Understanding IELTS Average Score: IELTS Score Band Calculation & Rounding Rules
The IELTS average score can help you set a target for IELTS preparation. The IELTS average score is the average of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). The average IELTS score for most test-takers globally falls between 6.0 and 6.5. However, it can vary depending on the requirements. With the IELTS Band score, you can get an idea of country-wise trends and what scores universities and immigration bodies are accepting.
- Your average IELTS score may also vary based on the test format you take. There are two types of exam modes: General Training or Academic.
- Different programs and universities have different requirements for an average score on IELTS.
- Most universities publish their IELTS minimum score requirements for the admission process.
- The rounding rules in IELTS indicate that if your average score is 5.25, it will become 5.5, and if the IELTS average score is 5.75, it becomes 6.0.
Related Links:
- How to achieve a 6.5 Band score in IELTS
- IELTS Band Score: Section-wise Band Score, Band Descriptors
Key Summary
- Score Validity: IELTS scores are valid for 2 years.
- Type of Exam: IELTS Academic (study) and General Training (migration/work).
- Paper Pattern: 4 sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.
- Global IELTS Average Band Score: 6.0–6.5
- Most Common IELTS Score Range: 6.0–7.0
- Minimum Acceptable Score for Universities: 6.0 or 6.5
What is the IELTS Average Score, IELTS Band and Score Levels?
The IELTS band scores corresponding to the candidate’s English proficiency level are shown below in the table. An IELTS Band score of 9 shows an excellent user with an advanced level of understanding in English.
- Band 8 in IELTS results indicates a strong user with minimal mistakes.
- An IELTS average score of Band 7 points indicates that the user is good at handling the English language very well, though some inaccuracies may occur.
- From Band 6 and below, the mistakes become noticeable, and command over the language decreases gradually.
| IELTS Band Score | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| Band 9 | Expert User |
| Band 8 | Strong User |
| Band 7 | Good User |
| Band 6 | Competent User |
| Band 5 | Modest User |
| Band 4 | Limited User |
| Band 3 | Extremely Limited User |
| Band 2 | Intermittent User |
| Band 1 | Non-User |
| Band 0 | Did Not Attempt the Test |
Check:
- IELTS Band Descriptors: Understanding IELTS Band Description for Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening
- IELTS Academic Score: Score Calculation, Comparison, and Band Descriptors
Note: As the IELTS Band score goes lower, the understanding of language becomes weaker, and mistakes become more frequent.
Wondering how anyone can get a 7.5 score in each band of the IELTS?
As per Quora user Isa Alsaqer, “Getting 7.5 in every band is really challenging. Listening and reading require more and more practice to be familiar with all types of questions.”-Quora.
Ques: How is the overall IELTS band score calculated?
Ans: The overall IELTS band score is the average of the four section scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole band.
Ques: What band score do I need for admission to universities and immigration?
Ans: Universities require an overall band of 6.0-7,5. The immigration requirements vary by country, but commonly require 6.0-7.0 overall.
Section-wise Average Score of IELTS
IELTS results are prepared based on four sections: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The band score ranges from 0 to 9. Each band represents the level of language ability.
| IELTS Sections | Scores |
|---|---|
| IELTS Reading | 7.5 band |
| IELTS Writing | 7.0 band |
| IELTS Speaking | 7.5 band |
| IELTS Listening | 8.0 band |
| Overall IELTS Score | 7.5 band |
Also Check:
- IELTS Score Validity: Check the Validity Period of Your IELTS TRF
- Mock tests can improve your average IELTS score. Wondering how? Take an IELTS mock test now
IELTS Band Score Reading
The IELTS reading test consists of three passages with overall 40 questions. The test will evaluate your ability to skim, understand arguments, and identify opinions through various types of questions. Improving your IELTS Reading band score improved the overall score.
| Correct Answers | Academic Reading | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Band Score 5 | Band Score 4 |
| 23 | Band Score 6 | Band Score 5 |
| 30 | Band Score 7 | Band Score 6 |
| 35 | Band Score 8 | Band Score 7 |
Check: IELTS Minimum Score: Check Score for Top Universities, Immigration, and Scholarship
Ques: Is spelling important in the Reading section?
Ans: Yes, spelling is important in the Reading section, as incorrect spelling results in the answer
Ques: What happens if I leave a question blank?
Ans: Leaving a question blank results in zero marks, but there is no penalty for wrong answers.
IELTS Band Score Listening
The IELTS listening Band score is calculated based on the marks obtained in the listening test. There will be 40 questions in this section, and your listening ability will be assessed through your four audio recordings.
| Correct Answers | Listening Band Score |
|---|---|
| 16 | Band Score 5 |
| 23 | Band Score 6 |
| 30 | Band Score 7 |
| 35 | Band Score 8 |
Ques: Is 6.625 rounded to 7 in IELTS?
Ans: No, an average of 6.625 is rounded down to 6.5 in IELTS overall band scoring.
IELTS Band Score Writing
In the IELTS Writing Band score, you have to write essays based on the visual information provided. The examiner will evaluate your overall writing skills through two separate tasks: Task 1 and Task 2.
| Criteria | Weightage | What It Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement/Task Response | 25% | Includes all important points in Task 1 and presents and supports ideas in Task 2 |
| Coherence & Cohesion | 25% | Logical flow of ideas, clear paragraph structure, and effective linking between sentences. |
| Lexical Resource | 25% | Range and accuracy of vocabulary, use of appropriate words and expressions. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 25% | Correct grammar usage, sentence structure, and punctuation. |
Check: IELTS Writing Test Samples with Answers
Ques: Is getting 7 in IELTS Writing easy?
Ans: No, getting 7 in IELTS Writing is not easy, as it requires strong skills with only occasional errors.
IELTS Band Score Speaking
The IELTS average score for speaking is calculated on the basis of four criteria. Each carries an equal weightage of 25%. The examiner will assess your every section by giving a separate Band score. Combining all four sections, the final IELTS average score for speaking is then prepared.
| Criteria | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Fluency & Coherence | 25% |
| Lexical Resource | 25% |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 25% |
| Pronunciation | 25% |
Ques: What is the IELTS speaking test format?
Ans: The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts:
- Part 1 (introduction and general questions, 4-5 minutes),
- Part 2 (long turn on a topic, 3-4 minutes), and
- Part 3 (discussion, 4-5 minutes).
Country-wise IELTS Average Score
The IELTS average score for different countries varies greatly. Countries like the USA, where English is the main language spoken by the natives every day, top the list with an overall Band score of 7.5. This is followed by Jamaica, Nigeria, France, Canada, etc.
| Country | Reading band score | Listening band score | Writing band score | Speaking band score | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 6.9 | 7.1 | 6.1 | 6.9 | 6.8 |
| Canada | 6.6 | 7.1 | 6.2 | 7.0 | 6.8 |
| United States of America | 7.3 | 7.6 | 7.0 | 7.9 | 7.5 |
| Cameroon | 5.4 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 6.5 | 5.9 |
| Brazil | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 6.7 |
| Argentina | 6.6 | 6.6 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| Colombia | 6.2 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.2 |
| Italy | 6.3 | 6.4 | 5.8 | 6.4 | 6.3 |
| China | 6.3 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| Indonesia | 5.8 | 6.1 | 5.7 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Jamaica | 6.7 | 7.2 | 6.7 | 8.0 | 7.2 |
| Hong Kong | 6.8 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.6 |
| Korea | 5.7 | 6.0 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 5.8 |
| Japan | 5.6 | 6.0 | 5.6 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| Nigeria | 6.4 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 7.3 | 6.9 |
| Malaysia | 6.9 | 7.2 | 6.3 | 6.9 | 6.9 |
| Spain | 6.7 | 6.6 | 6.0 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Mexico | 6.5 | 6.6 | 6.0 | 6.6 | 6.5 |
| Nepal | 5.9 | 6.6 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 6.3 |
| Philippines | 5.7 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.1 |
| Thailand | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.2 | 5.4 | 5.3 |
| Saudi Arabia | 4.4 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| Russia | 7.0 | 7.0 | 6.2 | 6.7 | 6.8 |
| Turkey | 6.1 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 6.2 | 6.2 |
| Sri Lanka | 6.4 | 6.9 | 6.0 | 6.8 | 6.6 |
| Taiwan | 5.9 | 6.2 | 5.7 | 6.1 | 6.0 |
| Ukraine | 6.2 | 6.4 | 5.8 | 6.3 | 6.2 |
Also Read:
IELTS Average Score in India
The IELTS average score of India lies between 6.0 and 6.2. The country shows a strong performance in Listening and weaker in Writing skills. A Quora user, Apporv Bhatnagar, shared his preparation strategy for how an average Indian guy can get a Band score of 7.0+ in IELTS. He said, “I got a 7.5 overall band score with 8.5 in listening, 7 bands in reading and speaking, and 6.5 in writing.”
He shared the tips for all Indian students who are preparing for the IELTS test.
- Read English newspapers (such as The Economist, The Hindustan Times, etc.). Focus on the structure of the sentences written in articles and the vocabulary used.
- Watch English movies (without subtitles)
- Practice the previous modules of the Cambridge English.
Source: Quora
| Country | Reading Average Score | Listening Average Score | Writing Average Score | Speaking Average Score | Overall Band Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | ~6.3 | ~6.5 | ~5.7 | ~6.0 | ~6.2 |
Also Check:
- IELTS Results: Check and Understand Your IELTS Scores Online
- IELTS TRF: Check Sample, and Delivery Process
- IELTS to CLB Score conversion and Top University IELTS to CLB Scores
Ques: Is it difficult to score 7+ for Indian students in IELTS?
Ans: Indian students usually lag mainly in Writing and Speaking skills in IELTS. But with a smart preparation strategy, scoring 7+ is absolutely possible. Make a habit of reading the newspaper from day 1 of your IELTS preparation. Practice speaking and writing essays regularly can help you score a good IELTS Band score.
Ques: Can I retake the IELTS test to improve my band score?
Ans: Yes, you can retake the full IELTS test as often as needed, or use One Skill Retake for a single section if available.
FAQs
Ques: What is the difference in scoring between IELTS Academic and General Training Reading?
Ans: The IELTS Band score reading calculation is the same for Academic and General Training. The difference applies to Reading, where General Training requires a larger number of correct answers for the same band due to simpler texts.
Ques: How many bands are there in IELTS Writing?
Ans: IELTS Writing uses the same 0-9 band scale based on four criteria:
- Task Achievement/Response,
- Coherence and Cohesion,
- Lexical Resource, and
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
Ques: How to improve IELTS speaking band score?
Ans: To improve your IELTS Speaking band score,
- Practice fluency,
- Vocabulary use and grammar in day-to-day life,
- Focus on clear pronunciation
- Talking to friends and others in English
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