• IELTS
IELTS Band Scores: How they are calculated
2180 Reads
3 min Read
The IELTS test is a great way to measure your English language proficiency for academic or immigration purposes. If you’re interested in taking the test, you’ll need to know how to interpret an IELTS band score. The IELTS band score measures your reading, Writing, Speaking, and listening ability. This blog will explain how to calculate your IELTS band score so that you can easily register for the exam.
The IELTS test is a great way to measure your English language proficiency for academic or immigration purposes. If you’re interested in taking the test, you’ll need to know how to interpret an IELTS band score. The IELTS band score measures your reading, Writing, Speaking, and listening ability. This blog will explain how to calculate your IELTS band score so that you can easily register for the exam.
How to Calculate Your IELTS Band Score: A Step-by-Step Guide
An IELTS band score is your final score on the test. It's a great way to measure your English language proficiency without attaching a letter grade. IELTS scores can range from 0 to 9 for each module. 8 band and above is considered "high-level proficiency" in English and could be applicable for higher education, employment, or immigration purposes. The IELTS score is calculated by adding your test score to each module. For example, if your Reading and Writing test scores are high and your Speaking and Listening test scores are average, you'll get around Band 6.
1.Before calculating your IELTS band score, you must know your exam test scoring guide.
2.Once you have the scoring guide, you can calculate your overall IELTS band score.
3.Overall Band Score in IELTS test = Reading Band Score + Writing Band Score + Listening Band Score + Speaking Band Score.
4.The next step is to calculate the overall average IELTS band score. You can use the charts below to find your IELTS band score. The charts will show you how to calculate your IELTS band score.
Also read : IELTS Eligibility
Step 1: Know the Scoring Guide for Your Test Date
Step 2: Calculate Your Overall Band Score
Once you have each module's score, add them to get your overall band score. Overall Band Score = Reading Band Score + Writing Band Score + Listening Band Score + Speaking Band Score. The next step is to calculate the overall IELTS band score by finding the average of all scores.
Also read : IELTS Exam type
Which IELTS Band Should You Aim for?
Once you know how to calculate your IELTS band score, you'll need to know which IELTS band you should aim for. The IELTS band score will depend on what you're using the test for.
Here are the minimum IELTS band scores for your test date. If you're hoping to use your IELTS test score for academic purposes, you'll need to aim for a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5. If you're hoping to use your IELTS test score for immigration purposes, you'll need to aim for a minimum IELTS band score of 7.5. If you're taking your IELTS test for a job, you'll need to aim for a minimum IELTS band score of 8.
Band score | Skill level | Descriptors |
9 | Expert user | The person taking the test is fluent in the language their proficient use of the english language demonstrates their thorough comprehension of it. |
8 | Very good user | The test-taker has excellent linguistic proficiency and few errors. They have good situational awareness. They might interpret some unfamiliar contexts incorrectly. |
7 | Good user | The test-taker generally has a strong knowledge of the English language, while there are occasional errors and incorrect usage in some circumstances. They are good at interpreting complex sentences and comprehending intricate thinking. |
6 | Competent user | Although there are some errors and some incorrect language usage, the test-taker has a strong command of the language. In familiar settings, they may interpret complex language well. |
5 | Modest user | The test-taker can deal with general meaning and has a limited command of the English language. They misjudge frequently. They have minimal communication skills for their sector. |
4 | Limited user | The test-taker can deal with general meaning and has a limited command of the English language. They misjudge frequently. They have minimal communication skills for their sector. |
3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker understands only the general meaning in very familiar situations. Communication breakdowns occur frequently. |
2 | Intermittent user | The test taker finds it extremely challenging to comprehend spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | Except for a few isolated words, the test-taker is unable to use the English language. |
The score that you predict using these tools could be different from the actual score as many other factors might affect the final score that you receive. Once you start getting good scores consistently, you may apply for the real test.
Also read : IELTS Exam dates
FAQ
Get great articles direct to your inbox
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.
Popular Universities to Study Abroad
World class education waiting for you.

Educo - University of Dundee - Kirkcaldy Campus
Scotland, UK • 3 Programmes
Tuition Fee : GBP 19000-30000 / year

MSM Group - Shoreline Community College
Washington, USA • 54 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 10000-11000 / year

Pacific Link College - Surrey Campus
British Columbia, Canada • 11 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 9500-22000 / year

Confederation College - Fort Frances Campus
Ontario, Canada • 4 Programmes
Tuition Fee : CAD 12500-15000 / year

Navitas Group - Queens College, City University of New York
New York, USA • 63 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 18000-19000 / year

MSM Group - University of the West of England - Bristol - City Campus
England, UK • 27 Programmes
Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-16000 / year

California State University - Monterey Bay
California, USA • 35 Programmes
Tuition Fee : USD 13000-13000 / year

University of Central Lancashire - Westlakes Campus
England, UK • 6 Programmes
Tuition Fee : GBP 14000-28000 / year
Other Study Abroad Exams
Blogs and Articles
Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.
Updated on • Jun 03,2023 05:49 PM IST • IELTS
How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test
Updated on • Jun 02,2023 05:49 PM IST • duolingo
IELTS Score for Study Abroad Universities
Updated on • Jun 02,2023 05:44 PM IST • IELTS
How to Crack IELTS Exam in 15 days?
Updated on • Jun 02,2023 05:16 PM IST • IELTS
Updated on • Jun 02,2023 01:44 PM IST • USA
Updated on • Jun 02,2023 01:05 PM IST • Australia
Statement of Purpose (SOP) for Undergraduates: Format, Samples & Expert Tips
Updated on • Jun 01,2023 04:36 PM IST • SOP
IELTS Band Scores: How they are calculated
Updated on • May 31,2023 05:52 PM IST • IELTS
How does IELTS on Computer work?
Updated on • May 31,2023 05:26 PM IST • IELTS
Everything to know about IELTS India
Updated on • May 31,2023 04:57 PM IST • IELTS
Your Home can be turned into an IELTS Classroom
Updated on • May 31,2023 04:27 PM IST • IELTS
English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words
Updated on • May 31,2023 04:03 PM IST • IELTS
IELTS Letter Writing Tips: Essential Top 10 Tips
Updated on • May 30,2023 05:29 PM IST • IELTS
50 IELTS Speaking part 3 Topics & Question with suggested answers
Updated on • May 30,2023 05:17 PM IST • IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer
Updated on • May 30,2023 04:34 PM IST • IELTS
TRUE FALSE not given IELTS Reading Practice Lessons
Updated on • May 30,2023 04:06 PM IST • IELTS
Updated on • May 30,2023 01:24 PM IST • USA
IELTS Cue Card Sample 33 (A Positive Change in your Life)
Updated on • May 29,2023 05:41 PM IST • IELTS
IELTS Essay Topics, Types and Questions
Updated on • May 29,2023 05:26 PM IST • IELTS
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Word List & Tips
Updated on • May 29,2023 05:02 PM IST • IELTS
Related Blogs and Articles
A little effort to provide an authentic and reliable content for keen readers!!
Updated on • 03-06-2023 • IELTS
IELTS Score for Study Abroad Universities
Updated on • 02-06-2023 • IELTS
How to Crack IELTS Exam in 15 days?
Updated on • 02-06-2023 • IELTS
How does IELTS on Computer work?
Updated on • 31-05-2023 • IELTS
Everything to know about IELTS India
Updated on • 31-05-2023 • IELTS
Your Home can be turned into an IELTS Classroom
Updated on • 31-05-2023 • IELTS
English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words
Updated on • 31-05-2023 • IELTS
IELTS Letter Writing Tips: Essential Top 10 Tips
Updated on • 30-05-2023 • IELTS
50 IELTS Speaking part 3 Topics & Question with suggested answers
Updated on • 30-05-2023 • IELTS
IELTS Writing Task 2 - Academic and General Topics with Sample Answer
Updated on • 30-05-2023 • IELTS
TRUE FALSE not given IELTS Reading Practice Lessons
Updated on • 30-05-2023 • IELTS
IELTS Cue Card Sample 33 (A Positive Change in your Life)
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
IELTS Essay Topics, Types and Questions
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
Linking Words for IELTS Speaking - Word List & Tips
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
Positive or Negative Development IELTS Model Essay
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
Crime & Punishment Essay IELTS
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
IELTS Table Band Score 9 Model Answer
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
Best IELTS Coaching Institute Near Me
Updated on • 29-05-2023 • IELTS
Updated on • 27-05-2023 • IELTS
Why many people are unable to score well in IELTS Writing
Updated on • 27-05-2023 • IELTS