IELTS Reading marks out of 40

Convert your Reading marks to an estimated band

Every correct answer earns one mark. The raw score out of 40 is converted to the IELTS nine-band scale, but Academic and General Training Reading use different typical thresholds. After converting Reading, use the IELTS overall band calculator to combine all four skills.

  • Academic chart
  • General Training chart
  • Instant conversion

Reading band converter

Enter your correct answers

Select Academic or General Training and enter a whole number from 0 to 40.
Reading test type
Estimated Academic Reading band 7.0

30 correct answers typically corresponds to Band 7.0 in Academic Reading.

General Training equivalent6.0
Preparation estimate only; exact test conversions may vary slightly. See how this affects your overall IELTS score

Popular targets

How many correct answers do you need?

Band 6Academic 23–26General Training 30–31
Band 6.5Academic 27–29General Training 32–33
Band 7Academic 30–32General Training 34–35
Band 8Academic 35–36General Training 37–38

Aiming higher? Read the Band 9 IELTS Reading guide, or identify where to focus with the IELTS strengths and weaknesses guide.

Benchmark IELTS preparation

Turn your Reading score into a higher band

Build the skills behind your score with structured IELTS preparation for Academic and General Training.
  • Exam-style Reading practice
  • Step-by-step lessons
  • Preparation across all four skills
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Complete score tables

IELTS Reading score charts

Compare the typical raw-score ranges for every half band commonly used in preparation.
Academic IELTS

Academic Reading score chart

Approximate Academic Reading marks out of 40
BandCorrect answersErrors allowed
9.039–400–1
8.537–382–3
8.035–364–5
7.533–346–7
7.030–328–10
6.527–2911–13
6.023–2614–17
5.519–2218–21
5.015–1822–25
4.513–1426–27
4.010–1228–30
Below 40–931–40
General Training IELTS

General Reading score chart

Approximate General Training Reading marks out of 40
BandCorrect answersErrors allowed
9.0400
8.5391
8.037–382–3
7.5364
7.034–355–6
6.532–337–8
6.030–319–10
5.527–2911–13
5.023–2614–17
4.519–2218–21
4.015–1822–25
Below 40–1426–40
Why these are approximate: IELTS equates different test versions so that results remain comparable. The exact raw-score boundary can therefore move slightly. Use these ranges for practice planning, not as a replacement for an official Test Report Form.

Understand the difference

Academic vs General Training Reading scores

Both tests contain 40 questions, but their texts and score conversions are designed for different purposes.
FeatureAcademic ReadingGeneral Training Reading
PurposeHigher education and professional registrationMigration, work and everyday English contexts
TextsThree longer academic-style passagesWorkplace, social-survival and one longer general-interest text
Questions4040
Typical marks for Band 730–3234–35
Paper vs computer scoringNo scoring differenceNo scoring difference

Learn what to expect in the IELTS Academic test format, or check the rules for changing between Academic and General Training.

Worked examples

The same raw score can produce a different band

Example 1

30 correct answers

Academic: Band 7.0General: Band 6.0
General Training usually needs more correct answers at this band level.
Example 2

34 correct answers

Academic: Band 7.5General: Band 7.0
Selecting the correct test type is essential when converting practice marks.
Example 3

38 correct answers

Academic: Band 8.5General: Band 8.0
At higher bands, one or two answers can change the reported estimate.

How Reading is marked

One mark for every correct answer

The Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer receives one raw mark; there is no negative marking for an incorrect answer. Your total is then converted to a band score. Apply this under test conditions with IELTS Reading practice and lessons.
  • Follow the stated word limit exactly.
  • Spelling matters for answers you type or write.
  • Paper and computer-delivered Reading use the same scoring scale.
  • Academic and General Training use different typical conversions.

Continue your preparation

CalculateCombine all four IELTS bandsCheck your estimated overall result → PractiseImprove IELTS ReadingExplore Reading practice and guidance → ReviewUnderstand IELTS remarkingSee when an enquiry on results may help →

Frequently asked questions

IELTS Reading score FAQ

How many correct answers are needed for Band 7 in IELTS Reading?

A typical target is 30–32 correct answers in Academic Reading and 34–35 in General Training Reading. Exact boundaries can vary slightly between test versions.

Is IELTS Reading marked out of 40?

Yes. There are 40 questions and each correct answer receives one raw mark before conversion to the nine-band scale.

Why does General Training require more correct answers?

The two tests use texts designed for different purposes. Score conversions are set so that the reported bands represent comparable English proficiency.

Is computer-delivered IELTS Reading scored differently?

No. The delivery format changes how you read and enter answers, but not the Reading band scale.

Do wrong answers reduce my Reading score?

No. IELTS Reading does not apply negative marking, so it is sensible to attempt every question.

Is this converter an official IELTS result?

No. It is a preparation estimate. Your official band is the score reported by IELTS after your test.