The IELTS band score chart below explains your IELTS mark in more detail. It helps you understand the band score you see on your official IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). On your Test Report Form, you’ll find your overall band score and the results you achieved in each part of the test.
All IELTS band scores are between 0 and 9. IELTS gives band scores as whole or half band scores. For example, you can get a band score of 8 or 8.5.
Learn more about how IELTS band scores are calculated.
IELTS Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
---|---|---|
Band 9 | Expert user | You have fully operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding |
Band 8 | Very good user | You have fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
Band 7 | Good user | You have operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. You generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
Band 6 | Competent user | You have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
Band 5 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field. |
Band 4 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language. |
Band 3 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
Band 2 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
Band 1 | Non-user | You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | You did not answer the questions. |