How IELTS Band Scores Are Calculated - A Complete Guide
Aug 22, 2025
If you're planning to study, work, or settle abroad, chances are you’ve come across the IELTS test. Recognised by over numerous institutions worldwide, including those in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, the IELTS exam assesses your English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Whether you're taking the Academic or General Training version, your performance is summed up in a score called the IELTS Band Score, ranging from 1 to 9.
But how is this score calculated, and what does each band actually mean? Understanding the scoring system can help you set clear goals and prepare more effectively. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly how your IELTS Band Score is determined; so you know what to aim for and how to plan ahead.
- What is the IELTS Band Score?
- IELTS Band Scores: Section-wise Details
- IELTS Listening and Reading Band Scores
- IELTS Writing Test Assessment Criteria
- IELTS Speaking Test Assessment Criteria
- IELTS Band Descriptors (What Each Band Means)
- Tips to Improve Your IELTS Band Score
- How KC Overseas Can Help to Get an Ideal IELTS Band Score
- FAQs
What is the IELTS Band Score?
The IELTS Band Score is a measure of your proficiency in the English language, assessed through four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored individually on a scale from Band 1 (Non-user) to Band 9 (Expert user). These individual scores are then averaged to calculate your Overall Band Score.
Whether you're taking the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training test, the format remains the same in terms of sections and scoring method. Here's a quick breakdown of what each section involves:
- Listening: 4 recorded audio clips followed by 40 questions
- Reading: 3 reading passages (different for Academic and General) with 40 questions
- Writing: 2 tasks – one based on data interpretation or letter writing, and one essay
- Speaking: A face-to-face interview with an examiner, divided into 3 parts
Each skill is marked individually, and your final Overall Band Score is the average of the four section scores. This average is rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole number. For example, if your section scores are 6.5 (Listening), 7.0 (Reading), 6.0 (Writing), and 7.0 (Speaking), your total comes to (6.5 + 7.0 + 6.0 + 7.0) ÷ 4 = 6.625, which is rounded up to Band 6.5.
This score is what universities, employers, and immigration authorities refer to when assessing your ability to communicate effectively in English.
IELTS Band Scores: Section-wise Details
Each section of the IELTS Exam is scored individually and understanding how these scores are given can help you focus your prep smartly. Let’s break it down section by section.
IELTS Listening and Reading Band Scores
Both the Listening and Reading sections are made up of 40 questions each, and your score depends on how many answers you get right. The good news is that there’s no negative marking for incorrect answers
1. IELTS Listening Score
| Correct Answers out of 40 (Raw Scores) | IELTS Listening 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 |
2. IELTS Reading Score
Before walking through the Reading section scores, you should know that the score conversion varies for the Academic and General Training tests. The number of correct answers needed for each band is slightly different in both. Take a look at the tables below to understand how your correct answers translate into IELTS Band Scores.
IELTS Reading Scores (Academic)
| Correct Answers out of 40 (Raw Score) | Band Score |
| 40-39 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 7.5 |
| 32-30 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 3 |
| 5-4 | 2.5 |
IELTS Reading Scores (General Training)
| Correct Answers out of 40 (Raw Score) | Band Score |
| 40 | 9 |
| 39 | 8.5 |
| 37-38 | 8 |
| 36 | 7.5 |
| 34-35 | 7 |
| 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 30-31 | 6 |
| 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 23-26 | 5 |
| 19-22 | 4.5 |
| 15-18 | 4 |
| 12-14 | 3.5 |
| 9-11 | 3 |
| 6-8 | 2.5 |
IELTS Writing Test Assessment Criteria
The IELTS Writing section is the same for both Academic and General Training formats in terms of how it’s scored. It includes 2 tasks, and each is evaluated based on 4 key criteria.
The assessment criteria to grant a band score are listed below:
- Task Achievement for Task 1 and Task Response for Task 2
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Task Achievement (for Task 1) |
|
Task Response (for Task 2) |
|
Coherence and Cohesion |
|
Lexical Resource
|
|
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
|
|
IELTS Speaking Test Assessment Criteria
The Speaking section consists of three parts and functions as a face-to-face interview between the examiner and the test taker. While the number of questions can vary, the examiner evaluates your performance using specific scoring criteria outlined below.
- Fluency and Coherence
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
- Pronunciation
Fluency and Coherence |
|
Lexical Resource |
|
Grammatical Range and Accuracy |
|
Pronunciation |
|
IELTS Band Descriptors (What Each Band Means)
Knowing what each band means can help you understand your performance better and set realistic goals for improvement. Here's a simple breakdown of what each IELTS band score represents, along with the skill level it reflects:
| Band Score | Skill Level | What it Means |
| 9 | Expert User | The test taker has complete operational command of the English language. Additionally, their use of English is accurate and fluent and portrays an appropriate and complete understanding of the language. |
| 8 | Very Good User | The test taker has complete operational command of the English language with minor inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. |
| 7 | Good User | The test taker has operational command of the English language with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. |
| 6 | Competent User | The test taker has an effective command of the English language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. |
| 5 | Modest User | The test taker has partial command of the language. They would be able to handle basic communication. |
| 4 | Limited User | The basic ability of the test taker is limited to familiar situations. They have problems with understanding and expressions. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited User | The test taker can convey and understands the general meanings in familiar situations. |
| 2 | Intermittent User | The test taker has difficulty understanding both, spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the English language. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not attempt and answer the questions. |
Tips to Improve Your IELTS Band Score
Improving your IELTS Band Score takes a mix of smart preparation and consistent practice. Many students also benefit from joining IELTS Online Classes, which offer expert guidance and structured learning from the comfort of home.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you prepare better:
- Know the test format inside out – Understand the structure of each section so you’re not caught off guard on test day.
- Practice with real test materials – Use sample papers or take mock tests to build speed and accuracy.
- Focus on your weaker sections – Identify where you're losing marks and work on improving those areas.
- Work on grammar and vocabulary daily – Even 20–30 minutes a day can boost your writing and speaking scores.
- Record and review your speaking – Listening to yourself can help you identify and fix pronunciation or fluency issues.
- Time your practice sessions – Simulate test conditions to manage your time better during the actual exam.
How KC Overseas Can Help to Get an Ideal IELTS Band Score
Understanding how IELTS band scores are calculated is the first step towards smart preparation. At KC Overseas, we guide you through every stage, from test registration to understanding your scores and using them for university applications. With expert trainers and personalised support, you can focus entirely on your preparation while we take care of the rest.
FAQs
1. Do different universities accept different IELTS Band Scores?
Yes, score requirements vary based on the university, course, and country. Some institutions may require higher scores in specific sections, especially for competitive programs.
2. Can I combine scores from two different IELTS tests?
No, you must submit results from a single IELTS test session. Combining scores from different test dates is not accepted by universities or visa authorities.
3. Is Band 6.5 considered a good IELTS score for studying abroad?
Yes, Band 6.5 is generally accepted by many universities worldwide. However, top-ranked institutions or programs may ask for Band 7.0 or above.
4. How often can I retake the IELTS test if I want to improve my score?
There is no limit on how many times you can retake the IELTS. You can register for another test as soon as you're ready to attempt it again.
5. What are the IELTS Exam Fees in India?
As of 2025, the IELTS exam fee in India is ₹18,000 for both the paper-based and computer-delivered Academic and General Training tests. For IELTS required by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI), the fee is slightly higher at ₹18,250.