IELTS Reading Scores
How Reading scoring works
The IELTS Reading test has 40 questions. Each correct answer is 1 mark, so your raw score is out of 40. This raw score is then converted into a band score.
Academic and General Training Reading use different texts, so the raw score needed for a band score is different. Use the calculator and tables below as a guide to understand your results.
If you’re also going through practice listening tests, see our IELTS Listening score calculator.
Reading Band Score Calculator
Choose your test type, enter your raw score (0–40) from your practice test, and we will estimate your band score.
Note: IELTS conversions can vary slightly by test version. Use this as an approximation only.
IELTS Reading Score Tables
Find your raw score (out of 40) and match it to your band score. Note that IELTS conversions can vary slightly by test version. Use this as an approximation only.
Academic Reading
| Band | Raw score (out of 40) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 3.5 | 8–9 |
General Training Reading
| Band | Raw score (out of 40) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 3.5 | 12–14 |
Want to improve your reading band score? Try our guided reading practice and strategies course.
Go to Free Reading Courses
Academic vs General
Same number of questions, but different text types.
Academic Reading
Three longer texts from books, journals, newspapers or magazines. The language and ideas are often more complex.
This is why the raw score needed for a high band is typically lower than General Training.
General Training Reading
More everyday reading: notices, ads, workplace texts and one longer passage. The texts are usually more accessible.
This is why you often need a higher raw score to reach the same band.
Our Guide to Raising your Reading Score
Perfect practice makes the best progress. Learn the right techniques for skimming and scanning and the different question types.
- Skim first: understand the passage topic and structure before answering
- Underline keywords: match meaning, not only identical words
- Learn common traps: “Not Given” vs “False”, paraphrases, distracting language
- Time-keeping: don’t get stuck on one question; learn when to move on
If you want guided practice, start with our free self-study courses.
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