IELTS Score Calculator

Calculate your overall IELTS band score from your individual section scores. IELTS (International English Language Proficiency test for higher education and global migration.

How It Works

Formula: Overall Band Score = (Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking) ÷ 4

Source: Official IELTS scoring system by British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge Assessment English

Rounding Rules (Official)

The overall band score is rounded to the nearest half band using these official rules:

• Ends in .25: Round up to next half band (e.g., 6.25 → 6.5)
• Ends in .75: Round up to next whole band (e.g., 6.75 → 7.0)
• Ends in .00 or .50: No rounding needed (exact half band)
• Otherwise: Round down to nearest half band (e.g., 6.1 → 6.0, 6.6 → 6.5)

Examples:

• Average 6.125 → rounds to 6.0
• Average 6.25 → rounds to 6.5
• Average 6.375 → rounds to 6.5
• Average 6.625 → rounds to 6.5
• Average 6.75 → rounds to 7.0
• Average 6.875 → rounds to 7.0

Band Score Meanings

Band 9 - Expert User

Has fully operational command of the language. Appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Band 8 - Very Good User

Fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Handles complex and detailed argumentation well.

Band 7 - Good User

Operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well.

Band 6 - Competent User

Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies. Can use and understand fairly complex language in familiar situations.

Band 5 - Modest User

Partial command of the language. Can handle overall meaning in most situations though likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication.

Band 4 - Limited User

Basic competence limited to familiar situations. Frequent problems in understanding and expression. Unable to use complex language.

Band 3 - Extremely Limited User

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication.

Band 2 - Intermittent User

Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. Only isolated words or short phrases in familiar situations.

Band 1 - Non User

Essentially no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Band 0 - Did Not Attempt

Did not attempt the test. No assessable information provided.

Typical University Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

• Minimum: Usually 6.0 - 6.5 overall
• Competitive: 6.5 - 7.0 overall
• Often require minimum 5.5 - 6.0 in each section

Postgraduate Programs

• Minimum: Usually 6.5 - 7.0 overall
• Competitive: 7.0 - 7.5 overall
• Often require minimum 6.0 - 6.5 in each section

Top Universities (Oxbridge, Ivy League)

• Minimum: Usually 7.0 - 7.5 overall
• Some programs: 8.0+ for specific fields
• Higher requirements for law, medicine, journalism

Professional Registration

• Nursing/Healthcare: Usually 7.0 overall (7.0 in each)
• Teaching: Usually 7.0 - 7.5 overall
• Engineering: Usually 6.5 - 7.0 overall

Note: Requirements vary by institution, country, and specific program. Always check official requirements.

Immigration Requirements

UK Visa Requirements

• Student Visa: Usually 5.5 - 6.5
• Skilled Worker: Usually 4.0 - 6.0
• Varies by visa type

Australian Visa Requirements

• Student Visa: Usually 5.5 - 6.5
• Skilled Migration: Usually 6.0 - 7.0
• Professional Registration: Usually 7.0+

Canadian Immigration

• Express Entry: CLB scores (4.0 - 9.0)
• Study Permit: Usually 6.0 - 6.5
• Varies by program

Score Validity

Valid for: 2 years from test date

Retaking: You can retake IELTS as many times as needed. Most test-takers improve their scores on the second attempt.

Test Sections

Listening (30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time)

• 40 questions
• Scored 0-9 in half bands
• Tests understanding of spoken English

Reading (60 minutes)

• 40 questions
• Scored 0-9 in half bands
• Academic or General Training versions

Writing (60 minutes)

• 2 tasks
• Scored 0-9 in half bands by certified examiners
• Task 1: 150 words, Task 2: 250 words

Speaking (11-14 minutes)

• Face-to-face interview
• Scored 0-9 in half bands by certified examiners
• 3 parts: Introduction, Long turn, Discussion

Score Improvement Tips

General Tips

• Practice regularly with official materials
• Take mock tests under timed conditions
• Identify weak sections and focus improvement there
• Learn test format thoroughly before exam day
• Read examiner criteria to understand scoring

Section-Specific Tips

• Listening: Practice with various accents (British, American, Australian)
• Reading: Improve reading speed and skimming techniques
• Writing: Study model answers and practice timed writing
• Speaking: Record yourself and practice with native speakers

Important Limitations

• This calculator uses official IELTS rounding rules
• Individual sections are equally weighted (25% each)
• Some institutions require minimum scores in specific sections
• Your overall score may meet requirements, but low section scores could disqualify you
• Test performance varies; this calculator shows scores for already-taken tests

Gender and Demographic Differences

Research shows minimal significant differences in IELTS performance by:

• Gender: Slight variations in Writing/Speaking vs Listening/Reading
• Age: Younger test-takers often score higher, but motivation matters more
• Native language: Some languages share more similarities with English

All test-takers are assessed using the same criteria regardless of demographics.

Sources

• British Council: Official IELTS test partner
• IDP IELTS: Official IELTS test partner
• Cambridge Assessment English: Official IELTS test partner
• IELTS.org: Official IELTS website
• British Council Guide: "Understanding IELTS: Scores Explained"
• IDP IELTS: "Band Score Calculator and Scoring System"

Official Partners: IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and uses official IELTS rounding rules. Your actual test results will be issued by official IELTS test centers. Requirements vary by institution and country - always verify specific requirements with your target institution. For official information, visit IELTS.org.