IELTS Band Score Calculator
Convert your raw score out of 40 into an estimated IELTS band. Choose your test, enter how many answers you got right, and see the band instantly — with the full conversion table.
Show the full Listening conversion table
| Band | Correct answers (raw score) |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | 39–40 |
| 8.5 | 37–38 |
| 8.0 | 35–36 |
| 7.5 | 32–34 |
| 7.0 | 30–31 |
| 6.5 | 26–29 |
| 6.0 | 23–25 |
| 5.5 | 18–22 |
| 5.0 | 16–17 |
| 4.5 | 13–15 |
| 4.0 | 10–12 |
This is an approximate guide based on the standard published conversion. The official test sets its exact conversion per version, so your real band may differ by half a band.
What score do I need? Target band helper
Work backwards — pick a target band and see the minimum number of correct answers you need.
Overall band score calculator
Combine your four skill bands into an overall IELTS band, using the official rounding rule.
Your overall band is the average of the four skills, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. An average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band; ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band. (Example: 6.5, 6.5, 5.0, 7.0 averages 6.25 and rounds to 6.5.)
How IELTS Listening and Reading scoring works
Both the Listening and Reading tests contain 40 questions, each worth one mark, so your raw score is a number from 0 to 40. That raw score is then mapped to a band from 1 to 9. Nothing is subtracted for incorrect answers, so it is always worth writing something for every question.
The three tests use slightly different conversion tables. Listening and Academic Reading are the most common; General Training Reading needs a higher raw score for the same band because its texts are more everyday in style. Use the selector above to switch between them.
Frequently asked questions
How is the IELTS band score calculated?
In Listening and Reading you get one mark for each of the 40 questions. Your total number of correct answers (the raw score) is converted to a band from 1 to 9 using a fixed conversion table. There is no deduction for wrong answers.
What raw score do I need for band 7 in Listening?
In Listening you typically need about 30 out of 40 correct answers for a band 7, and around 35 for a band 8. The exact boundary can shift slightly between test versions.
Is Academic and General Training Reading scored the same?
No. The two use different conversion tables. General Training Reading generally requires more correct answers for the same band, because the texts are considered easier.
How is the overall IELTS band worked out?
Your overall band is the average of the four skill bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), rounded to the nearest half band. This tool covers the Listening and Reading raw-to-band conversion.