Strategy tool
IELTS band score calculator
IELTS reports four skill bands and one overall band. Use this calculator guide to understand the rounding rule and plan which skill needs the smallest lift.
IELTS
Overall band rule
- Add Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking bands.
- Divide by 4.
- Round to the nearest half band: 6.25 rounds to 6.5; 6.75 rounds to 7.0.
- Use the result as a study estimate only. Official scoring is decided by the test provider.
Examples
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.50 | 6.5 |
| 7.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.875 | 7.0 |
| 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 6.375 | 6.5 |
How to use the number
- If one skill is much lower than the others, fix that first.
- For most candidates, Writing and Speaking need slower, deliberate feedback cycles.
- Do not chase a tiny Listening or Reading gain if Writing is holding the average down.
Now apply it
Try a free practice section that uses this skill.
Reading tools land in our Reading drills, Speaking tools shine in our Speaking practice, and so on. Open any exam and pick a section.
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