IELTS Reading Band Score Calculator: How Scores Are Calculated

Quick Answer: Your IELTS Reading band score is based on the number of correct answers (raw score) out of 40. This raw score is converted to a band scale of 0–9 using standard tables that differ for Academic and General Training modules. There is no negative marking, so answer every question.

Table of Contents

How the IELTS Reading Score Is Calculated

Raw Score vs Band Score Conversion

IELTS Academic Reading Band Score Conversion Table

IELTS General Training Reading Band Score Conversion Table

Band Score Comparison Table

Sample Score Calculations

Common Mistakes in Understanding the Calculator

Top Tips to Improve Your Reading Band Score

FAQ

Key Takeaways

How the IELTS Reading Score Is Calculated

The IELTS Reading test consists of 40 questions, each worth 1 mark. You have 60 minutes to complete the test. Your raw score is simply the number of correct answers. This raw score is then converted to a band score on the 9‑band scale.

Two different conversion tables exist because the difficulty of the texts and the score requirements differ between the Academic and General Training versions:

Academic Reading uses longer, more complex texts (often from journals, books, and newspapers). It is designed for test‑takers planning to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels.

General Training Reading uses shorter, more practical texts (advertisements, notices, workplace documents) and requires a higher raw score to achieve the same band.

The conversion tables are set by IELTS test partners (British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English) and are updated periodically. The values below represent typical conversions used in recent tests.

Raw Score vs Band Score Conversion

The conversion is not linear. For example, moving from Band 6 to 7 may require 7–8 extra correct answers, while moving from Band 8 to 9 may require only 3–4 extra correct answers. There is no official “calculator” publicised by IELTS, but published data from practice tests and official reports allows us to create reliable tables.

Note: The band score is always rounded to the nearest 0.5 (e.g., 6.5, 7.0, 8.5). Scores ending in .25 are rounded up to .5, and scores ending in .75 are rounded up to the next whole band.

IELTS Academic Reading Band Score Conversion Table

Raw Score (out of 40)	Band Score
39–40	9.0
37–38	8.5
35–36	8.0
33–34	7.5
30–32	7.0
27–29	6.5
23–26	6.0
20–22	5.5
16–19	5.0
13–15	4.5
10–12	4.0
7–9	3.5
5–6	3.0
3–4	2.5

IELTS General Training Reading Band Score Conversion Table

Raw Score (out of 40)	Band Score
39–40	9.0
38	8.5
37	8.0
36	7.5
34–35	7.0
32–33	6.5
30–31	6.0
27–29	5.5
23–26	5.0
19–22	4.5
15–18	4.0
12–14	3.5
9–11	3.0
6–8	2.5

Why the difference? General Training passages are less demanding, so you need a higher raw score to reach the same band. For example, to get Band 7 in Academic you need around 30–32 correct, but in General Training you need 34–35.

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What the Examiner Wants (Reading)
6	Can understand main ideas and some details, but struggles with complex vocabulary or implied meaning. Reading speed may be slow.
7	Can follow complex arguments, handle unfamiliar vocabulary from context, and understand most implicit meanings. Good time management.
8	Reads fluently with high accuracy. Handles abstract or technical texts, identifies nuances, and rarely loses points due to carelessness.
9	Full operational command. Reads all text types effortlessly, instantly grasps meaning, and completes all questions with minimal errors.

Sample Score Calculations

Let’s see how raw scores translate to band scores in real‑life scenarios.

Band 7 candidate (Academic): Raw score = 31 out of 40. Using the Academic table, that is exactly Band 7. This candidate correctly answered 31 questions – a solid performance showing good comprehension of main ideas and most details. Band 8 candidate (General Training): Raw score = 37 out of 40. According to the GT table, 37 correct answers equals Band 8. This kind of score indicates very strong reading skills, with only a few minor errors. Band 9 candidate (Academic): Raw score = 40 out of 40. Perfect score yields Band 9. While rare, it is achievable with thorough preparation and excellent time management. Important: Because the conversion tables vary slightly between test versions and administrations, you should treat practice test scores as approximations. Always aim for a buffer of 2–3 correct answers above the minimum for your target band.

Common Mistakes in Understanding the Calculator

❌Thinking there is negative marking. No points are deducted for wrong answers. Always guess if you are unsure – a blank answer guarantees a loss, while a guess gives you a chance.

❌Assuming the Academic and General Training tables are identical. They are not. Using the wrong table can give you a false idea of your level.

❌Believing the conversion is fixed forever. IELTS may adjust boundaries slightly to maintain test difficulty consistency. Use official tables from the latest IELTS handbook or practice tests.

❌Relying solely on one practice test calculator. Different practice tests may have slightly different conversions. Average your scores over several tests for a reliable estimate.

❌Ignoring time pressure in calculations. You might answer 35 questions correctly in practice without a timer, but under real test conditions that number could drop by 5–10. Simulate exam conditions.

Top Tips to Improve Your Reading Band Score

💡 Master time management. You have 60 minutes for 40 questions – about 1.5 minutes per question. Skim the passage first, then focus on the questions. Use the “three‑pass” approach: quick scan, detailed reading, answer check.

💡 Focus on the question types you find hardest. Common types include True/False/Not Given, matching headings, and multiple choice. Practice these until your accuracy improves.

💡 Always review your mistakes. After each practice test, note which types of questions you got wrong and why (e.g., misinterpreted a word, ran out of time, missed a key sentence). This targeted feedback is more effective than doing dozens of tests mindlessly.

💡 Read widely in English. Daily exposure to academic articles, news, and opinion pieces builds vocabulary and reading speed – both critical for a higher band.

💡 Use official IELTS practice materials. The conversion tables in this article are based on official data. Avoid random online calculators that may be outdated or inaccurate.

Resources

Check out IELTS Active for practice tests and study materials.

FAQ

Q: How many correct answers do I need for Band 7 in Academic Reading? A: Typically, you need 30–32 correct answers out of 40. The exact number can vary slightly between test administrations. Q: Can I use an online IELTS Reading band score calculator to predict my score? A: Yes, but use one that is based on official IELTS conversion tables and that distinguishes between Academic and General Training. The tables in this article are a reliable reference. Q: Does the IELTS Reading test difficulty affect the conversion? A: Yes, but only slightly. IELTS standardises scores across different test versions, so the conversion may shift by 1–2 raw marks to ensure fairness. Your final band is still a true reflection of your ability. Q: What if my practice test raw score is 29 in Academic? What band is that? A: 29 raw marks usually corresponds to Band 6.5 (since 27–29 equals 6.5). Check the Academic table above. Q: Is the reading score averaged with Listening, Writing, and Speaking? A: No. Each skill (Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking) receives an individual band score. The overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest 0.5. Q: Can I get Band 9 if I answer 38 out of 40? A: In Academic Reading, 38 correct yields Band 8.5, not 9. For Band 9 you need 39–40 correct. In General Training, 38 correct is also 8.5.

Key Takeaways

✅Your IELTS Reading raw score (0–40) is converted to a band score using separate tables for Academic and General Training.

✅No negative marking – always answer every question.

✅Band 7 in Academic typically requires 30–32 correct; in General Training, 34–35 correct.

✅Practice under timed conditions and review your mistakes to improve.

✅Only use official or widely accepted conversion tables for accurate predictions.

Related Posts:

IELTS Reading Question Types: A Complete Guide

10 Proven Strategies to Boost Your IELTS Reading Score