Understanding how to calculate an IELTS score is essential for every test taker. Whether you are preparing for study abroad, migration, or professional purposes, knowing how your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking scores combine into one overall band helps you set realistic goals and track progress.
This guide explains the IELTS scoring system clearly, shows you how to calculate your overall band score, and shares practical tips to improve it.
How the IELTS Scoring System Works
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system, where each of the four modules is scored individually.
IELTS Modules
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Each module receives a band score from 0 to 9, and then an overall band score is calculated.
Step-by-Step: How to Calculate IELTS Score
Step 1: Note Your Individual Module Scores
Example:
- Listening: 7.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 7.0
Step 2: Add All Four Scores
7.5 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 7.0 = 27.0
Step 3: Divide by 4
27 ÷ 4 = 6.75
Step 4: Apply IELTS Rounding Rules
IELTS rounds the score to the nearest half or whole band:
- .25 → rounds up to .5
- .75 → rounds up to the next whole band
So, 6.75 becomes 7.0
Final Overall IELTS Band Score = 7.0
IELTS Band Score Rounding Rules Explained
| Average Score | Final Band |
| 6.125 | 6.0 |
| 6.25 | 6.5 |
| 6.625 | 6.5 |
| 6.75 | 7.0 |
Understanding rounding is crucial when calculating your IELTS score accurately.
Listening & Reading Score Conversion
In Listening and Reading, your raw score (out of 40) is converted to a band score.
Example: Listening Band Conversion
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
Writing and Speaking are assessed by certified examiners using official IELTS criteria.
Why Knowing How to Calculate IELTS Score Is Important
- Helps set a target band score
- Tracks progress through mock tests
- Identifies weak modules affecting the overall score
- Avoids confusion about final results
Tips to Improve Your Overall IELTS Score
- Focus on weaker modules to raise the average
- Improve Writing and Speaking, as they are often score-limiting
- Practice full mock tests under exam conditions
- Learn band descriptors to understand scoring criteria
- Analyze mistakes carefully after each practice test
Why Choose Banglay IELTS
Learning how to calculate IELTS score is only the first step—achieving your target band requires smart preparation. Banglay IELTS provides structured lessons, realistic mock tests, and expert feedback for all four modules.
With Banglay IELTS, learners improve accuracy, understand scoring criteria, and work strategically toward a higher overall band score.
FAQs About Calculating IELTS Score
How is the IELTS overall band score calculated?
By averaging the four module scores and rounding to the nearest half or whole band.
Is the calculated score always accurate?
It matches IELTS rules, but the official result is final.
Can one low score reduce my overall band?
Yes, one weak module can significantly lower the average.
Do all modules carry equal weight?
Yes, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are equally weighted.
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