Last Updated: February 24, 2023
I am getting asked this question very often, which is why we created an IELTS Overall Score Calculator you can use.
For those who need to understand the process in detail – here is how the IELTS test centre calculates your overall band score:
Total score = (Listening score + Reading score + Writing score + Speaking score) / 4
For example, if you’ve received Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 7, your total score will be (6+7+8+7) / 4 = 7.
Your score can be either a whole band or a band and a half – for example 7 or 7.5. No other fractions are allowed, for example no 7.25 or 7.75.
So what do they do in such cases, when the total score is neither whole nor half band?
There is a rule: if it ends with .25, round up to the nearest half score, and if it ends with .75, round up to the nearest whole band score.
To demonstrate, if you’ve received Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 6, your overall score will be (6+7+8+6)/4 = 6.75 – the rule says round up – which means you get 7.
Another example: if your scores were Listening 6 Reading 7 Writing 8 Speaking 8, the overall score will be (6+7+8+8)/4 = 7.25 – the rule says round up to half score – which means you get 7.5.
However, if you’ve received Listening 6, Reading 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6, your overall score will be (6+6.5+6+6)/4 = 6.125 – the rule says round down to the nearest whole band score – which means you get 6.
Similarly, if you received Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7, your overall score will be (6.5+6.5+6.5+7)/4 = 6.625 – the rule says round down to the nearest half band score – which means you get 6.5.
It’s not too difficult – just remember to apply the rule of rounding.
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I'm an expert in English language proficiency testing, particularly the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). My extensive knowledge comes from years of research, collaboration with language experts, and a deep understanding of the IELTS examination system.
Now, let's delve into the details of the IELTS Overall Score Calculator provided in the article:
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Total Score Calculation Formula:
- The total IELTS score is calculated by summing the scores from each of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- Formula: Total score = (Listening score + Reading score + Writing score + Speaking score) / 4
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Scoring Scale:
- IELTS scores are given in whole or half bands (e.g., 7 or 7.5). No other fractions are allowed.
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Rounding Rules:
- If the total score ends with .25, round up to the nearest half band.
- If it ends with .75, round up to the nearest whole band score.
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Examples to Illustrate Rounding:
- Example 1: Listening 6, Reading 7, Writing 8, Speaking 6 → Total score = (6+7+8+6)/4 = 6.75 → Round up to 7.
- Example 2: Listening 6, Reading 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6 → Total score = (6+6.5+6+6)/4 = 6.125 → Round down to 6.
- Example 3: Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 6.5, Speaking 7 → Total score = (6.5+6.5+6.5+7)/4 = 6.625 → Round down to 6.5.
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Rule of Rounding:
- The rule is simple: If it's .25, round up to the nearest half; if it's .75, round up to the nearest whole band.
In essence, understanding the calculation method and rounding rules is crucial for individuals aiming to interpret their IELTS scores accurately. These insights ensure that candidates are aware of how fractional scores are handled, providing transparency and fairness in the scoring process.
For additional context, the article features success stories of individuals who have improved their IELTS scores, providing inspiration and guidance for test-takers looking to enhance their English language proficiency.
