IELTS Reading Score: Academic & General Band Conversion
Your IELTS Reading raw score is the number of correct answers out of 40. IELTS converts it to a whole or half band. Academic and General Training use different raw-score benchmarks, and exact boundaries can vary between test versions.
IELTS Reading raw score to band: official average benchmarks
These are average marks published by IELTS, not a complete set of fixed band boundaries. IELTS does not provide every half-band conversion on the linked page.
| Band | Academic Reading | General Training Reading |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Not listed in this reference | 15 |
| 5 | 15 | 23 |
| 6 | 23 | 30 |
| 7 | 30 | 35 |
| 8 | 35 | Not listed in this reference |
Source: IELTS scoring in detail, checked 10 September 2026. Use the scoring guidance supplied with a particular practice test when available.
Why do Academic and General Training scores differ?
Both tests report Reading on the same band scale. Academic texts may use more complex vocabulary and style, so General Training usually requires more correct answers for a given band. Do not apply an Academic conversion table to a General Training paper.
Common IELTS Reading scores explained
What is 25 out of 40?
It is above the published average benchmark for Academic band 6 and General Training band 5, both 23. The score alone does not establish an exact half band for every test version.
What is 27 out of 40?
It lies between the Academic band 6 and 7 reference points, and between General Training band 5 and 6. Some practice tables assign a half band, but check the table for your paper before treating that as your result.
What is 30 out of 40?
IELTS publishes 30 as the average for Academic band 7 and General Training band 6. This is a useful planning benchmark, not a guarantee of a specific test result.
What is 33 out of 40?
It is between the Academic band 7 and 8 averages and between General Training band 6 and 7. An admission decision depends on the reported band and the course requirements, not your practice raw score.
What is 35 out of 40?
IELTS lists 35 as the average for Academic band 8 and General Training band 7. Other sections and individual component requirements still matter.
How is Reading marked?
Each correct answer earns one mark. Follow word limits and spelling instructions. Reading lasts 60 minutes, including answer transfer where applicable; there is no separate Reading transfer period. See the official Academic Reading format.
Your overall IELTS score uses the four section band scores, not four raw scores. Use the overall band calculator once you have those bands.
Turn a practice score into a study plan
- Record the test variant, source, date and number correct.
- Group errors by cause: misunderstood meaning, missed evidence, spelling, instruction or time pressure.
- Locate the evidence for each missed answer and explain why your choice failed.
- Practise the weakest skill, then check it on an unseen passage. Repeating a known answer key does not measure transfer.
Start with an Academic Reading practice test or downloadable IELTS Reading practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one exact conversion table for every IELTS Reading test?
No. IELTS states that the precise marks needed can vary slightly by test version. Treat general tables as estimates.
Does a practice band meet a university requirement?
A practice estimate is not an official result. Check the test variant, overall band, each component, validity period and accepted delivery method on the course page.
Can I get a half mark for one question?
The raw score counts correct answers. Half bands occur after conversion; they are not half credit on an individual question.
Continue with how to check IELTS requirements by destination or the IELTS 6.5 study review.