IELTS Reading Band Score 2025: How to calculate IELTS Reading Band Score?

updated at

Updated on Mar 25, 2025, 11:55

Before you read IELTS Reading in detail, it’s crucial to understand the scoring system. Knowing how your answers translate into a final IELTS reading band score helps you approach each question with a clear strategy, boosting your chances of achieving a high IELTS band score.
 

The IELTS Reading section uses a straightforward 0-9 band scale, with no complex band descriptors as found in other modules. Here’s what you need to know.

On This Page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. IELTS Band Score Calculator

IELTS Academic Reading consists of passages sourced from textbooks, journals, magazines, articles and other academic materials. 

Slider image

2. IELTS Reading Band Score Chart

Your IELTS Reading band score is based on the number of correct answers you provide in the test. 

Slider image

3. Scoring Criteria for IELTS Reading

The  IELTS Reading scoring criteria varies between IELTS Academic and General Training, as the difficulty levels of the passages differ.

Slider image

4. Tips & Tricks To Improve Your IELTS Reading Band Score

Below are some expert tips to help you improve your overall performance in the IELTS Reading test.

Slider image

5. List of IELTS Reading Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for excelling in the IELTS Reading section.

More for you

Boost your IELTS Reading score

 

Book Free Reading class arrow right

See how to score 8+ in Speaking. 

 

Get proven strategies to ace your IELTS Speaking test.

Learn More arrow right
6/6
1.

IELTS Band Score Calculator

Enter your IELTS sectional score to get overall score

Error Message
Error Message
Error Message
Error Message

score

2.

IELTS Reading Band Score Chart

Your IELTS Reading band score is based on the number of correct answers you provide in the test. The score conversion follows a standard IELTS Reading band score chart, which helps you to measure progress as you prepare and set clear goals. 
 

How to calculate IELTS Reading score?
 

It is a hassle-free process to calculate reading IELTS scores, as no band descriptors are involved. 
 

It works like this: 
 

Step Explanation
1. Number of Questions You have 40 questions to answer.
2. Scoring System Each correct answer is worth 1 mark.
3. Raw Score Calculation The right answers are summed together to get a final score called the ‘raw score’.
4. Band Score Conversion Your raw score is converted to the band score by using the IELTS reading score chart.


Note: There’s no penalty for incorrect answers, so it's always best to attempt every question.
 

IELTS Reading Band Score Descriptors
 

Each band you get in IELTS indicates a level of proficiency. While 0 means you have probably not attempted the test, indicates you are a highly proficient English speaker! 
 

Here is what each of the band scores means in the IELTS band chart.
 

img

IELTS Band Score Descriptors

Band Skill Level Description
9 Expert User Fully commands the language fluently, accurately, and appropriately with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User Fully commands the language with occasional minor errors. May misunderstand in unfamiliar situations but handles detailed arguments well.
7 Good User Commands the language well, with occasional errors and misunderstandings. Handles complex language and detailed reasoning
6 Competent User Generally communicates effectively, with some errors and misunderstandings. Can understand fairly complex language, especially in familiar situations.
5 Modest User Can grasp overall meaning in most situations despite making many mistakes. Can manage basic communication within their field
4 Limited User Basic competence in familiar situations but often struggles with understanding and expression. Difficulty using complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User Understands general meaning in very familiar situations, with frequent communication breakdowns.
2 Intermittent User Can communicate basic information using simple words or phrases in familiar situations. Struggles with understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non-user Unable to use the language except for isolated words
0 Did not attempt the test No information available about the user
3.

Scoring Criteria for IELTS Reading

The  IELTS Reading scoring criteria varies between IELTS Academic and General Training, as the difficulty levels of the passages differ. Let’s delve into the details of this scoring system and how you can use the following tables to reduce your raw score to your IELTS Reading band score.

IELTS Academic Reading Band Score Chart

The IELTS Academic Reading test has a stricter grading scale as it includes complex passages from authentic academic sources like textbooks, journals, and articles

 

The IELTS Reading score academic conversion is as follows:
 

Raw Score out of 40 Band Score
39 - 40 9
37 - 38 8.5
35 - 36 8
33 - 34 7.5
30 - 32 7
27 - 29 6.5
23 - 26 6
19 - 22 5.5
15 - 18 5
13 - 14 4.5
10 - 12 4
8 - 9 3.5
6 - 7 3
4 - 5 2.5
IELTS General Reading Band Score Chart

The IELTS General reading test comprises general passages sourced from company handbooks, magazines, newspapers, and advertisements. Because the texts are easier, you need a higher number of correct answers to achieve the same band score as in the Academic version.

 

Below is the IELTS General Reading band score chart for your reference:

 

Raw Score out of 40 Band Score
40 9
39 8.5
37-38 8
36 7.5
34-35 7
32-33 6.5
30-31 6
27-29 5.5
23-26 5
19-22 4.5
15-18 4
4.

Tips & Tricks To Improve Your IELTS Reading Band Score

Below are some expert tips to help you improve your overall performance in the IELTS Reading test.

 

  • Preview the Questions: Before reading the passage, quickly go through the questions. It helps you understand what information you need to find while reading.
  • Time Management: Keep an eye on the clock. Don’t spend too much time on one question, allocate 1-2 minutes per question. If you get stuck, move on to the next one and return later if you have time.
  • Skim the Passage: Start by skimming the passage to get a general idea of the topic. Look at headings, subheadings, and any bold or italicised text. It helps you understand the structure.
  • Highlight Keywords: When you find a question, underline or highlight keywords. Scan the passage for these keywords to locate the relevant information quickly.
  • Focus on Paraphrasing: Questions may not use the exact words as the passage. Be ready for paraphrasing. If the question asks about “hobbies,” the passage may discuss “leisure activities.”
  • Expand Your Vocabulary: A broad IELTS reading vocabulary aids in understanding diverse texts and identifying paraphrased information. Regularly read various materials, such as books, articles, and journals, to expose yourself to new words and phrases. 
  • Check Your Spelling: Make sure your answers are spelled correctly. Spelling mistakes can cost you points. If you’re unsure of a word’s spelling, use simpler synonyms.
  • Review Your Answers: If time allows, go back and review your answers. Check if you’ve filled in all the blanks, and make sure your responses make sense in the passage’s context.
     

Click here to access the latest IELTS Reading practice test.

5.

List of IELTS Reading Vocabulary

Expanding your vocabulary is crucial for excelling in the IELTS Reading section. A robust vocabulary enhances comprehension and enables you to grasp the nuances of various texts.
 

Below is a list of  useful voacbulary to improve your band score for reading.
 

Category Vocabulary
Academic Terms Analyse, Evaluate, Hypothesis, Theory, Phenomenon, Concept, Framework, Methodology
Cause & Effect Consequence, Impact, Result, Outcome, Trigger, Influence, Lead to, Cause
Comparison Similarity, Difference, Compare, Contrast, Likewise, Whereas, In contrast
Data & Statistics Percentage, Proportion, Ratio, Majority, Minority, Approximately, Estimate
Time Expressions Meanwhile, Subsequently, Prior to, During, Afterwards, Simultaneously
Opinion & Argument Argue, Claim, Assert, Suggest, Contend, Persuade, Refute, Counterargument
General Academic Words Significant, Crucial, Fundamental, Essential, Notable, Prominent, Relevant


 

ielts logo

Get the IELTS Prep App

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

app download banner image

Get the app link on your phone

+91

Or download app from

google play storeapp store

IELTS Important Information

IELTS Accepting Countries

IELTS Accepting Universities

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

FAQs

Q: What is 27 out of 40 in IELTS Reading?

Ans. In the IELTS Academic Reading test, scoring 27 out of 40 typically corresponds to a band score of 6.5. For the General Training Reading test, a score of 27 out of 40 usually translates to a band score of 6.

Q. What is band 32 out of 40 in IELTS Reading?

Ans. Achieving 32 correct answers out of 40 in the IELTS Academic Reading test generally results in a band score of 7. In the General Training Reading test, a score of 32 out of 40 typically corresponds to a band score of 6.5.

Q. Can I retake IELTS Reading only?

Ans. The availability of retaking only the IELTS Reading section depends on the test centre and region. Some locations offer an option called "One Skill Retake”, allowing candidates to retake a single module. It's advisable to check with your local test centre for specific availability.

Q. What is IELTS band chart?

Ans. The IELTS band chart illustrates how raw scores from the Listening and Reading sections are converted into band scores ranging from 1 to 9. For example, in the Academic Reading test, a raw score of 30 out of 40 typically corresponds to a band score of 7. This chart helps test-takers understand their performance levels.

Q. How to calculate band in IELTS Reading?

Ans. Your IELTS Reading band score depends on your performance in the reading section, scored on a scale of 0 to 9. You have 40 IELTS Reading questions, each earning you one mark. The sum of your scores will be called raw scores, which will be converted to an IELTS band score.


 

Q. How to improve IELTS Reading band score?

Ans. Improving your IELTS Reading band score requires consistent practice and targeted preparation. Here are a few things you can do: 
 

  • Practising reading comprehension skills
  • Developing effective reading strategies (such as skimming and scanning)
  • Expand your vocabulary and familiarise yourself with different question types 
  • Reading various texts across different topics and genres can help enhance your reading proficiency
Q. What Does the 9 Band in IELTS Reading Score Chart Signify?

Ans. A Band 9 in the IELTS Reading section indicates that the test taker is an "Expert User," demonstrating full operational command of the language. This means their use of English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, with complete understanding. Achieving this band reflects the highest level of proficiency in reading comprehension.

Q. How Do You Get a 9 Band Score on the IELTS Reading Test?

Ans. To achieve a Band 9 in the IELTS Reading test, it's essential to develop effective strategies. One approach is to avoid reading the entire passage in detail initially; instead, read the questions first to identify keywords, then scan the passage for relevant information. This targeted reading method can enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Q. How Difficult is the IELTS Reading Section?

Ans. The difficulty of the IELTS Reading section varies between the Academic and General Training versions. The Academic test often features more complex texts with challenging vocabulary, making it generally more demanding. In contrast, the General Training test includes texts of moderate difficulty. On average, test-takers score around 5.9 in Academic Reading and 6.2 in General Training Reading.

Q. What is a Good Band Score for Admissions into Universities Abroad?

Ans. A good IELTS band score for university admissions typically ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, depending on the institution and program. A score of 7.0 or above is often required for competitive programs or top-tier universities, indicating a strong command of the English language.

Q. How long is my IELTS score valid?

Ans. IELTS test results are generally considered valid for two years after the test date. This recommendation is based on research into second-language attrition. However, some organisations may choose to accept results for a longer period, so it's advisable to check directly with the specific institution or organisation regarding their requirements.