IELTS Reading Score Calculator
Convert your raw IELTS reading score (0 to 40) into official Academic and General Training band scores. Explore dedicated score breakdowns, CEFR levels, and personalized target band action plans.
Academic reading includes 3 long texts taken from scientific, academic, and research journals.
Estimated Band Score
Browse Dedicated Reading Score Pages (0 - 40)
Select your exact raw mark out of 40 for detailed CEFR descriptors, question pitfalls, and next-band roadmaps.
Official IELTS Reading Band Score Conversion Table
Compare the exact raw mark requirements for Academic vs General Training Reading across all IELTS band scores (Band 2.5 to Band 9.0).
| Band Score | Academic Reading (Marks) | General Reading (Marks) | CEFR | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 39 - 40 / 40 | 40 / 40 | C2 | Expert User |
| 8.5 | 37 - 38 / 40 | 39 / 40 | C2 | Very Good User |
| 8.0 | 35 - 36 / 40 | 37 - 38 / 40 | C1 | Very Good User |
| 7.5 | 33 - 34 / 40 | 36 / 40 | C1 | Good User |
| 7.0 | 30 - 32 / 40 | 34 - 35 / 40 | C1 | Good User |
| 6.5 | 27 - 29 / 40 | 32 - 33 / 40 | B2 | Competent User |
| 6.0 | 23 - 26 / 40 | 30 - 31 / 40 | B2 | Competent User |
| 5.5 | 19 - 22 / 40 | 27 - 29 / 40 | B2 | Modest User |
| 5.0 | 15 - 18 / 40 | 23 - 26 / 40 | B1 | Modest User |
| 4.5 | 13 - 14 / 40 | 19 - 22 / 40 | B1 | Limited User |
| 4.0 | 10 - 12 / 40 | 15 - 18 / 40 | B1 | Limited User |
| 3.5 | 7 - 9 / 40 | 12 - 14 / 40 | A2 | Extremely Limited User |
| 3.0 | 4 - 6 / 40 | 8 - 11 / 40 | A2 | Extremely Limited User |
| 2.5 | 2 - 3 / 40 | 5 - 7 / 40 | A1 | Intermittent User |
IELTS Academic Reading
Academic Reading features 3 authentic, dense passages taken from university textbooks, scientific research, and architectural or historical essays. Because the vocabulary is significantly more complex, fewer correct answers are required to reach Band 7.0 (30/40 correct).
- ✓ 3 Long academic passages (2,150 - 2,750 words total)
- ✓ High focus on academic discourse and theory
- ✓ Band 7.0 threshold: 30 / 40 correct
IELTS General Training Reading
General Reading consists of everyday life texts (timetables, advertisements), workplace documents (company policy, contracts), and one longer descriptive text. Because the texts are simpler, the grading threshold is stricter: you need 34/40 correct to get Band 7.0.
- ✓ Section 1: Social survival & advertisements
- ✓ Section 2: Workplace training & policies
- ✓ Band 7.0 threshold: 34 / 40 correct
Frequently Asked Questions
Do incorrect answers deduct marks in IELTS Reading?
No. There is no negative marking in IELTS. Every correct answer earns 1 mark, and wrong answers simply receive 0 marks. You should always guess if you run out of time.
Why does General Training Reading require more marks for the same band?
The General Training reading test uses simpler, practical texts from everyday contexts rather than complex scholarly journals. To balance difficulty, the raw score benchmark for high bands is higher (e.g. 34 for Band 7.0 vs 30 for Academic).
Do spelling and capitalization matter in IELTS Reading?
Spelling must be 100% correct according to either British or American English conventions. Capitalization is generally not strictly marked, but writing in ALL CAPS is accepted and recommended to avoid messy handwriting mistakes.