Knowing how to calculate an IELTS score helps candidates track their performance and estimate their overall band before receiving official results. The IELTS exam consists of four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each scored on a 0–9 band scale.
This guide explains how to calculate your overall band score, apply rounding rules, and understand band conversions for different modules.
IELTS Scoring System Overview
The IELTS exam has four equally weighted modules:
- Listening – 40 questions, 30 minutes
- Reading – 40 questions, 60 minutes
- Writing – 2 tasks, 60 minutes
- Speaking – 3 parts, 11–14 minutes
Each module receives a band score from 0 to 9, which is then averaged for the overall band score.
Step 1: Calculate Listening and Reading Band Scores
Listening and Reading are scored based on the number of correct answers (raw score) out of 40. Each raw score converts to a band score using an IELTS band table.
Listening Example
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
Reading Example (Academic)
| Correct Answers | Band Score |
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
Note: Tables may vary slightly depending on IELTS Academic or General Training.
Step 2: Assign Writing and Speaking Band Scores
- Writing and Speaking are scored by certified examiners
- Scores are based on:
- Task achievement / Task response (Writing)
- Fluency & coherence
- Lexical resource
- Grammatical range & accuracy
- Each module receives a band between 0 and 9
Step 3: Calculate Overall Band Score
Formula
Overall Band Score=Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking4\text{Overall Band Score} = \frac{\text{Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking}}{4}Overall Band Score=4Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking
Example Calculation
- Listening: 7.5
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 7.0
Step 1: Add the scores
7.5 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 7.0 = 27.0
Step 2: Divide by 4
27 ÷ 4 = 6.75
Step 3: Apply Rounding Rules
- .25 → rounds up to .5
- .75 → rounds up to the next whole band
So, 6.75 rounds up to 7.0
Final Overall Band Score = 7.0
Step 4: Understand IELTS Rounding Rules
| Average Score | Overall Band |
| 6.125 | 6.0 |
| 6.25 | 6.5 |
| 6.625 | 6.5 |
| 6.75 | 7.0 |
| 7.25 | 7.5 |
| 7.75 | 8.0 |
These rules ensure consistency in scoring across all modules.
Step 5: Using an Online IELTS Score Calculator
Many websites provide online IELTS calculators:
- Enter your raw scores for Listening and Reading
- Enter Writing and Speaking band scores
- Automatically calculate the overall band score
- Saves time and avoids manual rounding errors
Tips for Accurate IELTS Score Calculation
- Always convert raw Listening/Reading scores to bands first
- Round according to official IELTS rules
- Remember, Writing and Speaking scores are examiner-assessed, not raw
- Use practice tests to estimate your expected overall band
Why Choose Banglay IELTS
Understanding how to calculate an IELTS score is crucial for tracking progress. Banglay IELTS provides practice tests, mock exams, and detailed band analysis to help students calculate, understand, and improve their IELTS performance accurately.
FAQs About How to Calculate IELTS Score
Can I calculate my IELTS score at home?
Yes, by converting raw scores for Listening/Reading and adding Writing/Speaking band scores.
How is the overall band rounded?
.25 rounds to .5, .75 rounds to the next whole band.
Can my overall band be higher than individual modules?
No, it is the average of all four modules.
Is there a difference between Academic and General Training scoring?
Yes, only in the Reading module raw-to-band conversion table.
Are online IELTS calculators reliable?
Yes, if they follow the official IELTS conversion and rounding rules.|
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