IELTS band score calculator — overall score

How the overall IELTS band is calculated

Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking have equal weight in the overall calculation. Choose each section band from zero to nine in steps of half a band. We add the four scores, divide by four and round the average to the nearest whole or half band. An average ending at .25 moves up to the next half band; .75 moves up to the next whole band.

For example, 6.5, 6, 6 and 7 average 6.375, giving an overall 6.5. Scores of 7, 7, 6.5 and 7.5 give 7.0. The form shows the average before rounding, so you can see why changing one section may leave the overall band unchanged. An official arithmetic rule does not make hypothetical section scores an official test result.

Use the calculator and keep a scenario

Start with scores you actually have, then change one input at a time to explore a realistic target. Empty fields are deliberately left empty: a missing score is not treated as zero. The result updates when you choose a value, without a separate calculation button. Your selections are included in the page address, so copying the address lets someone else open the same scenario. Changing a value updates the current address without adding a browser history entry. Reloading or sharing that address restores the valid values. The calculator runs in your browser and does not submit these values to a scoring API.

Turn a number into a practice plan

A calculated score is useful when it leads to a specific next step. Compare several fresh attempts rather than treating one unusually strong practice result as your settled level. Notice which skill or criterion limits your progress, practise that area, and repeat the check with new material. An estimate cannot certify language ability or guarantee a result on test day. For IELTS, the linked free Reading or Listening mock gives you a timed task and feedback on individual answers.

Source and limits

Source: IDP guidance on IELTS scoring. The overall rounding rule is official; converting practice marks or self-assessed criteria into a predicted test result is an estimate.