The 0–9 scale
Each of the four sections gets a band from 0 to 9, which can include half bands (such as 6.5). Your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. Averages ending in .25 round up to the next half band, and averages ending in .75 round up to the next whole band.
Example: Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 5.0, Speaking 7.0. The average is 6.25, so the overall band is 6.5.
Overall band calculator
Listening and reading
Each has 40 questions, and each correct answer earns one mark. The raw score (out of 40) is converted to a band. The conversion can vary slightly between test versions, so treat any conversion table you see online as a guide only. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a blank.
IELTS publishes the average number of correct answers needed for each band:
| Band | Listening | Academic Reading | General Training Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 39–40/40 | 39–40/40 | 40/40 |
| 8 | about 35/40 | about 35/40 | about 38/40 (estimate) |
| 7 | about 30/40 | about 30/40 | about 35/40 |
| 6 | about 23/40 | about 23/40 | about 30/40 |
| 5 | about 16/40 | about 15/40 | about 23/40 |
General Training Reading needs more correct answers for the same band, because its texts are easier. Try a full reading or listening test to get an estimated band.
Writing: four criteria
| Criterion | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| Task achievement / task response | Answering every part of the task, with a clear overview (Task 1) or a clear position with developed ideas (Task 2) |
| Coherence and cohesion | Logical organisation, paragraphing, and linking that helps the reader |
| Lexical resource | Range and accuracy of vocabulary, including collocations and spelling |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | A mix of simple and complex sentences, mostly error-free |
Task 2 counts for more of your writing band than Task 1.
Speaking: four criteria
| Criterion | What examiners look for |
|---|---|
| Fluency and coherence | Speaking at length without long pauses, with ideas that connect |
| Lexical resource | Using a range of words to talk about different topics |
| Grammatical range and accuracy | A variety of structures, used correctly |
| Pronunciation | Being easy to understand, with natural stress and intonation |
Practise against the criteria
Try our IELTS writing practice (with model answers) and IELTS speaking practice (with fluency feedback). Official public band descriptors are available on ielts.org.
Frequently asked questions
How is the IELTS overall band calculated?
Add the four section bands and divide by four. The result is rounded to the nearest half band (.25 rounds up to .5 and .75 rounds up to the next whole band).
How many correct answers do I need for band 7?
In Listening and Academic Reading, roughly 30 out of 40 is often around band 7, but the exact number varies by test.
What does IELTS band 6.5 mean?
A competent user with some inaccuracies, generally able to use and understand fairly complex language.