The overall IELTS band score is calculated by taking the mean score of all 4 parts of the exam. You can look at the table given below for reference and understand how the overall IELTS score is calculated. One thing which you should keep in mind is that the score for each skill is weighted equally while calculating the overall score.
The IELTS exam has four section: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each setion of IELTS exam is scored from 0 to 9, where 0 is the lowest score and 9 is the highest. After you complete all four parts, your scores are averaged to give you a total IELTS band score. The IELTS result for Computer-based test will be available within 2 working days. Before getting the IELTS Result, you should also be aware of how the IELTS score is calculated. Calculating your IELTS score is a crucial step in understanding your English proficiency and preparing for future academic or professional opportunities. With online tools like IELTS score calculator, candidates can easily assess their performance across all four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Candidates can also get the expected IELTS score section wise, such as IELTS score calculator Listening or IELTS score calculator Writing. Additionally, the Overall IELTS band score chart helps visualize how individual scores contribute to the final result. For the convenience of students, there are various available IELTS Score Calculator apps, candidates can conveniently track their progress and set realistic goals.
How IELTS Scores are Calculated?
To calculate your overall IELTS band score, you simply need to add the scores from each component and divide by four. If the average ends in 0.25, it is rounded up to the next half band; if it ends in .75, it rounds up to the next whole band. For example:
- Listening: 6.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 5
- Speaking: 7
Calculating the average gives you
6.5+6.5+5+7/4=6.25
Now the 6.25, which rounds up to an overall score of 6.5.
To comprehend how the IELTS overall score is computed, you can refer to the table provided below. It's important to note that each skill is given equal weight when calculating the overall score.
Section |
Band Score |
Listening |
6.5 |
Reading |
6.5 |
Writing |
5.0 |
Speaking |
7.0 |
Overall Band Score |
6.5 |
By looking at the above table you can get the average of the four parts as 6.25 but it is rounded off to 6.5, so, the overall band score comes out to be 6.5.
IELTS Band Descriptors 2025
Below we have mentioned the description for each band score.
Band score |
Skill Level |
Description |
9 |
Expert user |
The test taker has complete command of the language. Their use of the English language is fluent and shows a complete understanding of the language |
8 |
Very good user |
The test taker has complete command of the language with few inaccuracies. They handle complex situations well. They may misunderstand certain unfamiliar situations |
7 |
Good user |
The test taker has a good command of the English language with inaccuracies occasionally and inappropriate usage in certain situations. They understand detailed reasoning well and handle complex language well |
6 |
Competent user |
The test taker has an effective command of the language with some inappropriate usage and some inaccuracies. They can understand complex language well in familiar situations |
5 |
Moderate user |
The test taker has partial command of the English language and can deal with overall meaning. They make many mistakes. They can handle basic communication in their field |
4 |
Limited user |
The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. He/ She is unable to use complex language and has frequent problems in understanding and expression |
3 |
Extremely limited user |
The test taker is able to convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There is a frequent breakdown of communication |
2 |
Intermittent user |
The test taker faces great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. The test taker may be aware of a few isolated words or phrases that are useful in familiar situations |
1 |
Non-user |
No ability to use the English language. The test taker may know a few isolated words |
IELTS Reading Score
IELTS Reading section has 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded one mark. Test takers are scored on the basis of the number of correct answers they have given. Therefore, a candidate can score a maximum of 40 in this part. You will be awarded a band based on the number of your correct answers.
Correct Answers |
Band Score |
39-40 |
9 |
37-38 |
8.5 |
35 - 36 |
8 |
33 - 34 |
7.5 |
30 - 32 |
7 |
27 - 29 |
6.5 |
23 - 26 |
6 |
19 - 22 |
5.5 |
15 - 18 |
5 |
13 - 14 |
4.5 |
10 - 12 |
4 |
IELTS Writing Score 2025
Examiners use assessment criteria to monitor the writing performance of the test taker to award a band score of 1 to 9. The band score is awarded on four criteria - Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion; Lexical Resource; and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Examiners give equal weightage to each of the mentioned criteria.
Let us look at each of the IELTS Writing marking criteria:
- Task Achievement (IELTS Writing Task 1): It implies the selection of key ideas, precise data analysis, and the presentation of concepts in a logical and organised way. You must stick to the important details and omit the rest.
- Task Response (IELTS Writing Task 2): It relates to covering all of the essay's topics, offering a well-organized response, communicating accurate meanings, and utilising a variety of words. Your essay must answer the question and be concise, thorough, and well-organized.
- Coherence and Cohesion: It refers to the division of information and ideas into paragraphs, each of which has a main idea. To create coherence, all the paragraphs and concepts must be correctly connected.
- Lexical Resource: The use of vocabulary, including phrasal verbs, idioms, and collocations as well as a range of uncommon words, is referred to as a lexical resource. Moreover, the right context must be used when using these words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The ability to use a wide range of grammatical structures accurately and without mistakes is referred to as grammatical range and accuracy. This involves utilising the appropriate verb tenses when appropriate, using proper language and punctuation, and choosing the right words. It also entails having the ability to write with the proper organisation and style.
IELTS Listening Score 2025
IELTS Listening section includes 40 questions and one mark is awarded for every correct answer. Therefore, a candidate can score a maximum of 40 in this part. You will be awarded a band based on the number of correct answers. IELTS Listening score calculator has been provided in the table below where the number of correct answers and the corresponding IELTS listening band score have been mapped.
Correct Answers |
Band Score |
39 - 40 |
9 |
37 - 38 |
8.5 |
35 - 36 |
8 |
32 - 34 |
7.5 |
30 - 31 |
7 |
26 - 29 |
6.5 |
23 - 25 |
6 |
18 - 22 |
5.5 |
16 - 17 |
5 |
13 - 15 |
4.5 |
10 - 12 |
4 |
IELTS Speaking Score
Examiners use assessment criteria to monitor the speaking skills of the test taker. Examiners award a band score for each of the four criteria - Fluency and Coherence; Lexical Resource; Grammatical Range and Accuracy; and Pronunciation. Examiners give equal weightage to each of the mentioned criteria.
Let us look at each IELTS Speaking scoring criteria individually:
- Fluency and Coherence: Fluency refers to the ability to continue a conversation without pauses or hesitations. While coherence refers to the flow of ideas and words, which are connected to each other to give a proper meaning.
- Lexical Resource: It refers to the use of a wide range of vocabulary, paraphrasing, and using a less common language. You should utilise a range of terms, including both well-known and uncommon ones, and be sure you use them in the appropriate context if you want to receive a high score.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It refers to the use of a range of sentence structures and grammar tenses. Moreover, it is essential to avoid errors.
- Pronunciation: The examiner should easily understand what you wish to convey. Moreover, there needs to be clarity while you speak.
You must use legitimate IELTS books and resources for your preparation now that you have enough knowledge on how the IELTS is scored and what the evaluation criteria are. Normally, students spend roughly 2-4 months preparing for the IELTS. You must therefore create a IELTS preparation study strategy and pay close attention to your IELTS preparation.
The four components of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are speaking, reading, and listening. There are four recordings in the listening phase, each followed by 10 questions. Three sections and 13-14 questions follow each in the reading part. Two activities make up the Writing portion, one of which calls for an essay of at least 250 words. You will be evaluated on criteria like pronunciation, grammar, and fluency during the speaking segment, which comprises a face-to-face interview with an examiner.