IELTS Listening band score chart: raw scores to bands explained
The IELTS Listening band score chart showing how raw scores out of 40 convert to bands, plus how many correct answers you need for Band 6, 7 and 8.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
The Listening conversion is the same for Academic and General Training—only Reading differs between the two modules.
The conversion chart
Listening raw scores convert to bands approximately as follows. Exact boundaries can vary slightly between test versions.
- 39–40 correct: Band 9
- 35–36 correct: Band 8
- 30–31 correct: Band 7
- 23–25 correct: Band 6
- 16–18 correct: Band 5
Same chart for both modules
Unlike Reading, the Listening test is identical for Academic and General Training candidates, so one chart applies to everyone.
If you are switching from General to Academic preparation, your Listening practice carries over completely.
Related guide: Academic vs General Training
Moving up the chart
The cheapest marks on the chart are spelling and word-limit errors—candidates regularly lose 3–4 answers to avoidable mistakes.
Fix those first before worrying about difficult Part 4 questions.
Related guide: Spelling and numbers in Listening
Next step
Score your last practice test against the chart and set a raw-score target for the next one.
Use the calculator →Put this into practice
Enter your raw Listening score and see your estimated band instantly.
Guest AI tries are limited to one use per feature per day. Sign in for saved progress. AI feedback and band estimates are practice guidance, not official IELTS results.
Official sources and further reading
Practice examples and study routines are illustrative advice, not official band-scored answers or predictions of exam questions.