If you’re looking for information about reading band scores for the IELTS, then you’re certainly in the right place. We’ll give you the rundown on the IELTS academic reading band and the general reading scores, too, along with a handy chart and calculator. Keep on reading for everything you need to know.
Reading band score for IELTS
IELTS Reading Band Score Calculation
There are four sections to the IELTS exam: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They are each scored on a band between 0 (lowest) and 9 (highest). You can get half marks (5.5 or 7.5, for example) for each section. The four sections have equal weighting and are combined in the end to give you a final band score to the nearest 0.5 (7.0 or 7.5, for example). The scores are rounded up or down (7.25=7.5, or 6.2=6.0).
The IELTS reading exam consists of 40 questions (for both the general and academic versions). The scoring is similar for both (see below for the exact difference) and depends on how many questions you answer correctly. You don’t lose points for incorrect answers, so make a guess for every question.
Check this out: IELTS Reading Tips.
Related: IELTS Listening Band Score Information and IELTS Speaking Bands.
It doesn’t matter where you take your test, including the British Council vs IDP: the evaluation of the exams are exactly the same.
IELTS Reading: General vs Academic
For the IELTS exam, you have the option of choosing the general or academic version. The general option is used for immigration purposes and employment purposes, while the academic one is for entrance into universities or colleges around the world. This is general information, so be sure to check specific requirements.
The IELTS Listening and IELTS Speaking for the general and academic are the same. However, the tests are different for the reading and writing portions. However, the format and number of questions are the same, no matter which version you choose.
What is different is the content (more general language vs. academic language). The band grading is also slightly different for the general vs the academic. See the chart below. But to summarize, you’ll need more correct answers in the IELTS general reading exam to get a high band score. The academic version is more difficult and slightly more forgiving in terms of incorrect answers.
You may want to check out some of these recommendations: Books for English Learners.
Reading Band Score Chart (General and Academic)
Check out this reading band score chart for the academic and general versions. The academic reading exam is more difficult, but you are allowed to get more questions wrong compared to the general reading IELTS.
IELTS reading band score chart: General vs Academic
IELTS Reading Band Score Calculator
Check out a simple online IELTS reading band score calculator for both the academic and general versions. You have to put in the number of correct answers out of 40, and then you’ll get a band score (from 0 to 9).
Improve your IELTS Reading Band Score
One of the keys to a better reading score on the IELTS exam is a large vocabulary. The best way to help you get there is this book on Amazon: IELTS Speaking Vocabulary Builder. Learn thousands of idioms, slang, phrasal verbs, collocations, and more.
Pick up your copy of the book today and get ready for a better IELTS score in the future!
FAQs About IELTS Reading Score
Here are answers to some of the most common questions asked about IELTS reading scores.
What is the band score for IELTS reading?
In the below chart, you can check the average number of marks required for each reading band score in Academic Reading.
| 5 | 15 |
| 6 | 23 |
| 7 | 30 |
| 8 | 35 |
You can also check the average number of marks needed for particular band scores in General Reading.
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 23 |
| 6 | 30 |
| 7 | 34 |
| 8 | 38 |
How is IELTS reading calculated?
In the IELTS reading test, you have to answer 40 questions. You receive one mark per one correct answer. The answers are either correct or incorrect. The total number of marks determines your band score. Each band score is equal to a range of a number of marks. However, you can target a specific band score by looking up the average number of marks required per band score.
Is 6.5 in reading IELTS good?
A 6 or 6.5 reading band score in IELTS is often the minimum score required by many universities and colleges. Therefore, 6.5 is a band score that tells that the person is competent to be in a university-level academic classroom, although there might be a few minor misunderstandings. A 6.5 score means you correctly answered 27 questions out of 40. So, there is definitely room for improvement.
What is the scoring range for the IELTS reading test?
Answer: The IELTS reading test is scored on a scale of 0 to 9, with 0.5 increments. This scale reflects the level of a test taker’s reading skills.
How many passages are in the IELTS reading test?
The IELTS Academic reading test usually consists of three long passages, while the IELTS General Training reading test includes three sections with a mix of short and long passages.
Are all questions in the IELTS reading test weighted the same?
No, some questions are worth more marks than others. Questions that require more detailed or complex answers usually carry higher weight.
Can I lose marks for incorrect answers in the IELTS reading test?
No, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers. You are not penalized for guessing.
What is the relation between the number of correct answers and the overall IELTS reading score?
The more correct answers you provide, the higher your IELTS reading score will be. Each correct answer contributes to your total score.
Are all versions of the IELTS reading test equally difficult?
IELTS aims to maintain consistent difficulty levels across different test versions. However, variations in test content may lead to slight differences in difficulty.
How long does it take to receive IELTS results?
IELTS results are usually available after 13 calendar days from the test date for the paper-based test and 3-5 days for the computer-delivered test.
Can I request a re-evaluation of my IELTS reading test?
Yes, you can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) within six weeks of your test date if you believe there has been a mistake in the scoring.
What score range represents different levels of English proficiency in IELTS reading?
The IELTS band scale categorizes scores as follows: Band 1-3 (Non-User), Band 4-5 (Limited User), Band 6 (Competent User), Band 7-9 (Good User).
Is there a passing score in the IELTS reading test?
IELTS does not have a “pass” or “fail” score. The band score you achieve reflects your English proficiency level for the reading test.
IELTS reading band score calculator and chart
Reading Band IELTS: Join the Conversation
Do you have any questions about IELTS academic reading band scores or IELTS general reading bands? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about this exam and the scores. We’d love to hear from you.
Last update on 2026-09-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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