How is the IELTS overall band score calculated?

Add the four band scores (listening, reading, writing, speaking), divide by 4, then apply IELTS rounding. A 6.5, 6.5, 6.0, 7.0 averages to 6.5 (no rounding needed). A 6.5, 7.0, 6.5, 7.0 averages to 6.75, which rounds up to 7.0.

What is a good IELTS score?

Band 6.5 is the minimum most UK postgrad programs accept. Band 7.0+ is competitive for top-tier universities and skilled migration. Band 8.0+ is rare and demonstrates very high proficiency.

Does the rounding always round up?

No. Only .25 and .75 always round up. .125 or .375 round to the nearest .5 normally — so 6.125 rounds to 6.0, not 6.5.

Can I retake just one section?

Yes. IELTS One Skill Retake lets you redo one of the four skills within 60 days of your original test, in participating countries.

IELTS Band Score Calculator

Enter your individual band scores for each of the four skills. The overall band appears instantly, rounded by the official IELTS rule.

By Numerly · Updated May 14, 2026

Listening

Reading

Writing

Speaking

Overall band

7.0

Raw average

6.750

Level

Good

CEFR C1

Band descriptors

Band	Level	CEFR
9	Expert	C2
8	Very good	C1
7	Good	C1
6	Competent	B2
5	Modest	B1
4	Limited	A2
3	Extremely limited	A1
2	Intermittent	A1
1	Non-user	—

Common minimum targets

Purpose	Min band
UK undergraduate (general)	6.0
UK postgraduate (general)	6.5
UK Tier 4 visa (degree)	5.5
Australia skilled migration (competent English)	6.0
Canada Express Entry (CLB 7)	6.0
New Zealand skilled migrant	6.5
Top US / Oxbridge programs	7.0

How it works

Overall band = average of the four skill bands, rounded to the nearest half band. The official rounding rule: if the fractional part is .25 round up to .5; if .75 round up to the next whole band; otherwise round to the nearest .5.

Frequently asked

How is the IELTS overall band score calculated?: Add the four band scores (listening, reading, writing, speaking), divide by 4, then apply IELTS rounding. A 6.5, 6.5, 6.0, 7.0 averages to 6.5 (no rounding needed). A 6.5, 7.0, 6.5, 7.0 averages to 6.75, which rounds up to 7.0.
What is a good IELTS score?: Band 6.5 is the minimum most UK postgrad programs accept. Band 7.0+ is competitive for top-tier universities and skilled migration. Band 8.0+ is rare and demonstrates very high proficiency.
Does the rounding always round up?: No. Only .25 and .75 always round up. .125 or .375 round to the nearest .5 normally — so 6.125 rounds to 6.0, not 6.5.
Can I retake just one section?: Yes. IELTS One Skill Retake lets you redo one of the four skills within 60 days of your original test, in participating countries.

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