IELTS band scores explained: what each band means
IELTS is reported on a nine-band scale, from Band 1 (non-user) to Band 9 (expert user), in half-band steps. You get a band for each of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, and the overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band.
How the overall band is calculated
Average the four skill bands. The average is rounded to the nearest whole or half band: an average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band, and .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
For example, Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 5.0, Speaking 7.0 average 6.25, which rounds to an overall 6.5.
What common bands mean
- •Band 5: modest user — partial command, copes with overall meaning in most situations.
- •Band 6: competent user — generally effective command despite some inaccuracies.
- •Band 7: good user — operational command, with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
- •Band 8: very good user — fully operational command with only occasional unsystematic errors.
Frequently asked questions
How is the overall IELTS band calculated?
It is the average of your four skill bands (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), rounded to the nearest half band.
Is a 6.5 a good IELTS score?
Band 6.5 is a common requirement for undergraduate study and many visas. It indicates a competent-to-good user who communicates effectively despite some errors.
Can I get a half band overall?
Yes. Overall and individual skill scores are reported in half bands, such as 6.5 or 7.5.
Related guides
Put this into practice with a free, full-length mock test.
Start a practice test