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IELTS Listening Band Score Chart and Calculator
IELTS Listening has 40 questions, one mark each. About 23 correct answers gives Band 6, 30 gives Band 7 and 35 gives Band 8. Academic and General Training candidates take the same Listening test, so they share one chart. Enter your score in the calculator below, or check the full chart.
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- Questions
- 40, in four parts
- Marks
- 1 per correct answer; no negative marking
- Band 7
- About 30 correct answers
- Band 8
- About 35 correct answers
- Chart
- Same for Academic and General Training
IELTS Listening score calculator
Enter how many answers you got right in a full Listening practice test (out of 40).
Approximate. IELTS adjusts the conversion slightly for each test version.
IELTS Listening band score chart
Academic and General Training candidates take the same Listening test, so this one chart covers both.
| Correct answers (out of 40) | Band score |
|---|---|
| 39–40 | 9.0 |
| 37–38 | 8.5 |
| 35–36 | 8.0 |
| 32–34 | 7.5 |
| 30–31 | 7.0 |
| 26–29 | 6.5 |
| 23–25 | 6.0 |
| 18–22 | 5.5 |
| 16–17 | 5.0 |
| 13–15 | 4.5 |
| 11–12 | 4.0 |
Fewer than 11 correct answers puts you below Band 4.0.
The official IELTS website gives the average marks needed for four bands: 16 for Band 5, 23 for Band 6, 30 for Band 7 and 35 for Band 8. The chart above, from IDP's published conversion, matches them. IELTS also says the exact number varies slightly from one test version to another. Treat any chart as a close guide, not a fixed rule.
How many Listening questions can you get wrong?
| Target band | Correct answers needed | Questions you can miss |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 39 | 1 |
| 8.5 | 37 | 3 |
| 8.0 | 35 | 5 |
| 7.5 | 32 | 8 |
| 7.0 | 30 | 10 |
| 6.5 | 26 | 14 |
| 6.0 | 23 | 17 |
| 5.5 | 18 | 22 |
The gap between Band 7.0 and Band 8.0 is only five more correct answers. For many students, those marks go on small errors such as spelling, plurals and word limits, not on the hardest questions.
What Listening score do you need for Canada PR?
Express Entry uses IELTS General Training and converts each skill to a CLB level on its own. From CLB 8 upwards, Listening needs a higher band than Reading, Writing or Speaking for the same CLB.
| CLB level | Listening band | Correct answers (about) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB 10 | 8.5 or higher | 37 or more |
| CLB 9 | 8.0 | 35–36 |
| CLB 8 | 7.5 | 32–34 |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 to 7.0 | 23–31 |
| CLB 6 | 5.5 | 18–22 |
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 16–17 |
So for CLB 9, the level in the popular IELTS 8777 target, you can miss only about five Listening questions. Check all four skills with the IELTS to CLB calculator.
How IELTS Listening is marked
- 40 questions, one mark each. The test has four parts, usually with 10 questions in each.
- No negative marking. A wrong answer scores the same as a blank, so never leave a question empty.
- Spelling counts. A misspelt answer is marked wrong. British and American spellings are both accepted.
- Word limits are strict. If the instruction says NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS, a three-word answer is wrong, even if the idea is right.
- No half marks. Each answer is either right or wrong.
- You hear each recording once.
Where Listening marks usually go
- Plurals and small words. Writing "ticket" when the speaker said "tickets".
- Corrections in the recording. A speaker says Tuesday, then changes it to Thursday. The second one is the answer.
- Numbers and dates. Mixing up 15 and 50, or losing track of a phone number read in groups.
- Losing your place. You miss one answer, keep thinking about it, and miss the next two as well.
- Maps and plans. Not following directions such as "opposite", "next to" and "at the far end".
More on question types and practice in the IELTS Listening guide and how to score 8 in IELTS Listening.
Why your practice score may differ from the real test
Practice tests from different books vary in difficulty, and each real test version has its own conversion. Mark your practice tests strictly: a wrong spelling, too many words or a missing plural is a wrong answer. If you are lenient at home, your practice band will be higher than your real one.
Frequently asked questions
Is there negative marking in IELTS Listening?
How many correct answers do I need for Band 7 in Listening?
How many correct answers do I need for Band 8 in Listening?
Is the Listening band score chart the same for Academic and General Training?
What band is 30 out of 40 in IELTS Listening?
Do spelling mistakes count in IELTS Listening?
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