IELTS Guide & Band Calculator
Understand the IELTS exam, see how scoring works, calculate your estimated band, and learn what really matters for your test — all in one simple LinearSchool page.
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All content here is for guidance only and does not replace official IELTS information.1. IELTS Exam Overview
Here is a quick snapshot of all four parts of the IELTS test. Times and formats are for most paper-based Academic & General Training exams.
- Part 1 – filling in a form (everyday situation)
- Part 2 – monologue on everyday topics
- Part 3 – conversation with 2–4 people (usually education)
- Part 4 – academic monologue (lecture or talk)
- 3 texts (Academic or General), around 20 min each
- 11–15 questions per section
- Many question types: T/F/NG, headings, matching, gap-fill, etc.
- No extra time to transfer answers – write on the answer sheet directly.
- Task 1 (20 min, ≥150 words)
- Academic – describe a graph, chart, process, or map.
- General – write a formal / semi-formal / informal letter.
- Task 2 (40 min, ≥250 words)
- An academic essay with clear opinion, reasons, and examples.
- Part 1 (4–5 min) – introduction & simple questions about you.
- Part 2 (3–4 min) – long turn: 1-min preparation + 1–2 min talk on a cue card.
- Part 3 (4–5 min) – deeper follow-up questions linked to Part 2 topic.
Grammar, vocabulary, and coherence are especially important in Writing and Speaking, which is why LinearSchool focuses on those skills through AI feedback and targeted practice.
2. IELTS Band Scores & Scoring System
Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored from Band 0 to Band 9. Your final score is the average of the four skills, rounded to the nearest 0.5.
| Band | Level | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|
| Band 9 | Expert | Fully natural English; rare in real tests. |
| Band 8 | Very Good | Very few errors, strong control of complex grammar and vocabulary. |
| Band 7 | Good | Frequent complex structures, some errors but meaning is clear. |
| Band 6 | Competent | Can communicate effectively but with noticeable mistakes and limited range. |
| Band 5 | Modest | Basic communication is possible; grammar and vocabulary errors are common. |
| Band 4 | Limited | Very simple language only; difficult to handle typical academic or work tasks. |
How the overall band is calculated
- Add the four band scores together.
- Divide by 4 to get the average.
- Round to the nearest 0.5 or whole number.
Example:
Listening 6.5, Reading 6.0, Writing 5.5, Speaking 6.0
Total = 24 → 24 / 4 = 6.0 → Overall band = Band 6.0
In Writing and Speaking, grammar is a major part of your score (Grammatical Range and Accuracy). That’s why LinearSchool strongly focuses on reducing grammar mistakes and increasing complex, accurate sentence structures.
| Band | Correct answers |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | 39–40 |
| 8.5 | 37–38 |
| 8.0 | 35–36 |
| 7.5 | 33–34 |
| 7.0 | 30–32 |
| 6.5 | 27–29 |
| 6.0 | 23–26 |
| 5.5 | 19–22 |
| 5.0 | 15–18 |
| 4.5 | 13–14 |
| 4.0 | 10–12 |
| Band | Correct answers |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | 40 |
| 8.5 | 39 |
| 8.0 | 37–38 |
| 7.5 | 36 |
| 7.0 | 34–35 |
| 6.5 | 32–33 |
| 6.0 | 30–31 |
| 5.5 | 27–29 |
| 5.0 | 23–26 |
| 4.5 | 19–22 |
| 4.0 | 15–18 |
| Band | Correct answers |
|---|---|
| 9.0 | 39–40 |
| 8.5 | 37–38 |
| 8.0 | 35–36 |
| 7.5 | 32–34 |
| 7.0 | 30–31 |
| 6.5 | 26–29 |
| 6.0 | 23–25 |
| 5.5 | 18–22 |
| 5.0 | 16–17 |
| 4.5 | 13–15 |
| 4.0 | 10–12 |
These numbers are based on publicly available conversion tables and are approximate. Official IELTS conversions can change slightly between test versions.
3. IELTS Band Calculator
Enter your band scores (real or estimated) for each skill. The calculator will show your overall band using IELTS-style rounding.
How to use this calculator wisely
- Use real scores from mock tests when possible.
- Remember that Writing and Speaking are scored by human examiners.
- This tool only calculates the math of your bands, not official scores.
After using the calculator, you can take the IELTS Grammar Level Test to see which grammar areas you should improve to reach your target band.
4. Important Things IELTS Students Must Know
1️⃣ Grammar affects Writing & Speaking directly
Two of the four writing criteria and one speaking criterion focus on grammar (accuracy + range). Small errors repeated many times can drop you from Band 7 to Band 6.
2️⃣ Vocabulary is not only “difficult words”
Examiners want precise, natural phrases. Collocations (e.g., “make progress”, “pose a risk”) are more powerful than random advanced words.
3️⃣ Task Response is more than word count
In Writing Task 2 you must answer all parts of the question, develop your ideas, and stay on topic. Otherwise your band is limited even if grammar is good.
4️⃣ Fluency ≠ fast speaking
Speaking fluency means you can talk continuously with natural pauses, not memorised answers. Simple, correct language is better than complicated mistakes.
5️⃣ Reading & Listening need strategy
Skimming, scanning, predicting, and understanding question types (such as True/False/Not Given) are essential. Pure grammar and vocabulary are not enough.
6️⃣ Consistency beats last-minute study
15–30 minutes per day with focused practice (grammar + writing + listening) is far more effective than studying only during the last week.
🎯 Next smart step: Create a free account on LinearSchool and follow your personalized grammar & writing plan based on your level.
Start Free IELTS Practice5. Quick IELTS FAQs
- Grammar level tests and targeted practice.
- AI feedback on writing, including estimated IELTS band.
- Speaking practice with speech-to-text analysis.
- Study-abroad guidance based on your target band.