IELTS Band Score Calculator
Enter your Listening and Reading correct answers to convert them to band scores, then add your Writing and Speaking bands to get your official overall score.
Step 1 — Module
Academic Reading uses a stricter conversion table than General Training.
Step 2 — Enter Your Scores
Step 3 — Your Result
L
7.0
R
6.5
W
6.5
S
6.5
Overall Band Score
6.5
Competent User
Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
Common Requirements
Oxford / Cambridge
Varies by course
Russell Group / QS Top 100
Most programmes
UK Skilled Worker Visa
SELT test accepted
Australian Student Visa
Some courses require 7.0
Canadian Immigration (IRCC)
CLB 7 equivalent
NMC (UK Nursing)
All 4 skills ≥ 7.0
GMC (UK Doctors)
All 4 skills ≥ 7.5
Requirements are indicative minimums. Always confirm directly with the institution.
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Get Writing FeedbackHow IELTS band scores are calculated
Your overall IELTS band score is the average of four component scores — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — each marked on a 0–9 scale in 0.5 increments. The average is rounded to the nearest 0.5. This means the difference between a 6.5 and a 7.0 overall can come down to a single half-band improvement in your weakest skill.
Many universities and immigration programmes also set minimum scores per skill — not just the overall. Always check the specific requirements of your target institution before deciding which skill to prioritise.
Frequently asked questions
How is the overall IELTS band score calculated?
The overall band is the average of your four component scores — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — each marked from 0 to 9. The average is rounded to the nearest 0.5. For example, 6.0 + 6.5 + 7.0 + 7.5 = 27 ÷ 4 = 6.75, which rounds up to 7.0 overall.
Can I get 7.0 overall if one skill is low?
Yes, but it's difficult. A 5.0 in one skill requires compensating scores of 8.0+ in others to average 7.0. Also, many universities and visa programmes set minimum scores per skill — so even if your overall is 7.0, you may still fail a per-skill requirement.
Which skill is hardest to improve quickly?
Writing is typically the hardest because it requires developing both accuracy (Grammar) and range (Vocabulary, Task Achievement). Listening and Reading can improve faster with targeted past-paper practice. Speaking improves with consistent practice but fluency development takes time.
What is the difference between Academic and General Training scoring?
Listening and Speaking are identical for both modules. Reading differs — Academic uses academic texts, General Training uses everyday texts. Writing also differs — Academic Task 1 is a graph/chart description, General Training Task 1 is a letter. Both use the same 0–9 band scale.
How long are IELTS band scores valid?
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. Most institutions and visa authorities will not accept results older than two years. Some organisations may accept older results in exceptional circumstances, but this is at their discretion.