IELTS is scored from 0 to 9 in half-band steps. You get a band for each of the four modules, and the overall band is their average, rounded to the nearest half band: an average ending in .25 rounds up to .5, and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
What each band means
| Band | Official description | In practice |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | Full, flexible command of English |
| 8 | Very good user | Occasional unsystematic errors only |
| 7 | Good user | Handles complex language well; some inaccuracies |
| 6 | Competent user | Effective command despite noticeable errors |
| 5 | Modest user | Partial command; copes with overall meaning |
| 4 | Limited user | Basic competence in familiar situations |
Most universities ask for an overall 6.0 to 7.0, often with a minimum in each module. Migration and professional registration targets vary widely, so always check the exact requirement, including any minimum per module.
How the overall band is rounded
Add the four module bands and divide by four. Then round:
- An average of 6.25 becomes 6.5
- An average of 6.75 becomes 7.0
- An average of 6.1 stays 6.0
This is why one weak module matters so much. A 7, 7, 7 and 5.5 averages 6.625 and rounds to 6.5, and many institutions would also reject the 5.5 on its own.
Listening and Reading: correct answers to band
Listening and Reading each have 40 questions, and your raw score is converted to a band. The table below is a commonly used guide; the exact conversion can vary slightly between test versions.
| Band | Listening | Academic Reading | General Training Reading |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | about 35–36 | about 35–36 | about 38 |
| 7.0 | about 30–31 | about 30–32 | about 34–35 |
| 6.0 | about 23–25 | about 23–26 | about 30–31 |
| 5.0 | about 16–17 | about 15–18 | about 23–26 |
Notice that General Training Reading needs more correct answers for the same band, because the texts are easier.
Writing: the four criteria
Writing is marked on four equally weighted criteria: Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1, which is why a weak essay drags the whole Writing band down.
Speaking: the four criteria
Speaking is marked on Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation: again equally weighted. Accent is not penalised; clarity is what counts.
What this means for your preparation
Know your module-by-module profile before planning anything. Most candidates are within reach of their target in two modules and stuck in one, usually Writing. Spending time evenly across all four is the most common way preparation time gets wasted.
See our IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training programmes, or read how long IELTS preparation actually takes.
Frequently asked questions
How is the IELTS overall band score calculated?
The four module bands are averaged and rounded to the nearest half band. An average ending in .25 rounds up to .5, and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
How many correct answers do I need for band 7 in IELTS Listening?
Roughly 30 to 31 out of 40, although the exact conversion can vary slightly between test versions.
Is Writing Task 2 worth more than Task 1?
Yes. Task 2 counts for twice as much as Task 1 in the Writing band.
Does accent affect my IELTS Speaking score?
No. Examiners assess pronunciation for clarity and intelligibility, not for any particular accent.
More IELTS, SAT & English guides
- IELTS Academic vs General Training: which one do you need?
- IELTS Writing Task 2: an essay structure that works
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: charts, graphs, maps and processes
- IELTS Speaking test: parts 1, 2 and 3 explained
- IELTS Listening tips: format, question types and easy marks
- IELTS Reading strategies: timing, True/False/Not Given and headings
- All IELTS, SAT & English guides →
Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.