Free Academic Reading tool
IELTS Academic Reading band score calculator.
Turn a raw score out of 40 into an indicative Academic Reading band. Check common conversions such as 30 out of 40, then set a target for your next timed paper.
Enter the number of correct questions from an Academic Reading practice test.
Indicative band score
Enter a score between 0 and 40 above to see the indicative band.
See how many correct answers you need to reach the next band.
Aim for at least 30 correct answers to secure a Band 7.0.
How to use it
Get a useful result in three steps.
01
Mark your paper
Count only the answers you got right in a 40-question Academic Reading practice test.
02
Enter the raw score
Use the calculator to see the matching indicative practice band straight away.
03
Choose one target
Use the target score as a focus for your next attempt, then review the questions you missed.
Academic Reading conversion
IELTS Academic Reading score conversion table.
Use this table as an indicative practice reference for an Academic Reading paper. It is not for IELTS General Training Reading, and it is not an official score report.
| Correct answers | Indicative band |
|---|---|
| 39-40 / 40 | 9.0 |
| 37-38 / 40 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 / 40 | 8.0 |
| 33-34 / 40 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 / 40 | 7.0 |
| 27-29 / 40 | 6.5 |
| 23-26 / 40 | 6.0 |
| 19-22 / 40 | 5.5 |
| 15-18 / 40 | 5.0 |
| 13-14 / 40 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 / 40 | 4.0 |
| 8-9 / 40 | 3.5 |
| 6-7 / 40 | 3.0 |
| 4-5 / 40 | 2.5 |
| 2-3 / 40 | 2.0 |
| 1 / 40 | 1.0 |
| 0 / 40 | 0.0 |
Raw score examples
What band is 30 out of 40 in Academic Reading?
These are indicative Academic Reading conversions from the table above, including scores people often search after a practice paper.
21/40
21 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 5.5 (19-22 correct answers). This is the top of the Band 5.5 range.
23/40
23 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 6.0 (23-26 correct answers). This is the first score in Band 6.0.
27/40
27 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 6.5 (27-29 correct answers). This is the first score in Band 6.5.
28/40
28 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 6.5 (27-29 correct answers). Still Band 6.5. Thirty correct answers is the jump to Band 7.0.
30/40
30 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 7.0 (30-32 correct answers). This is the first score in Band 7.0, a common practice target.
32/40
32 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 7.0 (30-32 correct answers). This is the top of Band 7.0. Thirty-three correct is Band 7.5.
33/40
33 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 7.5 (33-34 correct answers). This is the first score in Band 7.5.
36/40
36 out of 40 is an indicative Academic Reading Band 8.0 (35-36 correct answers). This is the top of the Band 8.0 range.
FAQ
Reading band calculator questions.
Is this an official IELTS band score?
No. Official IELTS scores come only from a test taken with an authorised provider. This calculator is an indicative Academic Reading conversion for practice papers, not a score report.
Does this work for IELTS General Training Reading?
No. This page is for Academic Reading only. General Training uses a different raw-score conversion, so the same number of correct answers can map to a different band.
What band is 30 out of 40 in Academic Reading?
On this table, 30 out of 40 is an indicative Band 7.0. The Band 7.0 range is 30-32 correct answers.
What band is 27/40?
27/40 is an indicative Band 6.5. The Band 6.5 range is 27-29 correct answers. Thirty correct answers is the jump to Band 7.0.
What band is 33 out of 40?
33 out of 40 is an indicative Band 7.5. The Band 7.5 range is 33-34 correct answers.
Why is a conversion table only indicative?
Practice conversions are a guide. Official marking and paper difficulty can vary slightly, and this tool does not replace an official Test Report Form.
What should I do after I know the band?
A number is most useful when you know which question types you missed. Review those mistakes, then sit another timed paper with a clear target score.
Put the number to work
Review the mistakes behind the score.
A score is most helpful when you know which question types cost you marks. Read our IELTS Reading review guide, then use a 60-minute Academic Reading plan on the next timed paper.