
IELTS reading score is graded on a 0-9 scale and includes 40 questions. For every correct answer, candidates are given one IELTS reading point. The total correct answers describe the candidate’s Raw IELTS reading score. The band score for reading is calculated as the total correct answers describe the 'raw' score from which the candidate's band score will be determined. Academic IELTS score reading and general IELTS reading score calculations from raw score to band are different. An IELTS Reading Score of 7.0 is required for enrollment into top universities in UK, USA, and Canada. Candidates can only retake IELTS reading exam if they aren’t satisfied with the achieved results. IELTS score is valid for two years and for the skilled migration process in Australia, it’s valid for three years.

IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE reading exams check a candidate's ability to read and understand of English language. To apply for study, employment, or residential purposes, candidates need to meet the score requirement criteria by the country or institution. These 3 tests follow different exam patterns and work for different purposes. IELTS only allows paper and computer-based exams, while PTE and TOEFL are conducted on computer only. The PTE reading and IELTS reading sections are different in terms of timing and structure. IELTS is accepted by most of the countries and institutions worldwide. TOEFL scores are preferred for American schools and accepted internationally. While PTE has an acceptance range of less than the other two, 73 countries globally.
| IELTS Reading Score | TOEFL iBT Reading Score | PTE reading Score |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 30 | 90 |
| 8.5 | 29 | 83.7 |
| 8 | 29 | 78.4 |
| 7.5 | 27 | 73.7 |
| 7 | 24 | 67.8 |
| 6.5 | 19 | 60.6 |
| 6 | 13 | 53.5 |
| 5.5 | 8 | 47.9 |
| 5 | 4 | 43.0 |
| 4.5 | 3 | - |
| 0-4 | 0-2 | - |
IELTS reading score chart calculation based on the no of correct answers out of 40 questions. Then the achieved raw scores are converted into IELTS reading band scores ranging from 0-9. IELTS reading band score calculation from achieved raw score for academic and IELTS general is different. If a candidate got 30 out of 40 in IELTS reading academic, then it’s calculated as a 7 IELTS band score. For the general training reading, a raw score of 30-31 is calculated as IELTS band 7. Here’s a table that describes the calculation of the reading band score chart from the given raw score:
| IELTS Academic Reading Raw Score | IELTS General Training Reading Raw Score | IELTS Band Score |
|---|---|---|
| 40-39 | 40 | 9 |
| 38-37 | 39 | 8.5 |
| 36-35 | 37-38 | 8 |
| 34-33 | 36 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 | 34-35 | 7 |
| 29-27 | 32-33 | 6.5 |
| 26-23 | 30-31 | 6 |
| 22-19 | 27-29 | 5.5 |
| 18-15 | 23-26 | 5 |
| 14-13 | 19-22 | 4.5 |
| 12-10 | 15-18 | 4 |
| 9-8 | 12-14 | 3.5 |
| 7-6 | 9-11 | 3 |
Candidates must have a clear understanding of IELTS Reading Band Score Calculation. IELTS syllabus for reading consists of a variety of question types: multiple choice, true/false/not given, matching, and sentence completion. IELTS reading band score is calculated and depends upon the raw score achieved by the aspirants. Candidates will receive one raw score for each correct answer. The table below mentions the calculation of total marks to a particular band score in academic and general reading score for IELTS:
| IELTS Band | Academic Reading | General reading |
|---|---|---|
| Band score 8 | 35 out of a raw score of 40 | 38 out of a raw score of 40 |
| Band score 7 | 30 out of a raw score of 40 | 34 out of a raw score of 40 |
| Band score 6 | 23 out of a raw score of 40 | 30 out of a raw score of 40 |
| Band score 5 | 15 out of a raw score of 40 | 23 out of a raw score of 40 |
IELTS reading band score ranges on a scale of 0-9. Every band describes the candidate's English reading skill level. IELTS reading score skill level depends upon some specific criteria. An IELTS band score of 8, defines that the candidate has a very good skill level.
| IELTS Reading Band | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| Band 9 | Expert user |
| Band 8 | Very good user |
| Band 7 | Good user |
| Band 6 | Competent user |
| Band 5 | Modest user |
| Band 4 | Limited user |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user |
| Band 1 | Non-user |
| Band 0 | Did Not Attempt the Test |
IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organizations in over 140 countries. Top Universities in English-speaking countries like Australia, USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand require an IELTS score. A student’s IELTS academic reading band score varies and depends upon the course and institution. To get admission to Harvard University, students must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 7. The candidate's reading band score academic ranges on a scale of 0-9. Here’s a list of top universities and their IELTS academic reading score requirements:
| Universities | Required IELTS Reading Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 7.0 |
| MIT | 7.0 |
| Yale University | 7.0 |
| Monash University | 6.5 |
| University of Melbourne | 7.0 |
| University of Oxford | 7.0 |
| University of Cambridge | 7.0 |
| McMaster University | 6.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | 6.5 |
| University of Bristol | 6.0 |
| McGill University | 6.5 |
| University of Toronto | 6.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 |
| California institute of technology | 7.0 |
| Victoria University | 6.5 |
The candidate’s IELTS reading score defines the candidate's capability of English reading skills. General IELTS reading score and IELTS academic reading score marking criteria are different. Candidates must know about the IELTS reading score calculation and band descriptors for better understanding.
Ques What is 30 out of 40 in IELTS reading?
Ans A score of 30 out of 40 in IELTS reading is calculated as a 7 IELTS band score. Candidates must know about the calculation of IELTS raw score to band scores.
Ques How is reading marked in IELTS?
Ans IELTS reading marking criteria depend upon the right answers given by the students. There are a total of 40 questions in IELTS reading, and one mark is given for each right answer.
Ques Can I retake IELTS reading only?
Ans Candidates can only retake IELTS reading If a candidate is not satisfied with a particular section result, they can retake the section.
Ques What is the lowest IELTS reading score?
Ans The lowest IELTS reading score is 1, and the highest score is 9. IELTS reading total score is scaled on a scale between 0-9. A score of 0 means the candidate did not attempt the test.
Ques What is a good IELTS reading score?
Ans A score of 7 or higher is considered a good IELTS reading score. Scores of 6.5-7 are also generally acceptable.
Ques What IELTS reading score do you need for university?
Ans Most universities require a minimum IELTS reading score of 6.0, though some competitive programs may require 6.5 or 7.0. Requirements vary between institutions.
Ques How many questions are in IELTS reading?
Ans There are 40 questions in the IELTS reading test. Student’s have 60 minutes to complete the 3 reading passages in IELTS reading.
Ques What score do you need for Canada immigration IELTS?
Ans Most Canadian immigration programs require a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0. Some provincial nominee programs may have lower requirements.
Ques Is 6.5 a good IELTS reading score?
Ans A score of 6.5 in IELTS reading is considered a competent user of the English language. Scores of 7 or higher are preferable for most of the top universities.
Ques Is 6.0 a good IELTS reading score?
Ans A score of 6.0 in IELTS reading is considered the minimum requirement to describe everyday English reading ability. A band score of 6.0 is considered as good score but to get admission to top universities, students should achieve a 7.0 or higher IELTS band.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.