Introduction
If you are reading this article, chances are that you or someone you know is preparing to prove their level of proficiency in the English language. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Its results are calculated band-wise, covering four modules: Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking, for both the Academic and General Training exams.
Therefore, it is important for you to understand how the scoring system works, since these scores are ultimately trusted by governments, employers, and thousands of universities across English-speaking countries, such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, the USA, Canada, and more, to make admission or immigration decisions accordingly.
The test uses a band scale ranging from 0 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of proficiency. So, while you are assessed individually in each module, the overall band score is derived based on those individual scores.
Let us now explore how each component is scored based on the official guidelines, understand how the overall band is calculated, and provide realistic examples to help you interpret your result accurately.
Understanding IELTS Band Scores
As you know that each section of the IELTS is scored individually; therefore, it is essential you understand the various criteria where you are marked as a candidate.
Listening and Reading:
Each of these modules presents you with 40 objective-type questions, where one correct answer carries one mark. The total raw score (out of 40) is then converted into a band score based on official conversion tables provided by the authorities.
Writing and Speaking:
These are assessed qualitatively. Certified IELTS examiners evaluate them based on specific criteria:
- Writing: Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Speaking: Usually held on a different day from the written modules (Listening, Reading, and Writing), this section focuses on your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
For both the Writing and Speaking modules, certified IELTS examiners use detailed band descriptors to assign scores directly on the 0–9 scale (in 0.5 steps). No raw score conversion is involved in these two modules.
Raw Score to Band Score for Listening and Reading (Typical Conversion for Academic IELTS)
| Raw Score (out of 40) | Band Score |
|---|---|
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
| 19–22 | 5.5 |
| 16–18 | 5.0 |
| 13–15 | 4.5 |
| 10–12 | 4.0 |
| 8–9 | 3.5 |
| 6–7 | 3.0 |
| 4–5 | 2.5 |
| 2–3 | 2.0 |
| 1 | 1.0 |
| 0 | 0.0 |
Note: General Training IELTS uses slightly different cutoffs, but the overall process remains identical.
Calculation of the Overall Band Score
For the Listening and Reading sections, an objective conversion from raw score to band score is followed. The IELTS body itself publishes official raw-to-band conversion charts (which differ slightly for Academic vs General Training Reading).
For example, in Academic Reading, your scores translate into bands as follows:
- 39–40/40 → Band 9.0
- 35–36/40 → Band 8.0
- 23–25/40 → Band 6.0
Additionally, test-takers don’t need to worry about subjective judgement in these modules, as they are either machine-scored or manually marked against fixed answers. That means your responses are assessed as either right or wrong, making the process consistent and reliable.
When it comes to the Writing module, it is evaluated by highly trained examiners who assess your performance using four equally weighted criteria (as discussed in the previous section). Each of these criteria is scored using a detailed band descriptor.
For instance, a Band 7 writer is expected to present a clear position throughout their response, use a sufficient range of vocabulary, and produce frequent error-free sentences.
Moving to the speaking module, this is a live, interactive evaluation where you sit one-on-one with the examiner. The session lasts 11 to 14 minutes and covers three parts. You are assessed on four criteria, each scored from 0 to 9. Once the interview is complete, the examiner assigns a score for each criterion (as previously discussed), and the average of these scores becomes your final Speaking band score.
So, while each module is scored independently, your overall band score is the average of the four.
Example: How the Writing Score Is Calculated
Task Achievement: 6.0
Coherence and Cohesion: 6.5
Lexical Resource: 6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 6.5
Writing Band Score = (6.0 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 6.5) ÷ 4 = 6.25
Rounded to 6.5
The Rounding Policy (as per British Council):
Average ends in .25 → Round up to the next half band
Average ends in .75 → Round up to the next whole band
Average between .1 and .24 → Round down to the nearest whole band
Examples:
- 6.125 → Rounded down to 6.0
- 6.25 → Rounded up to 6.5
- 6.75 → Rounded up to 7.0
(All other decimals are rounded to the nearest band.)
Real Examples of IELTS Score Calculation
When talking about the overall IELTS band score, it basically refers to the mean (average) of the four individual section scores: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Now that we already know how the band for each module is calculated and rounded (if required), let’s see how the overall IELTS band score is derived.
Step-by-Step Calculation:
- Add up the individual band scores from all four modules.
- Divide the total by 4 (the number of modules).
- Apply the official IELTS rounding policy to determine your final score.
Example Calculation:
If your scores are:
Listening: 7.5
Reading: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
Speaking: 6.5
Then: (7.5 + 7.0 + 6.5 + 6.5) ÷ 4 = 6.875
According to IELTS rounding rules, 6.875 is rounded up to 7.0.
Final Overall Band Score: 7.0
This method ensures your assessment is balanced and that your English proficiency is judged across all four language skills. It also confirms that no single module weighs more than the others—each contributes equally to your final score.
Example 1:
Listening: 7.5
Reading: 6.5
Writing: 7.0
Speaking: 6.0
Step 1: Add the scores → 7.5 + 6.5 + 7.0 + 6.0 = 27.0
Step 2: Divide by 4 → 27.0 ÷ 4 = 6.75
Step 3: Apply rounding → 6.75 rounds up to 7.0
Overall Band Score: 7.0
Example 2:
Listening: 8.0
Reading: 7.0
Writing: 6.5
Speaking: 7.5
Step 1: Add the scores → 8.0 + 7.0 + 6.5 + 7.5 = 29.0
Step 2: Divide by 4 → 29.0 ÷ 4 = 7.25
Step 3: Apply rounding → 7.25 rounds up to 7.5
Overall Band Score: 7.5
It is recommended that you keep tracking your module bands after each mock test and set clear, achievable goals, especially for your weaker areas. At the same time, remember to celebrate every incremental gain.
With a data-driven, forward-thinking approach, you will understand exactly where you stand and confidently chart the precise path toward your next band milestone.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A diagnosis-and-target approach works best. Start by taking timed mock tests to identify your weakest modules. Then, set specific improvement goals, such as aiming to increase by 0.5 bands each time. Expert feedback from qualified tutors can also help you pinpoint gaps and create a clear roadmap for progress.
- Complement your study routine with daily English engagement:
- Practice shadowing podcasts
- Log and revise new vocabulary
- Think or journal in English
- Review weekly study plans and reflect on gains
- Consistency and targeted preparation are key.
For undergraduate degrees, universities typically expect a minimum overall score of 6.0, with no band below 5.5. For postgraduate degrees, the minimum is usually 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0. However, always check the official website of the specific university you are applying to, as some may require a higher score (e.g., 7.0 or above) depending on the course and institution.
Absolutely! There is no limit on the number of attempts, and you can take the exam as soon as you find an available slot. IELTS exams are conducted frequently, monthly and sometimes even weekly, making them highly accessible.
There’s no mandatory waiting period between attempts. However, it's recommended to allow yourself time to prepare effectively, as simply retaking the test without preparation may not improve your score.
Also note that IELTS results are valid for 2 years; therefore, only your latest scores are considered valid for applications.
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