IELTS Band Calculator 2026: Convert Your Raw Score to Band 9 For UG & PG Admissions

Introduction

You just finished a mock Listening test and scored 32 out of 40. Is that a Band 7.0 or a 7.5?

In the world of study abroad admissions, that 0.5 difference determines whether you get into the University of Manchester or get rejected.

Stop guessing. The IELTS scoring system uses a specific mathematical conversion to turn your "Raw Score" (number of correct answers) into a "Band Score" (1–9). Furthermore, the 2026 Rounding Rules can actually work in your favor if you know how they function.

In this guide, we provide the official IELTS Listening & Reading Band Charts and explain exactly how to calculate your Overall Band Score so you know precisely where you stand.

Highlights: IELTS Scoring at a Glance

Component	Scoring Method	Total Questions	Band Scale
Listening	Raw Score (Correct Answers)	40	0 – 9
Reading	Raw Score (Academic vs General)	40	0 – 9
Writing	4 Assessment Criteria	2 Tasks	0 – 9
Speaking	4 Assessment Criteria	3 Parts	0 – 9
Overall Score	Average of 4 sections	N/A	Rounded to nearest 0.5

1. What is the IELTS Band System?

The IELTS does not give you a percentage. It places you on a proficiency scale from 1 (Non-user) to 9 (Expert user).

• Band 9: Expert (Fluent, accurate, appropriate).

• Band 7: Good User (Operational command, occasional inaccuracies).

• Band 6: Competent User (Effective command, but with misunderstandings).

Note: Most UG admission programs in the UK and Canada require an overall Band 6.0 or 6.5, with no section below 6.0.

2. IELTS Listening Band Score Chart (2026)

The Listening test is the same for both Academic and General Training.

• Total Questions: 40

• Marks per Question: 1 (No negative marking).

Raw Score (out of 40)	Band Score	Proficiency Level
39 – 40	9.0	Expert
37 – 38	8.5	Very Good
35 – 36	8.0	Very Good
32 – 34	7.5	Good
30 – 31	7.0	Good
26 – 29	6.5	Competent
23 – 25	6.0	Competent
18 – 22	5.5	Modest
16 – 17	5.0	Modest

Strategy: To hit the "Safe Zone" of Band 7.5, you can only afford to get 6 to 8 questions wrong.

3. IELTS Reading Band Score Chart

This is where students get confused. The scoring is different for Academic and General Training. The General test is easier, so you need more correct answers to get the same band.

Academic Reading (For Study Abroad)

Raw Score (out of 40)	Band Score
39 – 40	9.0
37 – 38	8.5
35 – 36	8.0
33 – 34	7.5
30 – 32	7.0
27 – 29	6.5
23 – 26	6.0
19 – 22	5.5
15 – 18	5.0

General Training Reading (For Work Visas)

Raw Score (out of 40)	Band Score
40	9.0
39	8.5
37 – 38	8.0
36	7.5
34 – 35	7.0
32 – 33	6.5
30 – 31	6.0
27 – 29	5.5

Key Difference: To get a Band 7.0, an Academic student needs 30 correct answers. A General Training student needs 34..

4. Writing & Speaking Assessment Criteria

These sections do not have "Raw Scores." Examiners grade you on 4 criteria, each worth 25% of the score.

Writing Criteria (Task 1 & 2)

1. Task Achievement: Did you answer the prompt fully?

2. Coherence & Cohesion: logical flow and linking words.

3. Lexical Resource: Vocabulary range and accuracy.

4. Grammar: Sentence structures and error frequency.

Speaking Criteria

1. Fluency & Coherence: Speaking without long pauses.

2. Lexical Resource: Using idiomatic language.

3. Grammar: Using complex tenses correctly.

4. Pronunciation: Intonation and clarity (Accent doesn't matter unless it reduces clarity).

5. How the "Overall Band" Works (The Rounding Rule)

Your Overall Band Score is the average of the 4 sections. The IELTS rounding rule is very generous:

• If your average ends in .25, it rounds UP to .5.

• If your average ends in .75, it rounds UP to the next Whole Band.

• If your average ends in .125, it rounds DOWN.

Example Calculation:

• Listening: 7.5

• Reading: 7.5

• Writing: 6.0

• Speaking: 7.0

• Total: 28.0 ÷ 4 = 7.0

  
  

The "Lucky" Calculation:

• Listening: 6.5

• Reading: 6.5

• Writing: 6.0

• Speaking: 6.0

• Average: 25 ÷ 4 = 6.25

• Final Score: 6.5 (Rounded UP!).

FAQs

Q1. Is 6.5 a good score for Master's in USA?

Ans: It is acceptable for many state universities, but top-tier programs often demand a 7.0 or 7.5.

Q2. Can I use a calculator in the exam?

Ans: No. There is no math in IELTS. The "Calculator" refers to calculating your score after the test.

Q3. Does the Writing word count affect my band?

Ans: Yes. If you write under 150 words (Task 1) or 250 words (Task 2), you will be penalized in "Task Achievement".

Q4. What if I get a decimal like 6.125?

Ans: It will be rounded down to 6.0. You missed the "Round Up" zone by just one or two marks.

Q5. Is the Listening test different for General Training?

Ans: No. The Listening and Speaking sections are exactly the same for both Academic and General Training.

Q6. How many correct answers for Band 8 in Listening?

Ans: You need 35 or 36 correct answers out of 40.

Q7. Can I combine scores from two different test dates?

Ans: Generally, No. Most universities require a single sitting. However, the new IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake just one section to improve your overall score.

Q8. Why is the General Reading scale harder?

Ans: Because the General reading passages are taken from advertisements and notices, which are linguistically simpler than the Academic journals. So, the grading is stricter.

Conclusion

Understanding the IELTS Band Calculator logic is the first step to a high score. It helps you set realistic targets during your mock tests. If you are stuck at a "raw score" of 28 in Reading, you know exactly that you need just 2 more correct answers to jump to a Band 7.0.

Don't just practice blindly. Practice with numbers.

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