IELTS Band Scores Explained
Updated 2 July 2026 · 2 min read · ieltspractice.app
IELTS is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9. You get a band for each of the four sections, and these combine into one overall band. Understanding how the scoring works helps you set realistic targets and see where to focus. This guide explains the scale, the averaging and the rounding rule.
The band scale from 0 to 9
Each band describes a level of English. Band 9 is expert, Band 8 is very good, Band 7 is good, Band 6 is competent, and so on down the scale.
You can also score half bands, such as 6.5 or 7.5, which gives a finer picture of your level.
Four sections, four scores
You receive a separate band for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each is marked on the same 0 to 9 scale.
Listening and Reading are marked from the number of correct answers out of 40. Writing and Speaking are marked by trained examiners against detailed criteria.
How the overall band is worked out
Your overall band is the average of the four section scores. You add the four bands together and divide by four.
For example, Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 5.0 and Speaking 7.0 add up to 25, and 25 divided by 4 is 6.25.
The rounding rule
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.
So 6.25 rounds up to 6.5, and 6.75 rounds up to 7.0. But 6.1 would round down to 6.0. This rule is why one weak section can pull your overall score down.
What this means for your prep
Because the overall band is an average, raising your weakest section often helps the most. A single low score can hold back an otherwise strong result.
Check whether the institution you are applying to needs a minimum in each section, not just an overall band. Many do. You can estimate your bands with our band-score calculators in the tools section.
Quick check
Test yourself — tap an answer to see if you are right.
1. How is the overall band found?
2. An average of 6.25 rounds to what?
3. Why raise your weakest section?
Frequently asked questions
How is my overall IELTS band calculated?
It is the average of your four section scores. Add Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, divide by four, then round to the nearest half band.
How does the rounding work?
An average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band, and .75 rounds up to the next whole band. So 6.25 becomes 6.5 and 6.75 becomes 7.0.
Can half bands appear in the overall score?
Yes. Overall and section scores can both be half bands, such as 6.5 or 7.5, because of the averaging and rounding.
Why does one weak section matter so much?
Because the overall band is an average, a low section pulls the whole result down. Raising your weakest skill often gives the biggest gain.
Sources
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