IELTS test format and band scores explained
Understand the four IELTS skills, how the nine-band scale works and how your overall band is calculated, with worked examples.
Admissions testsCurriculum fit: IELTS is an English-language test used for study, work and migration. The official site lists IELTS Academic, General Training and IELTS for UKVI. Format, scoring and delivery details change: confirm them on ielts.org and with the organisation requesting your score.
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What is it?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) tests English for study, work or migration. It is owned jointly by the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. The official site lists IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS for UKVI.
Candidates are typically tested on four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Results are reported on a nine-band scale. Always check ielts.org for current rules, because delivery options and policies change.
Key formulas and ideas
- Four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
- Results use a 9-band scale, with a band for each skill and an overall band.
- The overall band is the average of the four skills, rounded to the nearest half or whole band.
- Academic or General Training: choose the version your university, employer or immigration body requires.
Worked examples
Example 1: Overall band
Question: A candidate scores Listening 6, Reading 6.5, Writing 6 and Speaking 7. What is the overall band?
- Add: 6 + 6.5 + 6 + 7 = 25.5.
- Divide by 4: 6.375.
- Round to the nearest half band: 6.5.
Answer: 6.5
Example 2: Rounding up
Question: A candidate scores 7, 7, 6.5 and 6.5. What is the overall band?
- Total = 27, and 27 ÷ 4 = 6.75.
- An average ending in .75 is rounded up to the next whole band.
Answer: 7
Example 3: Choose the version
Question: Which version should a student applying to a UK university usually check with the university?
- Universities specify which test version and minimum scores they accept.
- Always confirm with the institution.
Answer: The version and scores required by the university
Common mistakes
- Booking a test without checking which version is required.
- Using unofficial sources for format and rules.
- Ignoring the minimum score needed in each skill.
- Not practising all four skills.
Practice questions
Frequently asked questions
Academic or General Training?
Academic is usually required for university study. General Training is often used for work or migration. Check with the organisation asking for your score.
Where do I find the official format?
On the official website, ielts.org, and with your test centre. Check delivery options and retake rules before booking.
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Reviewed by StudyMorrow editorial review on 5 Nov 2026.