average score commonly required for admission to universities and for immigration purposes in many English-speaking countries.

Is an IELTS Reading band score of 5.5 good?

A band score of 5.5 is considered to be a modest level of proficiency in the IELTS Reading test. You can understand clear and straightforward texts on familiar topics. However, a band score of 5.5 may not be sufficient for some programs or institutions because some universities may require a band score of 6.5 or higher for their English language proficiency requirements.

Is 6.25 considered as 6.5 in IELTS?

Yes, 6.25 is considered as 6.5 in IELTS as the band scores are rounded to the nearest whole or half band. This means that a test-taker with a score of 6.25 has demonstrated the same level of English language proficiency as a test-taker with a score of 6.5.

What is 33 out of 40 in IELTS listening?

A score of 33 out of 40 in IELTS Listening is equivalent to a band score of 7.5. A score of 33 out of 40 means that the test-taker answered 33 of the questions correctly. This is equivalent to a band score of 7.5, which is a good score.

How is the overall band score rounded based on the average?

If the average of the four modules ends in less than 0.25, it is rounded to the previous whole band. If it ends in more than 0.75, it is rounded to the next whole band.

What are the raw score requirements for each band in the Listening module?

The raw score requirements vary for different band scores in the Listening module. For example, to achieve a band score of 9, you need to get 39-40 correct answers, and for a band score of 8.5, you need 37-38 correct answers.

Is band 7 a good score in IELTS?

Yes, a band 7 score in IELTS is considered a good score. It indicates a “Good user” level of English proficiency, which is generally sufficient for many academic and professional purposes.

Is 6.5 IELTS score B2 or C1?

A band score of 6.5 in IELTS corresponds to level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) scale. This level indicates a “Competent user” of English, capable of handling most everyday interactions and academic tasks with some fluency and accuracy.

Is IELTS 6.5 a good score?

A score of 6.5 in IELTS is generally considered a good score. It reflects a competent level of English proficiency, allowing for effective communication in both academic and everyday contexts. This score meets the entry requirements for many universities and immigration purposes in English-speaking countries.

What if I get 9 bands in IELTS?

If you achieve a band score of 9 in IELTS, it signifies an expert level of English proficiency. This score indicates a full command of the language, with fluent and accurate communication in all contexts. It is highly regarded and may open doors to prestigious academic institutions, professional opportunities, and immigration pathways in English-speaking countries.