IELTS Band Score Calculation and Breakdown | Generated by AI
Question: How is my IELTS exam score with bands Listening 6.0, Reading 8.5, Writing 6.0, Speaking 5.0? What is the overall band score?
Answer:
Your IELTS scores are:
- Listening: 6.0
- Reading: 8.5
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 5.0
To calculate the overall band score, add the four individual band scores and divide by 4:
6.0 + 8.5 + 6.0 + 5.0 = 25.5
25.5 ÷ 4 = 6.375
IELTS rounds the average to the nearest half or whole band according to these official rules:
- If the average ends in .25, it rounds up to the next half band (e.g., 6.25 → 6.5).
- If it ends in .75, it rounds up to the next whole band (e.g., 6.75 → 7.0).
- For other fractions (like .375), it rounds to the nearest half or whole band.
6.375 is closer to 6.5 than to 6.0 (the difference to 6.0 is 0.375, to 6.5 is 0.125), so your overall band score is 6.5.
This is a competent level overall (Band 6.5 means you have a generally effective command of English with some inaccuracies and misunderstandings in unfamiliar situations). Your very strong Reading (8.5) helps pull the average up, but the lower Speaking (5.0) pulls it down — this is quite a common pattern. Many universities and immigration programs require at least 6.0–6.5 overall (sometimes with no band below 6.0), so check your specific requirements.
Summary:
- Overall band score: 6.5
- Strengths: Excellent Reading
- Areas to improve (if retaking): Speaking (fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary range) and possibly Writing for balance
References:
- https://ielts.org/take-a-test/your-results/ielts-scoring-in-detail
- https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-band-scores
- https://ielts.com.au/australia/results/band-score-calculation