If you're preparing for the IELTS exam, understanding how it is scored is just as important as preparing for each section. The table of IELTS band score is a standard reference that shows how raw scores are converted into the final band scores. This guide explains what the band scores mean, how they're calculated, and what universities and immigration bodies expect.
What Is the IELTS Band Score?
The IELTS band score is a scale from 0 to 9 used to report English language proficiency across four test sections:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Each section is scored separately, and the average of these scores forms the overall band score.
Table of IELTS Band Score (Raw to Band Conversion)
Listening and Reading (Raw Scores to Band Score)
The IELTS Listening and Reading sections contain 40 questions each. Raw scores (number of correct answers) are converted to band scores as shown below.
Listening Band Score Table:
| Raw Score (Correct Answers) | 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 |
| 18–22 | 5.5 |
| 16–17 | 5.0 |
| 13–15 | 4.5 |
Reading Band Score Table (Academic Module):
| Raw Score (Correct Answers) | Band Score |
|---|---|
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 33–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–32 | 7.0 |
| 27–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–26 | 6.0 |
| 19–22 | 5.5 |
| 15–18 | 5.0 |
| 13–14 | 4.5 |
Note: The General Training reading band score table has a different conversion due to easier content.
Writing and Speaking Band Score Descriptors
Writing and Speaking are assessed using specific criteria. Examiners assign scores from 0 to 9 based on:
Writing Criteria:
Task Achievement (Task 1) / Task Response (Task 2)
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Speaking Criteria:
Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation
Each criterion is scored from 0 to 9, and the average forms the final band for that module.
Overall IELTS Band Score Calculation
The overall score is the average of the four individual scores. It is rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band:
If the average ends in .25, it's rounded up to the next half band.
If it ends in .75, it's rounded up to the next whole band.
Otherwise, it’s rounded down to the nearest band.
Example:
Listening: 7.5
Reading: 6.5
Writing: 6.0
Speaking: 6.5
Average = (7.5 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 6.5) ÷ 4 = 6.625 → Final score = 6.5
What Each IELTS Band Score Means
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert | Fully operational use of English. Fluent and accurate. |
| 8 | Very Good | Occasional unsystematic errors. Handles complex language well. |
| 7 | Good | Operates with some inaccuracies, misunderstandings in unfamiliar situations. |
| 6 | Competent | Generally effective but with some errors. |
| 5 | Modest | Partial command of the language. |
| 4 | Limited | Basic competence limited to familiar situations. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. |
| 2 | Intermittent | No real communication is possible except for basic information. |
| 1 | Non-User | No ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did Not Attempt | No information provided. |
Band Score Requirements for Different Purposes
Universities, employers, and immigration departments all have minimum band score requirements.
Academic Institutions:
Top universities: 7.0–8.0
Mid-tier institutions: 6.0–6.5
Student Visa Requirements (by country):
| Country | Minimum Overall Score | Individual Section Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 6.0+ | 5.5 in each section |
| Canada | 6.0+ | 6.0 in each section (SDS) |
| Australia | 6.0+ | 6.0 or as per institution |
| USA | Varies by university | Usually 6.0–7.0 overall |
Immigration (e.g., Canada Express Entry):
CLB 9: IELTS L-8.0, R-7.0, W-7.0, S-7.0
CLB 10: All sections above 7.5+
Tips to Improve Your IELTS Band Score
Practice with real test materials from Cambridge or IDP.
Understand the scoring criteria for Writing and Speaking.
Get feedback from certified IELTS trainers.
Time your mock tests to build exam speed and accuracy.
Review the table of IELTS band score regularly to set realistic goals.
Conclusion
Understanding the table of IELTS band score gives you clarity on how each section contributes to your final score. Whether you’re targeting academic admissions or immigration, knowing how your performance is evaluated helps you focus better during preparation.
At Mindmine Global, we offer in-depth IELTS training, personalized study plans, and expert feedback—helping students consistently achieve their desired band scores.
