IELTS Band Score Calculator

Estimate your overall band score, set target scores, and track your progress with real-time gap analysis.

Listening (0-40)
26/40 6.5
Reading (0-40)
27/40 6.5
Academic conversion
Writing
Task 2 weighted double
Speaking
Your Overall Score
6.0
Need +0.5
6.0
Listening
6.5
Reading
5.5
Writing
6.5
Speaking
Progress to target 70%
You need 0.5 more in Writing
Quick Examples
?? Basic 6.0,6.0,6.0,6.0 ? University 7.5,7.0,6.5,7.0 ? Immigration 6.5,6.5,6.0,6.5 ⭐ High Scorer 8.5,8.0,7.5,8.0
CorrectBand
39-409.0
37-388.5
35-368.0
32-347.5
30-317.0
26-296.5
23-256.0
18-225.5
16-175.0
13-154.5
CorrectBand
39-409.0
37-388.5
35-368.0
33-347.5
30-327.0
27-296.5
23-266.0
19-225.5
15-185.0
CorrectBand
409.0
398.5
37-388.0
367.5
34-357.0
32-336.5
30-316.0
27-295.5
23-265.0

? Understanding Your IELTS Score

Overall band score is the average of four module scores, rounded to the nearest half using official IELTS rules:

  • .25 → round up to next half band (e.g., 6.25 → 6.5)
  • .75 → round up to next whole band (e.g., 6.75 → 7.0)
  • Other decimals round to nearest half (e.g., 6.125 → 6.0, 6.375 → 6.5)
? Listening

40 questions, raw score converted to band. Same for Academic & General.
Example: 30/40 = 7.0

? Reading

40 questions, conversion differs by test type. General Training requires more correct answers for the same band.

✍️ Writing

Task 2 is weighted double. Scores from four criteria are averaged: Task Achievement, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range.

?️ Speaking

Four criteria equally weighted: Fluency & Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range, Pronunciation.

CEFR Levels & IELTS Bands
CEFR Level IELTS Band Description
C2 8.5 – 9.0 Expert user
C1 7.0 – 8.0 Advanced / Very good user
B2 5.5 – 6.5 Upper intermediate / Competent user
B1 4.0 – 5.0 Intermediate / Modest user
A2 3.0 – 3.5 Elementary / Limited user

Universities often require B2 (6.0-6.5) for undergraduate, C1 (7.0+) for postgraduate.

Band Score Descriptors (Summary)
Band Skill Level What you can do
9 Expert Full operational command, fluent, accurate, complete understanding.
8 Very Good Fully operational with occasional unsystematic inaccuracies.
7 Good Operational command, occasional errors, handles complex language well.
6 Competent Effective command despite some inaccuracies, can use complex language.
5 Modest Partial command, many mistakes, able to handle basic communication.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How long are IELTS scores valid?
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. Some institutions may accept older scores if you can demonstrate continued proficiency.
Can I mix Academic and General Training scores?
No. You must choose either Academic or General Training for all four modules. Mixing is not allowed for official certification.
How often can I take the IELTS test?
There is no limit – you can take the test as many times as you wish. However, it is recommended to prepare adequately between attempts.
What's the difference between paper‑based and computer‑delivered IELTS?
The content and difficulty are identical. Computer‑delivered offers faster results (3‑5 days vs 13 days) and more flexible test dates.
Do universities accept 6.5 for undergraduate programs?
Many universities accept 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. However, competitive courses (e.g., medicine, law) may require 7.0+. Always check the specific institution's requirements.
How is the Writing score calculated?
Task 2 carries double weight because it is longer and more complex. The final writing score is (Task1 + 2*Task2)/3, then rounded to the nearest half band.