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Your results are presented as band scores, with each band reflecting a different level of English language proficiency and ranging from 1 to 9. You will receive a band score for each section of the test—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—as well as an overall band score.
Meaning of your IELTS score
IELTS scores are made to be simple and easy to understand. IELTS results are on a 9-band scale; they are known as band scores on a scale from 1 to 9, 1 being the lowest and 9 being the highest. All formats of IELTS use the same scoring system.
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker is proficient in the language in all operational senses. Their usage of the English language is proper, correct, and fluent, demonstrating full comprehension. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test-taker has complete command of the language, except for a few occasional unsystematic errors and incorrect usage. In unfamiliar circumstances, they could misinterpret some information. They are capable of handling complex and detailed argumentation. |
| 7 | Good user | Although there are occasional errors, incorrect usage, and misinterpretations in specific contexts, the test-taker has a solid grasp of the language. They typically recognise complex thinking and can manage sophisticated language well. |
| 6 | Competent user | Despite mistakes, misuse, and misunderstandings, the test-taker has a strong understanding of the language. In familiar settings, they can use and comprehend reasonably complex language. |
| 5 | Modest user | Despite having a limited understanding of the language, the test taker usually understands the overall meaning in most circumstances. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field or industry. |
| 4 | Limited user | Basic competency is restricted to situations that the test-taker is familiar with. They generally show understanding and communication issues. They are unable to speak in complex sentences. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | In extremely familiar situations, the test taker can only express and comprehend the generic meaning. Communication breakdowns happen frequently. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker faces great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker doesn’t have the ability to use the language except for a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
How to calculate IELTS score?
Each test - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking– is given a score. To create an overall band score, the individual scores are then summed and rounded to the nearest half band.
Section band scores
How to calculate IELTS listening score?
There are 40 questions in the IELTS Listening test. One mark is assigned to every correct answer. The IELTS nine-band scale is used to convert scores out of 40. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.
IELTS Reading scores
There are 40 questions on the IELTS Reading test. One mark is assigned to each correct response. The IELTS nine-band scale is used to convert scores out of 40. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. The grades for the Academic and General Training Reading tests are the same. The difference between the two tests basically comes down to text genre. However, materials used in Academic Reading assessments may have more challenging vocabulary or a more complicated writing style. On a General Training Reading test, it is common that more questions must be answered correctly in order to receive a certain band score. Here are the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in Listening, Academic Reading, and General Training Reading.
Listening
| Band score | Raw score out of 40 |
|---|---|
| 5 | 16 |
| 6 | 23 |
| 7 | 30 |
| 8 | 35 |
Academic Reading
| Band score | Raw score out of 40 |
|---|---|
| 5 | 15 |
| 6 | 23 |
| 7 | 30 |
| 8 | 35 |
General Training Reading
| Band score | Raw score out of 40 |
|---|---|
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 23 |
| 6 | 30 |
| 7 | 34 |
| 8 | 38 |
IELTS Writing scores
Examiners assign a band score for each of the four categories using assessment criteria:
Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2)
Lexical Resource
Coherence and Cohesion
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The average score for the task is calculated by measuring the criteria equally and the Writing band score is the average.
IELTS Speaking scores
Examiners use the assessment criteria below to determine a band score for each of the four categories:
Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation
The average score for the task is calculated by measuring the criteria equally and the Speaking band score is the average.
What is the validity of the IELTS score?
The IELTS partners recommend a 2-year validity period for the IELTS test results based on the well-established concept of second language loss or "attrition," although it is up to each organisation to determine a validity period that suits their needs. You can get your IELTS test results within a few days, depending on which type of test you take. Click here to know more about the IELTS test results.
Ask IELTS
The Listening and Reading parts of the IELTS test are scored out of 40 and then converted to a band score which ranges from band 1 to band 9.
The Listening and Reading tests contain 40 questions and each correct question will be awarded 1 mark (so the maximum a test taker can score here is 40). Band scores, ranging from band 1 to band 9, are awarded based on the raw scores.
It is common for people to achieve a different band score for each skill and completely normal to have a difference of up to two bands between skills. This occurs regardless of the language being tested and the type of language test taken. Listening and Speaking are often the strongest skills for most people.
Every IELTS test is carefully produced and tested to ensure a consistent level of difficulty across all the test versions. We want every IELTS test taker to have their true English-language ability reflected in their results, which is why we offer so many free and paid tools to help you practise and prepare.
Check out our preparation tools for tips and advice so that you can be as prepared as possible for your test date.
Since IELTS is an individual English-language proficiency test, no other test results will be able to count towards your IELTS score.
You can apply for a review of your band scores (called an Enquiry on Results) at your test centre within six weeks of the test date.
You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. If your band score changes, you will be issued a new Test Report Form (TRF).
In the IELTS Life Skills test, your results are given as a pass or fail mark.
There is no pass or fail in IELTS Academic or General Training test. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.
How is IELTS scored?
To help you work towards the IELTS score you need, watch this short video and find out how IELTS is scored in all four parts of the test.
Learn More
IELTS preparation resources
Progress Check for IELTS Academic
Prepare for IELTS with Progress Check, an official IELTS Academic practice test. Get a feedback report with indicative band scores.
Progress Check for IELTS General Training
Take an official mock test for IELTS General Training. Get a feedback report with indicative band scores marked by qualified IELTS markers.
