IELTS Band Score Calculator & Rounding Tool
Calculate your overall IELTS band score (0–9.0) and CEFR proficiency level. Input raw Listening and Reading marks out of 40 to simulate the official upward half-band rounding algorithm in 0ms.
Official IELTS Half-Band Upward Rounding Algorithm
Good user with operational command in complex academic and professional contexts.
Listening
40 questions total
Reading (Academic)
40 questions total
Writing
Task 1 (33%) & Task 2 (67%)
Speaking
Parts 1, 2, and 3 interview
The Official IELTS Upward Rounding Rule Explained
IELTS overall scores are calculated as the simple arithmetic mean of the four individual components. The final result is rounded to the nearest half or whole band:
- If the average ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band (e.g., 6.25 becomes 6.5).
- If the average ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band (e.g., 6.75 becomes 7.0).
- If the average ends in .125, it drops to the whole band (e.g., 6.125 becomes 6.0).
- If the average ends in .375, it rounds up to the half band (e.g., 6.375 becomes 6.5).
Academic Reading & Listening Raw Score Table
Official marks required out of 40 questions to achieve each respective band score.
| Band Score | Listening (out of 40) | Academic Reading (out of 40) | CEFR Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 9.0 | 39 - 40 | 39 - 40 | C2 (Mastery) |
| Band 8.5 | 37 - 38 | 37 - 38 | C2 (Mastery) |
| Band 8.0 | 35 - 36 | 35 - 36 | C1 (Proficient) |
| Band 7.5 | 32 - 34 | 33 - 34 | C1 (Proficient) |
| Band 7.0 | 30 - 31 | 30 - 32 | C1 (Proficient) |
| Band 6.5 | 26 - 29 | 27 - 29 | B2 (Vantage) |
| Band 6.0 | 23 - 25 | 23 - 26 | B2 (Vantage) |
Deciding between IELTS and TOEFL?
Read our head-to-head structural comparison: human speaking interview vs computer mic, keyboard differences, and scoring conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the overall IELTS band score calculated?
The overall band score is calculated by taking the average of the four section scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Each section carries equal weight (25%). The average is then rounded to the nearest whole or half band according to official IDP and British Council rounding rules.
Does IELTS round up a 6.75 or 6.25?
Yes. An average score of 6.25 is rounded UP to 6.5. An average score of 6.75 is rounded UP to 7.0. However, an average of 6.125 rounds down to 6.0.
What is the difference in raw scores between Academic and General Reading?
Academic Reading requires fewer correct answers for the same band because academic texts are more complex. For example, 30/40 is Band 7.0 in Academic Reading, but requires 34/40 in General Training Reading.
What IELTS band is required for top global universities?
Most Tier 1 universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, Harvard, Toronto, Melbourne) require an overall band of 7.0 or 7.5, with no individual sub-score lower than 6.5 or 7.0.