In this article
- The IELTS band scale, from 9 to 0
- How the overall band score is calculated
- What IELTS score do universities ask for?
- When you get your results, and for how long they count
- IELTS scores: frequently asked questions
The maximum IELTS score is band 9, called “Expert” by IELTS. Each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) is scored from 0 to 9, and so is the overall band score. Scores are given in whole and half bands, for example 6.5 or 7.0.
This page explains what each band means, how the overall score is calculated and what leading universities ask for. For costs, see our guide to the IELTS exam fee.
The IELTS band scale, from 9 to 0
| Band | IELTS name | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert | Full command of English |
| 8 | Very good | Full command, with only occasional unsystematic errors |
| 7 | Good | Operational command, with occasional errors |
| 6 | Competent | Effective command despite some errors |
| 5 | Modest | Partial command; copes with overall meaning in most situations |
| 4 | Limited | Basic competence, limited to familiar situations |
| 3 | Extremely limited | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations |
| 2 | Intermittent | Great difficulty understanding spoken and written English |
| 1 | Non-user | No ability beyond a few isolated words |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | No answers given |
How the overall band score is calculated
The overall band score is the average of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest half band. If the average ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band; if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
| Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking | Average | Overall band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.5 | 6.5 | 6.25 | 6.5 |
| 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 3.875 | 4.0 |
| 6.5 | 6.5 | 5.0 | 6.5 | 6.125 | 6.0 |
What IELTS score do universities ask for?
Each university sets its own requirement, often with a minimum per section as well as an overall band. Two examples for undergraduate study:
- University of Cambridge: normally 7.5 overall, usually with 7.0 or above in each section (official page).
- University of Oxford: minimum 7.0 in each section for most courses, and 6.5 in each section for Computer Science, Mathematics and their joint courses (official page).
For more universities, see our list of IELTS and TOEFL requirements at top universities.
When you get your results, and for how long they count
On computer, results usually arrive within 1 to 5 days. On paper, the date is shown in your candidate portal. Organisations generally do not accept results that are more than two years old.
If one section pulled your score down after an IELTS on computer, the One Skill Retake lets you retake that section once, within 60 days of your test.
IELTS scores: frequently asked questions
What is the highest IELTS score?
Band 9, the top of the 0 to 9 scale. It applies to each section and to the overall band score.
Can you get 9 in IELTS?
Yes. Band 9 (“Expert”) is a real score on the scale, overall or in a single section.
How is the IELTS overall score rounded?
It is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band: an average of 6.25 becomes 6.5, 6.75 becomes 7.0 and 6.125 becomes 6.0.
How long is an IELTS score valid?
Organisations generally do not accept IELTS results that are more than two years old.
Need a higher IELTS band?
Author
With a Bachelor's (LLB) from UCL and Assas, and the Grande Ecole program at HEC Paris, Adam co-founded Your Dream School in 2018. Since then the company has coached more than 1,000 students through university admissions and interview preparation for top global institutions.
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