Comprehensive Calculator Guide
The overall IELTS band is the average of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, rounded to the nearest half band by a special rule. Enter your four scores to get the overall band, or try expected scores to see what you need for a university or scholarship. Scores of 6.5, 6.5, 5.5 and 6 average 6.125, so the overall band is 6.
The rounding rule
The average is rounded to the nearest half or whole band; an average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band and one ending in .75 up to the next whole band. So 6.125 becomes 6, 6.25 becomes 6.5 and 6.75 becomes 7.
Many universities and sponsors set an overall band and sometimes a minimum per skill, such as 6.5 overall with no skill below 6, so check their exact terms.
How to Use
- 01Enter Listening and Reading.
- 02Enter Writing and Speaking.
- 03Read the average and the overall band.
Formula Used
Overall = average of four, rounded to the nearest half band (.25 and .75 round up)Practical Examples
Example 1
6.5, 6.5, 5.5, 6: overall 6.
Example 2
6.5, 6.5, 6, 6: overall 6.5.
Example 3
7, 7, 6.5, 6.5: overall 7.
Important Tips
- See what half a band more in your weakest skill does.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rounding 6.25 down to 6.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the overall band worked out?
- Average the four skills and round to the nearest half band, with .25 and .75 rounding up.
- Does 6.25 become 6.5?
- Yes.
- What band do universities need?
- It varies; check each institution's requirements.