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IELTS Band Score Calculator

Get your IELTS overall band from the four section scores — with the official rounding rule (.25 rounds up) applied correctly.

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How the Overall Band Is Calculated

Your overall band is the average of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, rounded to the nearest half band with IELTS's own rule: an average ending in .25 rounds UP to the next half band, and .75 rounds UP to the next whole band. So 6.5 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 6.0 = average 6.25 → overall 6.5, not 6.0 — the detail most people get wrong.

The tool also maps your band to CEFR: 8.5-9.0 ≈ C2, 7.0-8.0 ≈ C1, 5.5-6.5 ≈ B2, 4.0-5.0 ≈ B1. Universities typically ask for 6.0-7.0 overall with section minimums — check each section, not just the average.

Frequently Asked Questions

My average is 6.25 — is my overall band 6.0 or 6.5?

6.5. IELTS rounds averages ending in .25 up to the next half band and .75 up to the next whole band. Only averages below .25 (or between .5 and .75) round down.

Can section scores be half bands?

Yes — all four sections are reported in half bands (e.g. 6.5). Listening and Reading come from raw-score conversion tables; Writing and Speaking from examiner criteria.

What band do universities require?

Commonly 6.0-6.5 overall for undergraduate and 6.5-7.0 for postgraduate study, often with "no section below 6.0". Competitive programs ask 7.5+. Always check the specific program page.

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