IELTS Band Score: Calculating General and Academic Band Scores

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). You can learn more about the CEFR level and IELTS score conversion to gain a better understanding.

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.

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.

Let’s have a look at the sectional IELTS band score calculator or band descriptors before moving to the overall IELTS band score.

IELTS Listening Band Score Chart

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.

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.

IELTS Writing Band Score Descriptors

IELTS Writing consists of two tasks, and your IELTS writing tasks will be individually evaluated by the examiner, based on four criteria.

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.

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.

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

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:

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

Examples

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!

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.

• Band 9 (Expert): Fully operational command of the language; English use is appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.
• Band 8 (Very Good): Fully operational command with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage; May misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations but handles complex arguments well.
• Band 7 (Good): Operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings; Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
• Band 6 (Competent): Effective command despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings; Can use and understand reasonably complex language, especially in familiar situations.
• Band 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.
• Band 4 (Limited): Basic competence limited to familiar situations; Frequent problems in understanding and expression.
• Band 3 (Extremely Limited): Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations; Frequent breakdowns in communication.
• Band 2 (Intermittent): Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
• Band 1 (Non-User): No ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
• Band 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:

• 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.

Useful Resources

• What is a Good Score in IELTS?
• IELTS Books 2024
• IELTS Reading Tips and Techniques to Increase your Reading Speed
• How to Improve IELTS Listening Section 3 and 4?
• Use these Unknown Techniques Improve IELTS Reading Score
• All Useful IELTS Writing Lessons & Websites
• 4 Secrets of IELTS Speaking Impress your Examiner