IELTS Scores

📚 Understanding the IELTS scoring system and band score calculation

IELTS Score Guide & Grading System

Understanding the IELTS test scoring system and band score calculation

About IELTS Band Scores

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) uses a comprehensive scoring system from 0 to 9, with half band scores (0.5) possible. Your final IELTS result is calculated as the average of four test components:

  • Listening (40 questions)
  • Reading (40 questions)
  • Writing (2 tasks)
  • Speaking (3 parts)

Band Score Scale

9 - Expert
8 - Very Good
7 - Good
6 - Competent
5 - Modest
4 - Limited
3 - Very Limited
2 - Intermittent

Raw Scores to Band Scores

For Listening and Reading tests, your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a band score:

  • Listening: 40 questions total
  • Academic Reading: 40 questions total
  • General Training Reading: 40 questions total

The conversion table varies slightly between Academic and General Training tests.

Pro Tips

  • Academic and General Training use different conversion tables
  • Most universities require a minimum overall band of 6.5 or 7.0
  • Individual section scores may have different requirements
  • Practice tests can help predict your band score