IELTS Band Score Guide
Complete reference guide to understanding IELTS band scores and what they mean
IELTS Band Score System
IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to identify levels of English language proficiency. Each band corresponds to a level of English competency.
Detailed Band Score Descriptions
The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
Key Characteristics:
- Perfect accuracy and fluency
- Complete understanding in all situations
- Sophisticated use of language
- Natural and effortless communication
The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations.
Key Characteristics:
- Very high level of accuracy
- Occasional minor errors
- Handles complex detailed argumentation well
- May struggle with very unfamiliar situations
The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations.
Key Characteristics:
- Generally handles complex language well
- Understands detailed reasoning
- Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings
- Good control of grammar and vocabulary
The test taker has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language.
Key Characteristics:
- Can handle complex language in familiar situations
- Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings
- Generally effective communication
- May struggle with unfamiliar situations
The test taker has partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, though they are likely to make many mistakes.
Key Characteristics:
- Handles basic communication in own field
- Frequent mistakes and confusion
- Limited vocabulary and grammar
- Understands general meaning
The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They have frequent problems in understanding and expression and cannot use complex language.
Key Characteristics:
- Limited to familiar situations
- Frequent problems in understanding
- Cannot use complex language
- Basic vocabulary and grammar only
Section-Specific Band Scores
Each IELTS section is scored individually using the same 9-band scale
Reading
- • 40 questions in 60 minutes
- • Three reading passages
- • Various question types
- • Raw score converted to band
Listening
- • 40 questions in 30 minutes
- • Four audio sections
- • Various accents and contexts
- • Raw score converted to band
Writing
- • Two tasks in 60 minutes
- • Task 1: 150 words minimum
- • Task 2: 250 words minimum
- • Scored by trained examiners
Speaking
- • 11-14 minutes face-to-face
- • Three parts
- • Individual interview
- • Scored by trained examiners
Common University Requirements
Typical IELTS band score requirements for different study levels
Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Top Universities
Ready to Calculate Your Band Score?
Use our free calculator to determine your overall band score and get improvement tips.