Find out about IELTS scoring and getting your results.
How is IELTS assessed?
IELTS uses a band scoring system of 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. Learn more about how IELTS band scores are calculated and how examiners assess English skills in each section of the test.
How are IELTS band scores calculated?
IELTS test results are reported as an IELTS band score on a scale from 0 to 9, in whole or half bands (for example, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, etc).
You’ll receive a score for each section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking), plus an overall score. Your overall score is the average of your four scores, rounded up or down to the nearest half or whole band.
For example, if your four section scores are 6.0, 6.0, 6.0 and 6.5, your average is 6.125, which is rounded down to an overall IELTS band score of 6.
What does each IELTS band score mean?
These IELTS band descriptors outline what each IELTS band score means.
| Band | User type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Band 8 | Very good user | You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding. |
| Band 7 | Good user | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally, you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Generally, you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| Band 5 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language and can cope with the overall meaning in most situations. However, you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field. |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only the general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | You have no ability to use the language except for a few isolated words. |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | You did not answer the questions. |
How are the IELTS test sections assessed?
The Reading and Listening sections are scored on how many questions you answer correctly. In the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections, the examiners use IELTS band descriptors to assess your skills.
IELTS assessment criteria for Reading and Listening
Both sections both have 40 questions, with one mark awarded for each correct answer. Marks are not lost for incorrect answers. Your IELTS band score is awarded based on your total score out of 40.
IELTS Writing assessment criteria
The Writing section has two tasks, with Task 2 being worth twice as much as Task 1. Examiners use four assessment criteria to mark each task, using official IELTS band descriptors for Writing.
How fully, appropriately, accurately and relevantly you meet the requirements of the task and answer the question.
How logically you organise your ideas and link them to each other. For example, does the order of information make sense? Have you used the correct words or phrases to link your ideas?
The range, precision and accuracy of your vocabulary. You need to include a range of words – and use them correctly – to get a good score.
The range, variety and accuracy of your sentence structures. For example, if you mix simple sentences with compound and complex ones, you should score higher.
Prepare to get the IELTS score you need with the British Council
To get the score you need, it’s important to prepare well and familiarise yourself with the test. Book IELTS with the British Council and you’ll get exclusive access to our free preparation resources.
IELTS Speaking assessment criteria
For the Speaking section, the examiner uses four criteria to assess your skills, using official IELTS band descriptors for Speaking. Each one contributes 25% to your Speaking band score.
Whether you can keep talking without long pauses or repeating yourself too much. Also, how clearly and logically you connect your ideas and whether you use a range of linking words and phrases.
How well you use a range of vocabulary to talk about different topics. This includes choosing the right words, knowing when to use idiomatic phrases and avoiding frequent mistakes with word forms or collocations.
How flexibly and accurately you use grammar, including using a mix of simple and complex sentences, and expressing yourself without too many mistakes.
Whether you use clear, understandable speech, including pronouncing sounds correctly, placing stress in the right places and using intonation to make your ideas easy to follow.
How IELTS is assessed: FAQs
You can access your results online through the British Council’s Test Taker Portal for IELTS on Computer. For IELTS on paper, you can collect your certificate from your test venue.
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on a band scoring system. You will receive a score from 0-9, with 9 being the highest and 0 being 'did not attempt the test'. However, each educational institution, government or organisation sets its own minimum level of IELTS scores to meet its requirements.
If you want to query your results or have a section re-marked, you can submit an Enquiry on Results (EOR) request up to six weeks after your test. You can do this online through the Test Taker Portal or at the centre where you took your test. You will pay a fee to have one or more sections re-marked, but this will be refunded if your score increases in any section of the test. The outcome of your EOR may be available on the same day as your application or up to 21 days afterwards. The time depends on several factors, including the number of sections you asked us to re-mark.
Related pages
Improve your score by retaking one section of the test.
Find out what to do if you’re not happy with your score.
Find out how to share your results with your school or potential employer.